Drinks
Riga Black Balsam Cocktail (Rīgas Melnā Balzama Kokteilis)
Ingredients
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) Riga Black Balsam
- 100 ml (1/3 cup) blackcurrant juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Ice cubes
- 1 slice fresh lemon, to garnish
- A few fresh blackcurrants or berries, to garnish (optional)
Method
- Fill a shaker or jug with ice.
- Add the Riga Black Balsam, blackcurrant juice and honey.
- Shake or stir well until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a few fresh berries if available.
Introduction: Riga Black Balsam is a dark, intensely herbal bitters produced in Latvia since the 18th century, blending dozens of herbs, roots and berries.
Cultural Background: Riga Black Balsam is a dark, intensely herbal bitters produced in Latvia since the 18th century, blending dozens of herbs, roots and berries. While often sipped neat or added to coffee, one of its most popular modern serves mixes it with blackcurrant juice, balancing its bitterness into an approachable, distinctly Latvian cocktail.
Tips: Warm the honey slightly in a spoon over hot water first if it is too thick to dissolve easily in the cold mixture.
Variations: For a warming winter version, mix Black Balsam into hot black coffee instead of cold juice.
Storage: Best mixed fresh and served immediately.
Reheating: Not applicable.
FAQs:
Q: What does Riga Black Balsam taste like on its own?
A: It is intensely bitter and herbal, with notes of dark spice, root and dried fruit, which is why it is often mixed rather than served completely neat.
Q: Is there a non-alcoholic substitute?
A: A spiced herbal syrup or bitters alternative can approximate the flavour, though the result will differ from the original liqueur.
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