What is Riga Black Balsam?
At its core, Riga Black Balsam is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made from 24 all-natural ingredients. It is characterised by its pitch-black colour and a unique bittersweet flavour profile that balances intense herbal bitterness with subtle sweet notes of honey and caramel.
While many world-famous bitters are mass-produced with synthetic flavourings, the Riga Black Balsam’s original recipe remains true to its 18th-century roots. It is crafted using a unique single-barrel infusion process. The botanicals are infused in a spirit-water mix to create the balsam’s essence, which is then blended with honey, caramel, and juices before being matured in oak casks and bottled in clay.
The pharmacist’s luck
The story of this spirit began in 1752, when Abraham Kunze, a pharmacist in Riga, set out to create a medicinal tonic. In the 18th century, pharmacists were blending herbs, roots, spices and spirits to treat everything from digestive issues to melancholy.
Kunze’s creation was originally marketed as "Kunze’s Riga Herbal Balsam." Legend has it that in 1789 the Russian Empress Catherine the Great fell ill during a visit to Riga and was suffering from a stomach ailment that her royal doctor could not cure. Kunze offered his herbal tonic to the Empress, and she made a miraculous recovery. In her gratitude, she granted Kunze the exclusive rights to produce the balsam, and it soon became a staple at the Russian Imperial Court.
The recipe has faced numerous existential threats over the centuries, most notably during the Second World War. As the Soviet and Nazi forces clashed over Latvia, the master blenders – the only people who knew the secret recipe of the essence – fled the country. In 1950, through the meticulous work of former employees who had memorised the proportions, the recipe was successfully reconstructed, allowing the tradition to continue at the "Latvijas Balzams" distillery.
The key 24: Riga Black Balsam ingredients
The exact recipe for the balsam is a closely guarded secret, known only to the head master blender and a select few apprentices. However, we do know that Riga Black Balsam ingredients are 100% natural and sourced from various corners of the globe, though the soul of the drink is strictly Baltic.
The 24 ingredients can be divided into several categories:
- Roots and Herbs: valerian, wormwood, gentian, and ginger provide the structural bitterness and digestive qualities.
- Berries and fruits: raspberries, bilberries, and orange peel add a fruity depth.
- Spices: peppercorn, nutmeg and other spices provide a warming, aromatic finish.
- The Latvian soul: golden honey and birch buds – the latter being a signature Latvian ingredient – soften the sharp edges of the bitters.
- The finishing touch: Burnt sugar (caramel) is added to give the liquid its dark-as-night appearance and a hint of sweetness.
The ceramic bottle itself is functional as well as aesthetic. The clay is porous, which helps the liqueur breathe and keep maturing even after bottling, while also protecting the sensitive herbal essences from the sunlight.
Health benefits
For centuries, Latvians have treated the balsam as a household panacea. While modern regulations classify it as an alcoholic beverage, the health benefits of Riga Black Balsam are still part of local folklore.
- Digestive aid: much like Italian amaro or German digestifs, the bitter herbs in the balsam (particularly wormwood and gentian) stimulate the production of digestive enzymes.
- Cold and flu relief: at the first sign of a tickle in the throat, many Latvians will add a spoonful of balsam to a hot cup of tea with honey. The warming spices and antiseptic properties of the alcohol are believed to help "sweat out" a fever.
- Tonic: in the 19th century, it was prescribed for everything from headaches to snake bites. While we wouldn't recommend it for a snake nip today, its ability to warm the soul during the harsh Baltic winter is undeniable.
How to Drink Riga Black Balsam
First-timers might find the initial taste of the original version quite startling. It is intense, herbal, and unapologetically bitter. To enjoy it like a local, you need to know how to drink Riga Black Balsam properly.
- The neat shot: For the purists. Sip it slowly at room temperature to appreciate the layering of the 24 ingredients.
- In coffee or tea: Perhaps the most common way to enjoy it. A splash of balsam in a black coffee adds a herbal depth that rivals any Italian espresso corretto.
- The blackcurrant classic: In recent years, the Blackcurrant version of the balsam has become extremely popular. The classic Latvian way to serve this is mixed with hot blackcurrant juice – the perfect comforting drink for a snowy winter evening.
- Modern cocktails: The Mixologists in Riga’s bars use the balsam as a base for sophisticated cocktails. The "Black Night Dancer", “Black and Stormy” or a "Balsam Mule" are excellent entry points for those who find the original too strong.
- Over ice cream: Pour a bit of the Chocolate & Mint or Cherry edition over high-quality vanilla ice cream for a sophisticated dessert.
Where to buy Riga Black Balsam
You won't have to look far. If you are wondering where to buy Riga Black Balsam, the answer is: almost everywhere in Latvia!
- Latvijas Balzams shops: The official brand stores found throughout Riga. They offer the widest selection of sizes and all the flavour variations, including Blackcurrant, Cherry, and Espresso.
- Supermarkets: Nearly every supermarket in the country stocks the balsam.
- Duty-free: If you forget to buy it in the city or you’re travelling with hand luggage only, Riga International Airport has extensive displays of the balsam, often in beautiful gift sets.
A living legend
Riga Black Balsam is more than just a souvenir; it is a testament to Latvian resilience and craftsmanship. It has survived wars, prohibitions, the changing tastes of centuries, and remains the quintessential taste of Riga. So, raise your glass, toast "Uz veselību!" (To your health!) and remember – you are not just drinking a liqueur; you are drinking a legend.
Frequently asked questions
What does Riga Black Balsam taste like?
Riga Black Balsam tastes herbal, bittersweet and intensely aromatic. Expect “apothecary” notes (roots, herbs, spices), a dark, slightly resinous character, and a long, warming finish. Many people also notice hints of dark berries, caramel, and cocoa, depending on how it’s served and whether you’re having the original or a flavoured version.
Do you drink Riga Black Balsam straight?
Yes, you can drink it straight, and many Latvians treat it as a digestif (a small after-meal sip). That said, it’s rather bold and bitter, so plenty of people prefer it mixed in cocktails, or added to coffee and hot drinks.
How strong is Riga Black Balsam?
The classic Riga Black Balsam Original is typically 45% ABV, which makes it comparable in strength to many other spirits. Most flavoured versions will have different ABVs of 30% to 40%.
What kind of alcohol is a balsam?
In this context, a balsam is a traditional herbal bitter liqueur (similar to an amaro): a spirit infused with multiple botanicals, then blended to create a complex bittersweet profile.
Is Riga Black Balsam an old remedy?
Historically, Riga Black Balsam developed from apothecary-style herbal preparations and was marketed with medicinal associations, which is why it’s often linked to folk “healing” stories and legends. Today it’s best enjoyed as a cultural drink rather than treated as medicine.