Riga Black Balsam

Riga Black Balsam (Latvian: R?gas Melnais balzams) is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made with many different natural ingredients mixed in pure vodka, giving a 45% abv (90 proof) drink. It can be had as it is, on the rocks or mixed with schnapps, akvavit, or vodka, or warm, in tea, or mixed with soda water or a soft drink - in other words, it can be mixed in a variety of cocktails. The drink itself is black and very bitter, but with a distinct sweetness.

Riga Black Balsam is made by JSC Latvijas Balzams. The traditional recipe was created by Abraham Kunze, a pharmacist living in Riga, and is based on a composition of 24 different ingredients like plants, flowers, buds, juices, roots, oils and berries prepared in oak barrels. It is sold in ceramic hand-made jugs. Over time, experts from many countries have highly regarded the quality of Riga Black Balsam, and have given it more than 30 awards at international fairs.

The Black Balsam is also used in traditional medicine. It is considered to be a good cold remedy and is used against digestion problems.[1][2] It has been made in Riga since the middle of the 18th century. According to legend, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, became ill during a visit to Latvia, but was cured after drinking Riga Black Balsam.

There are other Balsam-type drinks being made in Latvia today. Company Veta made Upe?u Balzams, a 35% abv drink based on blackcurrants (similar to Black Balsam), and sold in similar ceramic bottles that are purple rather than brown. Latvijas Balzams claimed that the label of the Blackcurrant Balsam by Veta was very similar to the trademark of Latvijas Balzams – R?gas Melnais Balzams (Riga Black Balsam) and sued Veta over unfair competition. Veta had to change the label design and currently has also changed the name of its drink. Neighbouring Lithuania is famous for its honey balsams, which are golden in colour.

Source: wiki