Thibarine – a mysterious Tunisian liqueur

Tibarin is a 40% Tunisian liqueur based on alcohol, sugar, aromatic herbs, spices, and possibly dates. In 1895, it began to be made by the White Fathers – Christian missionaries in Tunisia. The pious brothers left the monastery long ago, and the production of the drink has not stopped to this day. The manufacturing company Domaine de Thibar claims to use the original recipe from a century ago. The liquor got its name in honor of the city of Tibar, near which the preachers settled.

Characteristics. Tibarin liqueur is distinguished by its amber-brown color, thick texture and bittersweet taste, reminiscent of Jägermeister and Benedictine. Tibarin is drunk after meals as a digestif to improve digestion. It is customary to cool the drink slightly (it is quite enough to hold the bottle for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator), the liquor can be served in its pure form, added to coffee or tea. Fruits, especially dates, are suitable as snacks.

Being a Muslim country, Tunisia lives according to Sharia law, so alcohol is officially banned there. Tibarin is produced mainly for tourists, it is served in all-inclusive hotels and they offer to buy a couple of bottles in Duty Free for souvenirs to friends. The liquor is not exported, but is sold on the Internet from resellers.

Do not confuse Thibarine with its “cousin” – Cedratine liqueur (Sedratin)! Despite the popular belief that the drinks are almost identical, the second liquor is weaker (about 30 degrees) and is prepared on the basis of citrus zest.

Tibarin production technology

The exact recipe is unknown, so opinions differ about the ingredients. According to one version, the basis for the drink is distilled wine, in which steamed dates, herbs and spices are soaked. The liqueur is then aged in oak barrels, sweetened with sugar and possibly honey.

Interestingly, dates are not even listed on the ingredients list on the label, so it is not known for certain whether they are part of the liquor.

Notes of cinnamon, pepper, cumin, coriander, wormwood, mint, lavender and other spices are clearly felt in the bouquet. Due to such an abundance of medicinal herbs, liquor is considered a good remedy for indigestion, nervous disorders, headaches, high blood pressure and other ailments. Strong aromatic alcohol is added to hot tea for colds (two teaspoons per cup).

Cocktails with Tibarine

Soviva. Mix equal parts Tibarin and vodka with three parts orange juice, pour into an ice-filled cocktail glass, add a tablespoon of pear syrup.

Rose of Tunisia. 1 part white wine, 2 parts Tibarin, juice of a quarter of a lemon. Mix everything, pour into a chilled glass.

“Folk” cocktails:

• 1 part lemon or lime juice, 2 parts Tibarin, 0.5 parts mint syrup, 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix everything well in a shaker, pour into a glass filled with crushed ice.
• 1 part Tibarin, 2 parts Sprite or other lemon-flavored soda. Drink chilled. You can replace the “pop” with citrus juice.