Riga Black Balsam

Riga Black Balsam
Half litre bottles of Riga Black Balsam: Blackcurrant, Original, and Element (with rum)
TypeLiqueur
ManufacturerLatvijas Balzams
Country of origin Latvia
Introduced1752
Alcohol by volume 45% (classic), 43% (XO), 40% (Coffee), 30% (Black Currant and Cherry)
Proof (US)60°–90°
ColourDark brown (classic), dark purple (Black Currant) or dark red (Cherry)
FlavourA combination of birch, lime, ginger, cocoa, liquorice baking spices and berries[1]
Websiterigablack.com

Riga Black Balsam (Latvian: Rīgas Melnais balzams) is a traditional Latvian balsam often considered to be the national drink of Latvia.[2] According to tradition, only the Head Liquor Master and two of his apprentices know the exact recipe.[3] Nowadays, Riga Black Balsam is produced by JSC Latvijas Balzams and has received more than 100 awards at different international fairs throughout its history.[4]

More than 2 million bottles of Riga Black Balsam are produced each year and exported to 30 countries.[5] There are several variations of the balsam with blackcurrants, cherries, and even brandy.[2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bitterman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Spratte Joyce, Katy (13 May 2020). "Move over world-famous Italian bitters, Latvia's funky, herby liqueur has arrived". Chilled Magazine. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  3. ^ Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in Eastern Europe. Academic Press. 2021. p. 177. ISBN 978-0-128-11734-7.
  4. ^ "Riga Black Balsam: Traditional Latvian Herbal Liqueur Since 1752". Riga Black. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  5. ^ Kernot, Emily (14 February 2012). "Travel: Eternal life for Empress' elixir". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 December 2019.