Riga balsam. How to use a cocktail for therapeutic purposes with tea, vodka, coffee. The composition of herbs, their action, price

Riga Black Balsam - one of the most popular alcoholic beverage in the world, belongs to the category of bitters. This dark liqueur in medicinal herb has been established as a means of getting rid of colds, digestive problems and even healing of wounds and burns. Today, drink drink not only for fun, but also continue to use in medicinal purposes.

Varieties of Riga balsam

Rigas Balsam - alcoholic beverage originally from Latvia possessing therapeutic properties. It was opened by Abraham Kunze in 1752 The drink is an alcoholate herbs dark viscous consistency and strength of 16%. Druggist gave a liquid called "Balsam Kunze" and began to distribute as a medical drug.

In the Russian Empire of the Riga balm learned in 1789 thanks to Catherine II. Tincture saved the Queen from gastric pain, so she let the drink sales in all regions of the country. In 1845 began mass production of the Riga balm recipe is kept secret dynasty Schrader - masters of the liquor business. After their move to Germany in the twentieth century. the drink has remained unsolved.

The new owner of the plant for many years trying to find the right ingredients to recreate the original taste of "Balm Kunze."

Nowadays, Riga Black Balsam is the most accurate version of the classic herbal tinctures. Since 1865 drink has won numerous awards not only in Riga, but also in Paris, Vienna and London. Among them, more than 30 medals, Grand Prix and the award of the State Emblem.

Traditional bitter drink Riga Black Balsam Original has a strength of 45%. It is this version of the liqueur has won international recognition for its unique flavor and medicinal properties.

In addition to the classic black Latvian balsam, currently produced another 2 kinds of drink:

• Riga Black Balsam Black Currant - with blackcurrant juice (30% vol.);
• Riga Black Balsam Cherry - with ginger and cherry juice (30% vol.).

There are also other varieties of balm, which previously released:

• Riga Black Balsam Element - with the addition of rum (40% vol.);
• Riga Black Balsam Cream - liqueur with cream and caramel notes (17% vol.).

Structure

The first version of the tincture of herbs, created by Latvian pharmacist, consisted of the following components:

• alcohol;
• water;
• cinnamon;
• rosemary;
• saffron;
• peppermint;
• fennel;
• lavender;
• sage.

Although now Riga balm known as black liquor, at the time of the invention, he had a white color. All the ingredients of modern tincture kept secret.

It is known that includes 24 ingredients in it:

• ginger;
• raspberry;
• Bigard peel;
• water;
• valerian;
• Peru balsam oil;
• cranberries;
• mint;
• Linden;
• gentian root;
• caramel;
• Birch buds;
• St. John's wort;
• honey;
• brandy;
• nutmeg;
• blueberries;
• ethyl alcohol cereal based.

Addition to the above ingredients are roots, herbs and plants that grow only in Latvian regions. All components of the drink known only to the head of production of balsam and his closest subordinates. Herbal infusion made at the "Latvian balsam."

In the first month of preparation 16 components of the future is highly placed in oak barrels from special breed.

After 30 days the resulting mixture, after filtration, the remaining components are added. Throughout the history of the drink, bottle it runs entirely from clay, to maximally protect the product from any external influence. In 2005, the producers decided to change the type of cork Riga balsam.

The shelf life of the Riga balm

Riga balsam in its original form had a small shelf life - only 90 days. Products that set off for sale in other countries, can be stored for much longer - about 1.5 years. Today, thanks to the modernization of the working environment and the improvement of technology of preparation of the drink can be consumed within 5 years from date of manufacture.

Benefits and harms of drink

At the time of opening, Rigas balsam used as a medicament for the treatment of certain diseases.

Then it was used to get rid of:

• headache;
• fractures;
• toothache;
• snake bites;
• wounds;
• fever;
• sprains;
• stomach cramps;
• bites of poisonous insects;
• frostbite tissues.

Today alcoholate herb is also used for medicinal purposes. For this balm is taken orally, make compresses or rubbing. In Latvia, the product is officially considered to be curative, and is included in medical benefits.

Use can overcome beverage:

• apathy and despondency;
• cough;
• runny nose;
• colds;
• gallbladder disease;
• vascular and heart disease;
• malfunction of the stomach;
• rheumatism;
• prostration.

Despite the positive properties balm should use responsibly. Therapeutic dosage is 20-75 ml per day. Although tincture and is indicated for disorders of the heart, people with cardiovascular disease need to be careful when taking a drink.

The same applies to liver and pancreas. In addition, the Riga Black Balsam is a strong alcoholic drinks, excessive intake which has a negative impact on health and can cause intoxication.

How to drink Riga Black Balsam

Riga balsam should use pre-defined goals with the reception. Tincture can be extremely drug or supplement its spicy flavor drinks. On the application depends on the amount of balm and a choice of one of its varieties.

as a cure

In the mid-nineteenth century. for each instance of Riga balsam annexed note about its use in medicinal purposes:

• to improve digestion - add to the glass of mint liqueur vodka, water or wine;
• from cold - 50-100 drops of broth;
• from injuries - lubricate the affected area with tincture;
• burns - mix grated raw potatoes with a drink and apply as a compress;
• rheumatism - rub in steamed body;
• toothache - grease tincture cheek or make a lotion to the area of ​​the tooth with the help of a cotton cloth soaked in the infusion.

