Warning: Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. The sale, purchase and transfer of alcohol to minors is prohibited.
Latgalian Šmakovka
Šmakovka is a strong, traditional drink from the Latgale region of Latvia and an important part of its cultural heritage. The origin of the name is still debated. One theory suggests that it is related to the Polish word smak (‘taste’), which is not surprising given the region’s historical and cultural ties with Poland. Another theory suggests that the term may have come from Yiddish: Latgale’s cities were home to a significant Jewish population who were largely involved in trade and services, and the word geshmak means ‘tasty’.
TASTE
Essentially, šmakovka is a type of moonshine made from natural ingredients, such as grain, potatoes or honey. Its main distinguishing feature is its rich variety of flavours. It is infused with oak and alder, as well as berries and fruits. Cranberries, cherries, pepper, garlic and currant leaves are also added. The result is that each version of šmakovka has its own character, ranging from mild and sweet to rich and fiery.
TOURISM AND PRODUCTION
You can learn about the history and traditions of šmakovka production at the Šmakovka Museum in Daugavpils and the Gunars Igauņis Museum of Musical Instruments and Šmakovka. Latgalian Šmakovka is produced in Malnava, where you can take a tour, enjoy a tasting session and purchase personalized bottles with custom labels.
ŌBDO Gin
ŌBDO is a Riga craft gin created as a family project. The brand is developed by two brothers, Maris and Juris Kreslins. The brand is positioned as a modern Latvian gin inspired by nature and seasonal ingredients from the region.
TASTE
The flavour profile of ŌBDO is based on the characteristic botanicals of Latvian meadows and forests, including juniper, pine buds, linden blossom, dried apple, rosehip and wild herbs. Dried oranges and lavender have been added to create balance and provide additional aromatic depth. The result is a fresh, grassy gin with a distinct ‘northern’ character.
Distillers Republic
Latvia’s first craft distillery and bar opened in Riga in 2019. They currently produce gin and rum, but according to their website, they plan to expand their range of products.
TASTE
Bottles bearing provocative labels bearing the name ‘Dry as a Nun’ contain a variety of gins made from exquisite ingredients such as roses, pomegranates, quinces, blueberries and lavender. Several variations of rum from the ‘Contraband’ line are also available, including apple and coffee flavours.
TOURISM AND PRODUCTION
The drinks can be tried at the brand bar in Riga’s Old Town. Located at Vecpilsētas 8a, it is open daily from 4 p.m. to 1–2 a.m.
Rizhskiy Samogon
Samogon (brandy) production began in Mežaparks in 2017. The product design was developed by the Latvian studio Variant Studio: it is thanks to their work that the recognisable two-litre bottles in which the distillate is bottled appeared.
TASTE
The main ingredient in brandy is honey. This gives the drink its mild, natural flavour. It takes 2.7 kilograms of honey to make 2 litres of the drink.
TOURISM AND PRODUCTION
Samogon is fermented and distilled twice in specially designed copper stills. The fermentation process takes seven to eight days and is overseen by technologists throughout. Only natural materials are used for filtration, such as forest moss and charcoal.
The drink can be purchased at the brand store in Riga Central Market, as well as in a number of bars and other places in the city.
Riga Black Balsam
This is a traditional Riga drink and is considered to be one of the oldest bitters in Europe. It has been produced since 1752, and the oldest documents containing the recipe for the balm date back to this year. After World War II, the recipe was thought to be lost, but it was successfully recreated by employees of the Riga Distillery, now known as Latvijas Balzams. For five years, under the strictest secrecy, the drink was reproduced from preserved samples and documents in an attempt to replicate the original taste and aroma. This painstaking work was crowned with success in 1954. Production of the balm restarted and has continued uninterrupted ever since.
TASTE
The bittersweet Riga Black Balsam is made from 25 ingredients, one of which is kept secret. The other 24 ingredients are all natural, including 17 plant extracts. These are mainly roots, spices and herbs. These include valerian, wormwood, black pepper, ginger, gentian, Peruvian balsamic oil, gentian root, St John’s wort, linden blossom, birch buds, mint, oak bark, orange peel, raspberry juice, blueberry juice and lingonberries. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced — for instance, the birch buds are collected in the protected Kemeri marshes.
TOURISM AND PRODUCTION
In the 18th century, Riga Black Balsam was sold at a pharmacy located next to the Mentsendorff House. These days, it can be found almost everywhere, including most supermarkets and off-licences. Official points of sale in Latvia and other countries can be found on the brand’s website.
