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History
Riga Black Balsam was first formulated in 1752 by Riga pharmacist Abraham Kunze as a medicinal cure for stomach ailments. The drink became Empress Catherine the Great's reputed favourite, securing its survival into the Russian Imperial era. Production passed to Latvijas Balzams during the Soviet era and continues today from the company's Riga plant. The 45 percent ABV liqueur is drunk neat at room temperature, mixed with hot blackcurrant juice in winter, or stirred into cocktails at Black Magic Bar in Old Town. The 24-herb recipe remains a guarded secret.
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Make it at home
Ingredients
- 40ml Riga Black Balsam (original 45 percent)
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- 100ml hot blackcurrant juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- Twist of orange peel
Method
- Warm the blackcurrant juice in a small saucepan with the cinnamon stick and star anise; do not boil.
- Pour the Riga Black Balsam into a heatproof mug.
- Add the fresh lemon juice to the mug.
- Strain the hot spiced blackcurrant juice over the Balsam and lemon, stirring once.
- Garnish with a fresh twist of orange peel. Serve hot. Drink slowly; the Balsam is 45 percent ABV.
- For a summer version, build the same proportions over ice with cold blackcurrant juice and a slice of orange.
Tip from the editors. Riga Black Balsam should be drunk slowly. The 24-herb profile reveals itself across minutes, not sips.
Where to eat rīgas melnais balzams (riga black balsam)
Rīgas Melnais Balzams (Riga Black Balsam) in Riga
Black Magic Bar ★ 4.3
Black Magic Bar on Kaļķu in Old Town is the dedicated Riga Black Balsam stop, a medieval-themed bar pouring cocktails built around the city's 1752 herbal.
OrderBlack Pina Colada or Black Mojito to taste Black Balsam in cocktail form.
DrinkRiga Black Balsam cocktails
FoodChocolates, light snacks
TipSells bottles, hand-made chocolates and souvenir gifts; the cellar tasting room is the way to sample the full range.
B Bārs ★ 4.0
B Bārs on Doma laukums anchors the Old Town cathedral square with classic cocktails, a respected bartender team and a European bistro menu until late.
OrderA signature cocktail at the bar; the bartenders run with the room.
DrinkClassic and signature cocktails
FoodEuropean bistro menu
TipCathedral-square terrace is the city's prime aperitif perch at 18:00 in summer; the bar runs to 02:00 Friday and Saturday.
Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs ★ 4.5
Folkklubs ALA Pagrabs is Old Town's most reliable late-night cellar, 32 Latvian beer taps with folk music until 02:00 weekdays and 04:00 on weekends.
OrderA late-night Latvian craft beer flight with a plate of pelēkie zirņi.
TipOpen until 04:00 on Saturday is unusual for Riga; the cellar absorbs the post-club crowd around the Old Town.
Centrāltirgus Pīrāgi Counters ★ 4.3
The Centrāltirgus bakery pavilion runs counter-served pīrāgi at €1 to €2 per piece, anchoring the city's cheapest Latvian breakfast or lunch.
TryPīrāgi (bacon-onion pastries)
TipBuy three pīrāgi and a kvass for under €5; eat at the market's outdoor benches.
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