Riga Black Balsam
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Riga Black Balsam (Latvian: Rīgas 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. 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.
Riga Black Balsam is made by JSC Latvijas Balzams and the traditional recipe invented by Abraham Kunze, a pharmacist living in Riga, 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. 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. Over time experts from many countries have highly regarded the outstanding quality of Riga Black Balsam, and have given it more than 30 awards at international fairs.
There are other Balsam-type drinks being made in Latvia today. Company Veta made Upeņu 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. Latvijas Balzams sued Veta over unfair competition regarding its Upeņu Balzams (Blackcurrant Balsam). Latvijas Balzams claimed that the label of the Blackcurrant Balsam by Veta was very similar to the trademark of Latvijas Balzams – Rīgas Melnais Balzams (Riga Black Balsam). Veta had to change the label design and currently has also changed the name of its drink. Neighbouring Lithuania is famous for their honey balsams, which are golden in colour.
