Feel our Winter Warmth – Black Balsam!

Riga Black Balsam – the legend since 1752

Riga Black Balsam with its taste, legend and authenticity has survived through the centuries, witnessing the Russian Empire, two world wars and the cold-hearted rationalism of the 20th century. This is one of the rare icons of Latvia that will not only exist in the photographs and memories of visitors to Latvia but also can be purchased and taken home with them.
During the 16th and 17th centuries alchemists tried to produce a balsam that would possess miraculous powers. The recipe for this unique beverage was created in the 18th century by Abrahams Kunce, a pharmacist and blacksmith from Riga. He called his cherished elixir, made of infusions of roots, blossoms and buds, “Kunce’s Black Balsam”. The first written statements about this drink can be found back in 1752.

In 1847 Alberts Volfšmits’ factory was founded and it was here that the real “Riga Herbal Balsam” was produced with the factory operating up to the war year of 1940. It seemed that during the disorder of World War II the recipe of this mysterious balsam was lost. However, after the end of the war, by interviewing old master brewers, Maiga Podračniece, a technologist at “Latvijas balzams”, managed to recreate the recipe completely.

The mysterious Balsam recipe

Riga Black Balsam is one of those beverages whose recipe is kept secret. It is impossible to imitate the black balsam. Although the original recipe is still a well kept secret, it is known that the elixir invented by Abrahams Kunce is composed of 24 different infusions of roots, foliage, blossoms and buds. It creates a unique bouquet of tastes where the mildness of linden tree blossom interlaces with the acerbity of the birch tree bud, while the sweetness of raspberries and bilberries is supplemented by the spicy flavours of ginger and nutmeg. One can also savour the fresh flavours of peppermint and melissa. Hedge hyssop and bog beans have also for centuries enriched the Riga Black Balsam recipe with its natural capacity to provide rejuvenation. Valerian and sweet flag roots are also used for making the Riga Black Balsam.

Oak Barrels and ceramic containers

Riga Black Balsam stands out not only because of its unique flavour, but its container is special as well. From the very beginning Riga Black Balsam was produced and matured using oak barrels and bottled in jugs produced in the first ceramic factory in Riga. Over the course of the centuries it was found that oak barrels and burned sugar (which is called “kulieris”) gave the dark beverage its typical and bitterly sweet flavour. For their part, the original ceramic containers were especially appropriate for protecting the drink from sunlight, heat and frost.

900 litres of this dark beverage will be bottled into new special Black Balsam ceramic bottles. More than 4500 representatives of the NATO Summit delegations and the media will then take this drink with them to many countries around the world.


Magic Powers of the Black Balsam

Legend tells us about the magic powers of the drink. An ailing Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, when visiting Riga was cured by using the Black Balsam. From then on, the drink was delivered to the Tsar’s courts on a regular basis and was appreciated and renowned throughout the whole of Europe. Prominent persons such as the former President of France, Charles de Gaulle, Queen Elizabeth the Second of Great Britain, as well as the leaders of the Moscow Kremlin have all been admirers of this balsam throughout the years.

COCKTAIL RECIPE BOOKLET

Endowed with nature’s powers of energy, this legendary drink from centuries past will give you pleasure on its own, with ice cream, or in cocktails.

	Hot Black Currant A classic Riga night. Warms up your body and soul. 1 part Riga Black Balsam 4 parts hot black currant juice. Recommended to add grenadine syrup.
	Black Shooter A combination of lightning strength and softness, which guarantees the long lasting enjoyment of the flavour. 1 part Riga Black Balsam 1 part peach juice Fill half a shot glass with peach juice; carefully add the Black Balsam by pouring it over a spoon held into the glass to get a two-layer cocktail.
	Fresh Black Cranberry Bitterly fresh as the gentle touch of an autumn breeze. 1 part Riga Black Balsam 0,5 part of cranberry liqueur 4 parts cranberry juice
	Ice cream with Riga Black Balsam Discover anew your favourite ice cream by adding a tablespoon of Riga Black Balsam!

Thanks to “AS Latvijas Balzams” for its co-operation!