Riga Black Balsam

Latvia’s Dark, Herbal Classic.
Dark as night, intensely aromatic and unmistakably herbal, Riga Black Balsam is one of those spirits that doesn't really have a direct equivalent. Born in Riga in 1752, this legendary Latvian herbal bitter was originally created in the tradition of apothecary preparations and has evolved into one of Latvia's most distinctive national drinks. More than 270 years later, the recipe remains remarkably true to its roots: a complex blend of 24 natural ingredients, including herbs, roots, berries, fruit juices, honey and caramel.

At 45% ABV, this is no timid herbal liqueur. The flavour is beautifully bittersweet, combining the sweetness of honey, caramel, linden blossom and dark berries with the savoury warmth of ginger and nutmeg. Underneath it all sits a deep layer of roots, herbs and spices, giving the drink the kind of complexity that rewards slow sipping. It is bold, warming and slightly mysterious — exactly the sort of bottle that makes you wonder what else is hiding in the recipe.

The traditional natural clay bottle is almost as recognisable as the drink itself. The botanicals are infused using Riga Black Balsam's distinctive single-barrel process before the resulting essence is blended with the other ingredients and bottled in clay. For drinkers in Ireland who enjoy Fernet, Jägermeister, amaro or other strongly herbal digestifs, this is a fascinating bottle to have on the shelf — but it is equally rewarding in cocktails, with cola, lemonade, fruit juice or even coffee.

Why we love it:
Riga Black Balsam is wonderfully unapologetic. It is dark, bitter, herbal and warming, yet balanced by honey, caramel and ripe berry notes that stop the bitterness becoming one-dimensional. The 45% ABV gives it serious presence, while the unusual combination of botanicals makes every sip feel slightly different. It's a proper conversation starter — and one of those bottles that becomes particularly interesting once you stop treating it simply as a shot.