Mamajuana Cocktail Recipe

Mamajuana is a drink from the Dominican Republic that is concocted by allowing rum, red wine, and honey to soak in a bottle with tree bark and herbs. The taste is similar to port wine and the color is a deep red. The specific herbs and barks used vary by region, but it typically includes Anamú (Petiveria alliacea) and the bark from the Canellaceae tree family.

• Who would like it? If you're a fan of herbal and strong drinks, this one's for you. It's also a great choice for those who appreciate traditional, cultural beverages.

Mamajuana has a unique, strong, and herbal taste. It's sweet due to the honey, yet balanced by the bitterness of the herbs. The rum and red wine give it a robust and warming sensation.

• Mamajuana was originally prepared as a herbal tea by the native Taino Indians, and post-Columbus, it was fortified with alcohol.
• It is often served as a shot and is considered a powerful aphrodisiac in the Dominican Republic.
• The drink is also believed to be a cure-all, with locals using it to treat everything from flu and digestion issues to kidney problems.

1. Fill a bottle with Mamajuana herbs.
2. Add honey, rum, and red wine.
3. Let it sit for at least a week, the longer the better.
4. Serve as a shot, neat.

• The longer you let the mixture sit, the better the flavors will meld together.
• You can reuse the herbs several times, just add more rum, wine, and honey.

Food Pairings for Mamajuana Cocktail

• Grilled Meats: The rich, woody flavors of Mamajuana complement the smoky taste of grilled meats such as steak or pork chops.
• Cheese Platter: Choose aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda to stand up to the bold flavors of the herbs and honey.
• Dark Chocolate: The sweetness of the honey and the complexity of rum make this an excellent pairing with dark chocolate desserts.

Drink Pairings

• Coffee: A strong, black coffee can be a great follow-up to the sweet and herbal shot.
• Ginger Beer: For those looking for a non-alcoholic chaser, the spiciness of ginger beer goes well with the sweetness of Mamajuana.

• Rum: You can use either white or dark rum, but dark rum gives a richer flavor.
• Honey: If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can reduce the amount of honey or replace it with agave syrup.

Mamajuana Mojito Twist

• Ingredients: 2 oz White Rum, 1 oz Simple Syrup, 1 Handful Mamajuana Herbs, Fresh Mint, Lime, Soda Water
• Replace dark rum with white rum for a lighter taste. Muddle the herbs with lime and mint to create a herbal mojito version. The Mamajuana Mojito will be lighter and more refreshing than the original.

Mamajuana Sangria Twist

• Ingredients: 2 oz Dark Rum, 2 oz Red Wine, 1 oz Orange Juice, 1 oz Honey, 1 Handful Mamajuana Herbs, Assorted Fruits
• By adding more red wine and fruits, you can make a Mamajuana Sangria. The fruits will add an extra burst of sweetness and the drink will have a fruitier edge. Serve this over ice in a wine glass.

Spiced Mamajuana Twist

• Ingredients: 2 oz Spiced Rum, 1 oz Red Wine, 1 oz Honey, 1 Handful Mamajuana Herbs, Cinnamon Stick
• Use spiced rum in place of dark rum. The addition of a cinnamon stick will imbue the drink with a warming, spicy note. This twist is perfect for cooler weather and those who enjoy a touch of spice.