What is riga balsam?

Riga Black Balsam is a traditional herbal liqueur produced in Latvia. It was first developed in 1752 by an apothecary named Kunze, who created a medicinal elixir using a mix of 24 different herbs, roots, and spices. The recipe for the balsam has been closely guarded and passed down for generations. The flavor is strong and bitter, with notes of blackcurrant, ginger, and oak bark. Riga Black Balsam is commonly consumed as a digestive after a meal or as a warming drink during the colder months. It can also be used in cocktails or added as a flavoring to desserts. The balsam comes in a distinctive black bottle with a red label, featuring an image of Riga's iconic Freedom Monument.