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Exotic drinks of the island states of Latin America are interesting not only in terms of taste and aroma, but also, first of all, they attract with their original composition, design and method of consumption.
Lost among the expanses of the southern seas, the Dominican Republic gave the world an unusual Mamajuana drink, which has at least 5 healing properties and includes at least 10-15 ingredients.
Origin of the product
The original name of the tropical tincture Mamajuana (Damajuana) is associated with the nickname of an ancient sorceress who treated female infertility with the help of an exotic product. Another, more modern, version says that the drink got a memorable name by association with a “pot-bellied” bottle, again hinting at an “interesting position”.
One way or another, the first versions of the infusion, at that time non-alcoholic, appeared in antiquity: it was made by the shamans-Indians of the island of Haiti. After the Spanish colonization and the appearance of port wine on the island, vegetable raw materials began to be poured with alcohol. Subsequently, port wine was replaced by rum, and Mamajuana became the national Dominican drink. The first to be produced in finished form was the J & J Spirits plant in 2005.
The composition of the tincture
The product is prepared from local herbs, roots, bark and spices. The exact list of components and their volume depends on the manufacturer. The original version of Mamajuana includes about 15–20 components, the most famous of which are:
Different types of Bejuco vines with antiseptic, refreshing properties, capable of neutralizing the poisons of snakes, spiders and scorpions, healing wounds, etc. The most famous are cat’s claw and soapwort.
Anamú garlic herb, which gives the drink its characteristic spicy-spicy taste.
The wood of the Guayacan plant, containing rose and smoke essential oils, improves blood circulation and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Agave pulp, containing a lot of sugar and providing sweetness to the tincture.
The rhizome of the coconut palm Raiz de Coco is a natural red dye.
Flowers and roots of Marabeli, known for its beneficial effect on the respiratory organs.
Lime fruits with their characteristic bright aroma.
Ledovitka root, which has a tonic effect.
A variety of herbs and spices: basil, cloves, lemon balm, rosemary, Jamaican pepper, anise, bitter ginger, American laurel, etc.
The mixture is insisted on rum or red wine, sometimes sweetened with honey. In the original recipe, in addition to herbal ingredients, there were parts of snails, clams, iguanas and sea turtles. But most modern manufacturers have refused to include them in the composition of the drink, so as not to frighten away tourists. Not used in products intended for sale to foreigners, and plants with a psychotropic effect.
Healing properties and taste features
According to the Dominicans, Mamajuana is not just an original drink, but a real storehouse of valuable substances, almost an elixir of longevity and eternal life. It rejuvenates and treats almost all diseases, including problems with conception and potency. Among the main effects of the tincture: soothing, anti-cold, immunomodulatory, stimulating digestion, stimulating appetite, diuretic.
As for the taste, it is sweetish, slightly spicy and astringent. The specific shades of the bouquet depend on the exact composition and manufacturer.
Varieties of Mamajuana
You can buy the product in one of three options:
In a portion package with dry ingredients. They will have to insist on their own.
In a bottle with soaked ingredients. After drinking the drink, the roots can be poured with alcohol many more times.
Pure tincture for a single tasting.
Homemade Mamajuana Recipe
On the Internet, you can easily buy a dry billet and insist it at home. You can pour the mixture many times (about 20-30 times) until the roots turn completely black. The exposure time is increased each time.
The first infusion with cheap alcohol is necessary to eliminate bitterness; it is not required when using it again.
As a basis, not only a mixture of rum and wine is used, but also pure sweetened rum, gin, cognac, whiskey. In this case, more honey will be required – about 20% of the total filling volume.
You can include in the composition and additional spices to your liking (vanilla, cinnamon, etc.).
Ingredients
Dominican mix “Mamajuana” – 1 package
Cheap vodka / white rum / gin / wine for pouring – 1 bottle
Quality dark rum – 200-300 ml
Red wine – 400–600 ml
Honey – 2 Art. l
Method of preparation
Pour dry roots into a glass bottle or a liter jar.
Pour a lot of cheap alcohol.
Withstand from 7-10 days (for strong alcohol) to 3-4 weeks (for wine).
Strain the infusion and pour.
Dissolve honey in rum, mix with wine, pour over the roots, cork the bottle, shake well.
Let the drink brew for 2-3 days, periodically pouring the liquid into a clean vessel.
You need to store the drink at room conditions.
How to take Mamajuana
On the islands, drinking a drink is accompanied by a whole ritual with raising and lowering the bowl and rotational movements of the body.
We either drink the tincture in one gulp, or try it slowly, savoring it. You can use Mamajuana in its pure form (up to 50 g per day), add fruit juice, ice cubes to it, or include the drink in a cocktail.
Relevance: 08.01.2019
Tags: other alcohol