Riga Black Balsam

Riga Black Balsam is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur. It is a unique blend of natural ingredients, including 24 different plants, flowers, buds, juices, roots, oils and berries prepared in oak barrels. The drink is black and very bitter, but with a distinct sweetness to it.

History

The recipe for Riga Black Balsam was created by Abraham Kunze, a pharmacist living in Riga, and it has remained unchanged for over 250 years. The drink was first mentioned in historical documents in 1752. It was believed to have healing properties and was used as a medical treatment in the 18th century.

Ingredients

The exact recipe of Riga Black Balsam is a closely guarded secret, known only to a few individuals. It is known, however, that it contains 24 different ingredients, including herbs, roots, berries, and juices. Some of the known ingredients include Valerian root, Wormwood, Black Pepper, and Ginger, as well as Linden flower, Birch bud, and Oak bark.

Production

The production process of Riga Black Balsam involves a combination of infusion and distillation techniques. The ingredients are infused in a spirit-water mix to extract their flavors and properties, then distilled to create a concentrated extract. This extract is then aged in oak barrels for several months.

Taste and Serving

Riga Black Balsam has a complex flavor profile, with a strong bitterness balanced by a subtle sweetness. It is often served neat, but can also be used in cocktails or mixed with coffee, tea, or blackcurrant juice. It is also commonly used as a flavoring in cooking and baking.

Popularity and Availability

Riga Black Balsam is a popular drink in Latvia and is considered a national treasure. It is also exported to many countries around the world. It can be found in most liquor stores and is also available for purchase online.

See Also

• Latvian cuisine
• List of liqueurs
• Herbal liqueur

References

• Official Riga Black Balsam website
• Latvia.eu - Riga Black Balsam
• Difford's Guide - Riga Black Balsam