Riga Black Balsam: Traditional Latvian Herbal Liqueur Since 1752

Herbal bitter with heritage

The recipe was crafted more than 260 years ago and although the ingredients are not secret, only two people in the world – the master distiller and his apprentice – know all the details of the renowned single-barrel process.

Crafted In Riga

The birthplace of Riga Black Balsam is a northern European city, famous for its craftsmanship since the Middle Ages.

Versatile taste

Riga Black Balsam delivers the magnificent power of nature—dark and complex when taken neat, but stunningly versatile when paired with different mixers.

Worldwide recognition

Riga Black Balsam is highly regarded by experts from many countries for its outstanding quality, resulting in more than 100 awards at international fairs.

Perfect component for modern mixology

Unique crafting process

Single barrel infusion technology

Authentic bittersweet taste

Representing «umami» taste profile

Original packaging

Natural clay bottle design for centuries

All-natural ingredients

No colorants of flavours added

Among the oldest bitter brands

Crafted with passion since 1752

Highly acclamed quality

Over 100 top international awards

Ingredients

Riga Black Balsam made from 24 all natural ingredients, including 17 botanicals.

The ingredients that contribute to the complex and versatile flavour of Riga Black Balsam include common roots and herbs such as Valerian, Wormwood, Black Pepper, and Ginger, as well as rare ingredients such as Gentian and Peruvian Balsamic Oil.

Crafting process

In crafting process we are using our unique single-barrel infusion technology. Botanicals are infused in spirit-water mix to drive so called «Riga Black Balsam essence».

After that the essence is blended with the rest of ingredients, such as honey, caramel, natural juices and bottled in natural clay bottle that retains the original unique appeal and preserves the qualities of the drink.

Packaging

Process

Packaging

The final ingredient in the Riga Black Balsam formula is the bottle itself. Once the herbal infusion has matured and the rest of ingredients has been added, the resulting black liquid passion is bottled in the same type of clay bottle historically used for this purpose.

Clay is a natural material and for the first six months after bottling the flavour of Black Balsam continues to develop as the ingredients interact with the bottle.

Craft & story

Our Finest Bitters

Riga Black Balsam is beloved by industry experts, world's best bartenders and bitter lovers all around the world, having received more than 100 awards at international fairs and competitions and being exported to more than 35 countries worldwide.