Riga Black Balsam unveils coffee-flavoured liqueur

Luxembourg-based Amber Beverage Group has tapped into the trend for coffee-flavoured spirits with the launch of Riga Black Balsam Espresso.

Riga Black Balsam Espresso is bottled at 40% abv

Herbal liqueur Riga Black Balsam Espresso is made using the balsam extract found in the original Riga Black Balsam, along with Arabica coffee bean extract and cinnamon extract.

According to the brand, the coffee bean has a “pleasant aftertaste that resembles black chocolate”.

“Including coffee in alcoholic beverages is a very current trend worldwide. In numerous bars, restaurants and cafes, these drinks are among the top five in bartenders’ choice,” said Maris Kalnins, global brand director of Riga Black Balsam.

“With creating the Espresso version of Riga Black Balsam, we have combined two highly valued tastes of consumers: the unique taste of the legendary bitter and the strong, saturated espresso flavour.

“We are confident about the success of the new balsam flavour in the domestic, Baltic and world markets, with a particular success in the espresso lover’s capital – Italy, where we sent the new drink in early July.”

Bottled at 40% abv, Riga Black Balsam Espresso is recommended served neat, mixed with cherry juice or coke, or in cocktails. It has been launched as a limited edition.

In December last year, Cyprian bartender Ioannis Yianni was crowned the winner of 2018 Riga Black Balsam Global Cocktail Challenge.