Initially, balms were created as a natural remedy for many ailments. After some time, they ceased to be just a medicine and turned into a separate group of alcoholic beverages served at the table. I will tell you how to drink balms correctly in order to get the maximum pleasure and benefit from them. We will look at different options.
Balm – This is an alcoholic drink with a strength of 40-45%, made by tincture of herbs in alcohol with the addition of other ingredients provided for in the recipe (essential oils, roots, stems, leaves, sugar, honey, fruits, etc.). Usually balms have a dark brown color and a characteristic bitter taste.
In Europe and the USA, balms are also called bitters (from the English “bitter” – bitter). In addition to tinctures, some strong vermouths and liqueurs fall into this group. For example, among the assortment of martinis there is a drink “Bitter”, related to balms. It is made on the basis of alcohol, and not wine like other vermouths.
The most popular balms in the world:
- Bittner (Austria);
- Maurera (Sweden);
- Swedish bitterness;
- Twenty Masters (Germany);
- Campari (Italy);
- Unicum (Hungary);
- Riga (Latvia);
- Abbots (USA);
- Karelian (Russia);
- Buryatia (Russia)
- Parne (Russia).
Doctors advise drinking no more than 150 ml of balms per day. Exceeding this dose leads not only to severe intoxication, but also to problems with the intestines (the effect of the herbs in the composition affects).
Methods to drink balm
1. In its purest form. Balms can be aperitifs or digestifs: served before or after a meal. In their pure form, it is customary to drink them from liquor glasses in small sips. A good cigar will be an excellent addition to the balm. An appetizer is not needed, because any dishes interrupt the pleasant aftertaste of herbs.
2. With tea and coffee. Just 1-2 teaspoons of the balm will make the taste of ordinary tea or coffee unique. One cup of such a drink raises the tone, improving mood. In this case, the person does not get drunk. The positive tonic effect is even more noticeable than in the classic combination of coffee and cognac, which everyone knows about.
3. As part of cocktails. It is customary to add balm to some alcoholic cocktails. One of the simplest recipes is the Black Night Dancer cocktail, which is prepared in the following proportions:
- Riga black balm (1 part);
- blackcurrant syrup (1/2 part);
- fresh lemon juice (1/4 part);
- car (2 parts).
Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a shaker and pour into a martini glass. Top the cocktail with a slice of lemon or a cherry.
4. With other alcoholic drinks. This method is very popular in the West, but little is known about it here. In order for even ordinary vodka to radically change the taste, it is enough to pour 3-4 drops of balm into it. The same trick can be done with cognac, gin, whiskey and wine. When mixed, very original combinations are obtained.
5. Like medicine. Balms can be used to treat colds, runny nose, indigestion, boost immunity and improve the overall tone of the body. But in case of chronic diseases, it is better to consult a doctor before use. He must prescribe the correct dosages.
Composition of Riga Black Balsam
This legendary balm from Latvia is very popular in Russia. It was invented by pharmacist Abraham Kunze, and since 1752 the drink has been supplied to Europe and the USA. In 1789, the Riga Balsam was presented to Empress Catherine II as the best remedy for colic. Seeing the positive effect, she gave Kunze the right to produce the drink in the Russian Empire.
In 1939, the recipe for the balm was lost, it was only possible to restore it in 1954, at the same time mass production of the drink was launched at the Riga liquor factory (now the company is called Latvijas Balzams).
In Soviet times, Soviet citizens actually had no alternative to the Balsam of Riga, so it was not easy to get it, and it was very prestigious to put it on the table in front of guests. But even now, when the range of balms is huge, it does not lose its popularity due to its high quality.
Riga Balsam is produced in a special ceramic bottle that protects the contents from the negative effects of sunlight. It consists of 24 ingredients, the main ones are:
- prepared water;
- grain ethyl alcohol of the highest purity;
- balsamic oil;
- cognac;
- raspberries;
- ginger;
- blueberry;
- cranberries;
- sugar;
- honey flavor;
- plant extracts.
The exact recipe and composition is kept secret by the manufacturer, we can only enjoy the taste of the Riga Balsam, not fully understanding what is included in its composition.