Riga Black Balsam
Half litre bottles of Riga Black Balsam: Blackcurrant, Original, and Element (with rum) | |
| Type | Liqueur |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Latvijas Balzams |
| Country of origin | Latvia |
| Introduced | 1752 |
| Alcohol by volume | 45% (classic), 43% (XO), 40% (Coffee), 30% (Black Currant and Cherry) |
| Proof (US) | 60°–90° |
| Colour | Dark brown (classic), dark purple (Black Currant) or dark red (Cherry) |
| Flavour | A combination of birch, lime, ginger, cocoa, liquorice baking spices and berries |
| Website | rigablack.com |
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Riga Black Balsam (Latvian: Rīgas Melnais balzams) is a traditional Latvian balsam often considered to be the national drink of Latvia. According to tradition, only the Head Liquor Master and two of his apprentices know the exact recipe. Nowadays, Riga Black Balsam is produced by JSC Latvijas Balzams and has received more than 100 awards at different international fairs throughout its history.
More than 2 million bottles of Riga Black Balsam are produced each year and exported to 30 countries. There are several variations of the balsam with blackcurrants, cherries, and even brandy.