The original idea behind this kind of drinks, at least for italian "cordiale" offered to troops as part of their military daily rations[0], was a way to get rid

The original idea behind this kind of drinks, at least for italian "cordiale" offered to troops as part of their military daily rations[0], was a way to get rid of cheap grappa that was unsuitable for selling. Note that grappa is made out of pomace[1], which is a compost of all the leftovers from winemaking (such as seeds, pulp, stems and must), therefore pretty cheap to make. [0](http://www.mreinfo.com/international-rations/italian-combat-rations/ http://www.mreinfo.com/international-rations/italian-combat-...) [1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomace https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomace)