Balzam

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Rigas Balsam in the typical clay bottle.

Balzam, Riga Balzam, Melnais Balzam or Black Balsam is a traditional Latvian liqueur made with many (some say 99) different 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, aquavit or vodka, or warm, in tea, or mixed with soda water or a soft drink. It is traditionally considered to be good for almost anything, especially the digestion. The drink itself is black and very bitter, but with a distinct sweetness. Also sold is Black Cherry (pre-mixed balzam and cherry flavoured soft soda) and pre-mixed balzam and cola in cans.

Riga Black Balsam is made by A/S Latvijas Balzams and the traditional recipe invented by Abraham Kunze, a pharmacist living in Riga, is based on a composition of 25 different ingredients like plants, flowers, buds, juices, roots, oils and berries prepared in oak barrels. It is sold in ceramic hand-made jugs. 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.

Some dedicated drinkers have said that the quality of Balzams has decreased since the company was sold to foreign interests, the result being a thinner drink with less herbal ingredients. There are other Balzam-type drinks being made in Latvia today, including Upenu Balzams, a 35% abv drink based on black currants (similar to Black Balsam), and sold in the similar ceramic bottles that are purple rather than brown. Neighbouring Lithuania is famous for their honey balsams, which is golden in colour.