Despite the fact that the original purpose of the Riga balm - treatment of diseases, the use of self-infusions for these purposes should take place after consultation with the family doctor.

If not identified to the contraindication beverage reception, treatment should begin with a dosage of 1 ml per day, every day by adding an additional 1 ml. So on the last day of the course you need to drink 30 ml balm. Such a scheme can be used 1-3 times a year depending on the characteristics of the organism.

As an aperitif or digestif

Latvian drink is often used as an aperitif before a banquet or any event, implying a tight lunch. Tincture awakens the appetite and helps to improve digestion. In this case, balm liquor fed to glass in an amount not exceeding 50 ml.

With the tea or coffee

Riga balsam perfectly complements hot drinks. The combination of black tea infusions to disclose the herbal notes of balsam and warm on cold days. Adding bitters to green tea enhances its beneficial properties. For coffee beverage is suitable for both classic and its version with cherry and black currant.

For disclosure of tincture qualities sufficient to add 5-10 ml of coffee or tea. On the morning of this cocktail invigorate and give strength, and in the evening will help cope with fatigue and relax. In Latvia balm mixed with tomato juice, champagne and cola.

As the aromatic additive to Desserts and Baking

Bright and unusual taste of Riga balsam appreciated in cooking. It is used by confectioners and bakers for making desserts and pastries. Tincture impregnated sponge cakes for cakes and rolls, and added directly to the dough.

During cooking, the alcohol is neutralized, leaving a spicy aroma and taste of herbs. On the basis of the Latvian make beverage syrups which are used as a topping for ice cream, cream and jelly desserts.

cocktail recipes

Riga Black Balsam is possible to use in combination with other alcohol.

Original flavors are obtained when mixed with tincture:

• beer;
• brandy;
• port wine;
• red wine.

Cocktail "A Streetcar Named Desire" is necessary:

1. Pour into a tall beaker of ice cubes, add 40 ml and 120 ml of balm pomegranate juice.
2. To decorate a cocktail, you can use a slice of orange.

To prepare the drink «Black Night Dancer» you need:

1. Add 20 ml shaker Riga balm, 1 hr. l. of lemon juice and 2 hours. l. blackberry syrup.
2. Mix with crushed ice and pour into a glass with a stem.
3. Add 40 ml of cola and garnish with a cherry cocktail.

Shot «Black Shooter» prepared as follows:

1. At the bottom of the glasses is poured 20 ml peach juice.
2. Layer is applied over it Riga infusions of 20 ml.

need for mulled wine:

1. Heat in a skillet with 750 ml of dry red wine and 100 ml Riga balm.
2. Following add 3 cloves bud, cinnamon stick and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Cardamom powder in an amount of 1 h. l. give drink astringency.
4. When the mixture reaches 50 ° C, it is necessary to introduce an orange cut into slices and boil for a few minutes.
5. Remove from heat and leave for 15 minutes.
6. Strained mulled wine poured into cups and flavored with warm honey.

Cocktail «Riga's Fruity Summer»:

1. Squeeze the juice of half an orange and half a lemon, mix in a shaker.
2. In a tall glass add ice and fill it with 40 ml currant Riga balm.
3. Add to container whipped citrus juice.

Contraindications

Riga Black Balsam is necessary to use only after reading its contraindications. Specialists in allergic reactions is strongly recommended to carry out a preliminary test on the individual intolerance drink. The tincture contains herbs that can unpredictably affect the human body by a predisposition to allergies.

Admission Riga balm is not recommended:

• children and adolescents;
• pregnant and lactating women;
• in lesions of the liver;
• in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• in disorders of the kidney.

Drinking a beverage in excess of the daily rate may gradually lead to alcoholism. In addition, a large number of liqueurs has a negative impact on the body.

Where can I buy

Riga Black Balsam - a fairly common product. It can be bought in any large supermarket, in the department of elite alcohol. However, not to buy a fake, it is better to visit the manufacturer's flagship stores of Riga balsam or shops specializing exclusively in the sale of alcoholic beverages.

In Latvia there are 44 stores of the company "Latvijas balsams", which sells real Riga balsam. There, with the purchase of goods from 100 euros you can get a discount of 10%. beverage cost depends on the amount of bottles. The smallest displacement tincture - 40 ml, and the largest - 3 liters.

Tara	price, rub.
40 ml	180-230
350 ml	750-800
500 ml	950-1100
700 ml	1400-1600

How to distinguish a fake

According to connoisseurs of the noble spirits, real Riga balsam can only be purchased in Latvia. However, every year around the world, millions of bottles exported herbal tinctures.

To buy a genuine Latvian drink, you should pay attention to the following features:

• the outer side of the bottom of the bottle is completely smooth, without protrusions or markings;
• the material from which the bottle is made - clay;
• Bottle finish of a glass or metal indicates tampering;
• jam liqueur similar to the stopper bottles of cognac;
• the neck of the bottle and the cork should be fully wrapped in the original film with the characters of the brand;
• on the label of this balm necessarily Latvia present code - 475.

Riga Black Balsam - herbal tincture, impregnated with the spirit of Latvia.

Unique flavor, rich bouquet of the drink captivates connoisseurs of elite alcohol and masters of mixing cocktails. Each itself decides to use the infusion for the treatment or taste pleasure rich palette. In any case, the Riga balm rightly remains one of the best known bitters.

Interesting video of Riga balsam and its beneficial properties

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