Riga Black Balsam – Latvia's Mysterious Herbal Liqueur since 1752

Riga Black Balsam – Rīgas Melnais Balzams – is Latvia's most famous export after shoes and amber. This dark, bitter herbal liqueur with 24 natural ingredients has a history dating back to 1752 and is today an essential element of any Riga experience. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick facts

• Producer: Latvijas Balzams, Riga
• Alcohol percentage: 45% (original) – 30% (Black Balsam Currant)
• Ingredients: 24 natural herbs, roots, flowers, and fruits
• Founded: 1752 by apothecary Abraham Kunze
• Best for: All visitors – as a souvenir, tasting, or cocktail ingredient

What is Riga Black Balsam?

Riga Black Balsam is a bitter herbal liqueur originally produced as medicine by apothecary Abraham Kunze in 1752. Legend has it that Catherine the Great had her stomach illness cured with the liqueur during a visit to Riga – and since then, it has held status as both medicine and celebratory drink in Latvia.

The recipe with 24 natural ingredients – including valerian, ginger, linden blossoms, oak tar, and bitter orange – is still secret and unchanged since 1752. The taste is complex, bitter, and aromatic – not for everyone at first taste, but unforgettable once you get used to it.

How is it consumed?

Neat or on ice

The traditional way is a small glass of Black Balsam at room temperature or slightly chilled. It offers the most intense taste experience and is how locals often prefer it.

In coffee

The most popular way for visitors is Black Balsam in hot coffee – a classic Latvian combination reminiscent of a bitter Irish Coffee. Try it at one of the many cafés in Old Town.

Black Balsam Currant

For those who find the original too bitter, Black Balsam Currant – with blackcurrant – is a milder and more accessible alternative with 30% alcohol. It is particularly popular as a cocktail ingredient.

Cocktails

Many of Riga's bars specialize in Black Balsam cocktails. Try a "Balsam Sour" or a "Black Latvian" – a Latvian variant of White Russian with Black Balsam instead of Kahlúa.

Where to taste and buy it?

Riga Black Magic Bar

The official Black Balsam bar in Old Town is the obvious place for a first tasting. The bar is located in a medieval cellar and serves a wide selection of Black Balsam cocktails and shots.

Supermarkets and duty-free

Black Balsam is available in all Latvian supermarkets at a very reasonable price – typically 8-12 EUR for a bottle. Duty-free at Riga Airport also has a good selection. Buy a bottle to take home – it's the perfect souvenir.

Latvijas Balzams factory store

Directly at the factory, you can buy the entire range including special editions and gift sets not available elsewhere.

Practical tips

• First taste: Start with Black Balsam Currant or in coffee if you are unsure about the bitter taste.
• Souvenir: The distinctive brown ceramic bottle is iconic – perfect as a gift.
• Price: Much cheaper in Latvian supermarkets than in duty-free or specialty stores.
• Storage: Can be stored for years – the alcohol content ensures long shelf life.
• Cocktail recipes: Take a bottle home and experiment – Black Balsam works well in many cocktails.

Suggested tasting route in Riga

• Morning: Buy a bottle at the supermarket and try it at the hotel
• Afternoon: Black Balsam in coffee at a café in Old Town
• Evening: Black Magic Bar – cocktails and the full taste experience
• Conclusion: Extra bottle to take home from duty-free at the airport

Shoe recommendation

An evening in Riga's bars and streets requires shoes that last all night. At Baltic