Who says that a classic Italian aperitif can’t get a wellness upgrade with a touch of Chinese herbal tradition? At DAO Labs, we think it’s the perfect pairing. Aperitifs are known for being a stylish way to prepare the stomach for a meal—and in traditional Chinese medicine, digestive health is considered the foundation of overall well-being. We’ll definitely raise a glass to that.
To this end, the DAO Labs team set fourth to boost the classic Aperol Spritz with our Digestive Harmony, thus packing A flavorful one-two punch inspired by traditional wellness practices to which you’ll want to raise a glass. The results of this Italian-Chinese-inspired digestive cocktail (to both our palates and stomachs) were great, to say nothing of the fun in trying new cocktail ingredients that will become as much a part of your routine as Chinese herbs.
The Aperol Spritz: A Pre-Dinner Digestive Tradition
The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian ritual, typically enjoyed before your meal. As consummate travelers, we’ve learned that it is undoubtedly the most widespread and commonly enjoyed aperitif in Italy. In addition, it’s an excellent ice-breaker and symbol of a lively atmosphere, helping kick-off an enjoyable time with friends and food.
A quick word about the herbs: the traditional formula behind Digestive Harmony is used to support both occasional digestive discomfort and ongoing digestive wellness. Whether you're looking for help after a heavy meal or seeking daily support, this blend offers a time-tested approach inspired by Chinese herbal tradition. Many customers enjoy it as part of their wellness routines and appreciate the unique taste and herbal blend. And that’s the way Chinese medicine doctors intended it: our formula is based on a classic (Bao He Wan), used for years for a variety of gut-related scenarios. We’ve also found it to be a flavorful way to unwind after a festive evening of food and drink. Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, this blend is often used to support digestive balance and help you feel more like yourself the next day.
In traditional Chinese medicine, stomach health is closely connected to emotional well-being. Feelings like stress, overthinking, and anxiety are believed to disrupt the digestive system’s natural balance, potentially impacting how your body processes food and energy. While your stomach processes all the foods that you consume, Chinese doctors believe it (along with your spleen) helps process your emotions as well. What better way to support emotional well-being than by also caring for your digestion? In traditional Chinese medicine, the two are closely linked. And while we always recommend Emotional Balance for mood support, combining it with digestive support can offer a more holistic approach to feeling your best. The orange-chai flavors of Digestive Harmony complement the flavors of Prosecco, while the power of the Chinese herbs Pairs well with Aperol for a uniquely flavorful pre-dinner beverage.
The Digestive Harmony Spritz
Following the success of our first Chinese medicine-inspired cocktail, The Qi Ginger (which as the leaves and seasons change should be on your short list….the herbs in This cocktail has become a seasonal favorite, especially as the weather cools), our resident mixologist Travis Metzger went to work creating something just as appealing but this time, for your stomach.
Serving Size
One flavorful pre-dinner drink to enjoy with your meal.
Prep Time
Quick
Ingredients
3 parts Prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 part soda
½ - 1 Packet of DAO Labs Digestive Harmony
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, dissolve ½ - 1 packet of Digestive Harmony with the Aperol and half the Prosecco. Pour into a tall, large wine glass with ice and add the remainder of the Prosecco and finish with a splash of soda. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy. Your taste buds and your stomach will thank you.
Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease. That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options. If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.
Dining with Culinary Artist Travis Metzger is an unforgettable experience. You can taste the passion, creativity and culinary expertise in each of Travis’s one-of-kind recipes. Most would agree that Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs in their original form taste less than delectable, but Travis has proven that TCM for today can taste great with DAO Labs. Travis develops unique flavors for each DAO formula to complement the proprietary blend of herbs and their health benefits. After extensive training at the New England Culinary Institute, Travis ran some of the finest restaurants across the country before starting his own in Minneapolis. To survive the stresses and physical challenges of the kitchen heat, Travis focused on combining natural ingredients for healthy AND delicious eating and juicing.
