Mamahuana: origin, composition, properties, types, recipe and how to drink
Exotic drinks from the island states of Latin America are interesting not only in terms of taste and aroma, but also primarily attract with their original composition, design and method of consumption.
The Dominican Republic, lost among the vastness of the southern seas, gave the world an unusual drink called Mamahuana, which has at least 5 healing properties and includes at least 10-15 ingredients.
Product origin
The original name of the tropical tincture Mamajuana (Damajuana) is associated with the nickname of an ancient sorceress who used the exotic product to treat female infertility. Another, more modern, version says that the drink got its memorable name because of its association with a "pot-bellied" bottle, which again hints at an "interesting situation".
One way or another, the first versions of the infusion, at that time non-alcoholic, appeared in ancient times: it was made by the shamans of the Haitian island. After Spanish colonization and the appearance of port wine on the island, plant raw materials began to be filled with alcohol. Over time, port was replaced by rum, and Mamajuana became the national drink of the Dominican Republic. The first to produce it in finished form was the J & J Spirits, 2005.
The composition of the tincture
The product is made from local herbs, roots, bark, and spices. The exact list of ingredients and their volume depends on the manufacturer. The original version of Mamahuana includes about 15-20 components, the most famous of which are:
Different types of Bejuco vines, which have antiseptic, refreshing properties, can neutralize snake, spider and scorpion venoms, heal wounds, etc. д. The most famous are cat's claw and soapwort.
Anamú garlic herb, which gives the drink its characteristic spicy flavor.
Guayacan plant wood, containing essential oils with rose and smoke aroma, improves blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory effect.
Agave pulp, which contains a lot of sugar and provides the tincture with sweetness.
The rhizome of the Raiz de Coco coconut palm is a natural red dye.
Flowers and roots of Marabeli, known for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system.
Lime fruit with its characteristic bright flavor.
Glacier 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. д.
The mixture is infused with rum or red wine, sometimes sweetened with honey. In the original recipe, in addition to plant ingredients, there were parts of snails, mollusks, iguanas and sea turtles. But most modern manufacturers have refused to include them in the drink in order not to scare tourists. Plants with psychotropic effects are not used in products intended for sale to foreigners.
Healing properties and flavor features
According to the Dominicans, Mamahuana 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 are: calming, antitussive, immunomodulatory, stimulating, digestive, appetite stimulating, diuretic.
As for the taste, it is sweet, slightly spicy and tart. The specific shades of the bouquet depend on the exact composition and manufacturer.
Varieties of Mamahuana
You can buy the product in one of three options:
In a portioned bag 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 filled with alcohol many more times.
Pure tincture for a one-time tasting.
Recipe for homemade Mamahuana
You can easily buy a dry preparation on the Internet and infuse it at home. You can pour the mixture repeatedly (about 20-30 times) until the roots are completely black. The aging time is increased each time.
The first infusion with cheap alcohol is necessary to eliminate bitterness, it is not required during repeated use.
As a basis, not only a mixture of rum and wine is used, but also pure sweetened rum, gin, cognac, whiskey. In this case, you will need more honey - about 20% of the total volume of the filling.
You can add additional spices to your taste (vanilla, cinnamon, etc.).).
Ingredients
Dominican blend "Mamajuana" - 1 package
Cheap vodka / white rum / gin / wine for pouring - 1 bottle
High-quality dark rum - 200-300 ml
Red wine - 400-600 ml
Honey - 2 tbsp. л.
The method of preparation
Pour the dry roots into a glass bottle or liter jar.
Pour the mass with cheap alcohol.
Leave for 7-10 days (for spirits) to 3-4 weeks (for wine).
Strain the infusion and pour it out.
Dissolve honey in rum, mix with wine, pour in the roots, cork the bottle, shake well.
Let the drink brew for 2-3 days, periodically pouring the liquid into a clean container.
Store the drink in room conditions.
The way to use Mamahuana
On the islands, drinking the drink is accompanied by a whole ritual with raising and lowering the bowl and rotational movements of the body.
In Ukraine, we either drink the tincture in one gulp or try it slowly, savoring it. You can consume Mamahuana in its pure form (up to 50 g per day), add fruit juice, ice cubes to it, or include the drink in a cocktail.
Update: 08.01.2019
Category: Other alcohol