.jpg) Half litre bottles of Riga Black Balsam: Blackcurrant, Original, and Element (with rum) | |
| Type | Liqueur |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Latvijas Balzams |
| Country of origin | Latvia |
| Introduced | 1752 |
| Alcohol by volume | 45% (classic), 43% (XO), 40% (Coffee), 30% (Black Currant and Cherry) |
| Proof (US) | 60°–90° |
| Colour | Dark brown (classic), dark purple (Black Currant) or dark red (Cherry) |
| Flavour | A combination of birch, lime, ginger, cocoa, liquorice baking spices and berries[1] |
| Website | rigablack.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]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Bittermanwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ 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.
- ^ Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in Eastern Europe. Academic Press. 2021. p. 177. ISBN 978-0-128-11734-7.
- ^ "Riga Black Balsam: Traditional Latvian Herbal Liqueur Since 1752". Riga Black. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
- ^ Kernot, Emily (14 February 2012). "Travel: Eternal life for Empress' elixir". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 December 2019.