Black Balsam Berry Sparkler

A refreshing cocktail combining the bold herbal notes of Riga Black Balsam with fruity cranberry juice and fizzy water.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drinks

Cuisine Latvian

Servings 1

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

40 ml Riga Black Balsam
80 ml cranberry juice
40 ml sparkling water or tonic
Ice cubes
Fresh mint and cranberries (for garnish)

Instructions

Fill a glass with ice.
Pour in Riga Black Balsam and cranberry juice.
Top up with sparkling water.
Stir gently and garnish with mint and berries.

Notes

Hot tea with Riga Black Balsam and cinnamon, winter atmosphere with cozy textures.

Riga Black Balsam – Latvia’s Iconic Herbal Liqueur 🍶🌿

If you're looking to taste the spirit of Latvia in a single sip, look no further than Riga Black Balsam. This bold and bittersweet herbal liqueur has been a symbol of Latvian tradition and craftsmanship for over 250 years. With its dark color, rich aroma, and complex flavor, Riga Black Balsam is unlike any other drink in the world. 💫

Whether sipped on its own, mixed into a cocktail, or added to a warm drink on a cold winter night, this legendary beverage remains one of Latvia’s most cherished treasures.

🌿 What Is Riga Black Balsam?

Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais Balzams) is a strong, bittersweet herbal liqueur made with over 20 natural ingredients, including:

Roots and herbs
Berries and flowers
Essential oils
Honey

It was first created in 1752 by pharmacist Abraham Kunze in Riga and has been produced ever since using a secret recipe that combines medicinal botanicals and traditional knowledge. The drink is aged in clay bottles, which not only preserve its aroma and properties but also give it its signature vintage look.

🍷 Flavor Profile

The taste of Riga Black Balsam is intensely herbal, with layers of earthy, bitter, spicy, and sweet notes. Its complexity makes it both intriguing and polarizing — definitely a must-try for adventurous palates.

🧙‍♀️ Legend has it that Empress Catherine the Great of Russia recovered from an illness after drinking Riga Black Balsam, boosting its legendary reputation.

🥃 How to Drink Riga Black Balsam

There are several popular ways to enjoy this iconic liqueur:

🔥 Neat or on the rocks – as a digestif after a meal.
🍸 In cocktails – balanced with cola, fruit juices, or sparkling water.
☕ With coffee or hot tea – especially popular in the chilly Latvian winter.
🍫 Paired with chocolate or desserts – the herbal bitterness complements rich sweets.

If you find the original flavor too intense, try Riga Black Balsam Currant, a slightly sweeter variation infused with juicy blackcurrants.

🇱🇻 Why You Should Try Riga Black Balsam

✔ A taste of Latvian heritage in every sip
✔ Deep, layered herbal flavor — bitter, sweet, earthy
✔ Versatile: enjoy warm, cold, in drinks, or desserts
✔ Beloved for centuries and still handcrafted in Riga

This iconic elixir is more than a drink — it’s an experience of history, folklore, and national pride.

Latvian recipes

Keyword festive cocktails, herbal liqueur cocktail, Latvian drinks, Riga Black Balsam, traditional Latvian drink