Herbal liqueur brand Riga Black Balsam has extended its range with a chocolate and mint-flavoured expression.
The limited edition Riga Black Balsam Chocolate & Mint has notes of “milk chocolate and sweet peppermint”. The expression is bottled at 30% ABV, the same strength as the brand’s blackcurrant and cherry-flavoured variants.
“As Riga Black Balsam represents one of the oldest beverage categories in the world, the way it is consumed has changed: from being enjoyed as a shot, as an apéritif, or with coffee through to countless cocktail variations nowadays,” said Māris Kalniņš, global brand director, Riga Black Balsam.
“By listening to our consumers and following the global trends in beverage development, we have created a bitter with a gentle and refreshing taste, which is provided by the notes of milk chocolate and sweet peppermint.
“We have also reduced the strength of the drink to 30% ABV, similar to our popular balsam with blackcurrant and cherry flavours.”
The new expression is suited to those who prefer “sweeter drinks” and can be added to classic cocktails and hot serves.
Earlier this year, Riga Black Balsam released a super-premium expression made with French brandy. The firm also launched Riga Black Balsam Espresso in August 2019.
Canned RTDs
Riga Black Balsam owner Amber Beverage Group first revealed plans to launch new canned ready-to-drink (RTD) variants for Riga Black Balsam and Moskovskaya Vodka in July 2020.
The company is now gradually rolling out new packaging for its bottled Riga Black Balsam RTD cocktails in eco-friendly cans, starting with its blackcurrant and cherry RTDs.
The 330ml cans will replace the cocktails in glass bottles and are more convenient and environmentally friendly, the brand said.
The Riga Black Balsam Currant RTD is a sparkling drink made with Riga Black Balsam and blackcurrant juice. The Riga Black Balsam Cherry RTD mixes the brand’s core variant with cherry juice.
The firm also plans to change its cola and espresso Riga Black bottled RTD drinks to canned formats.
The CEO of Amber Beverage Group said the firm will launch the RTDs for Moskovakaya in certain markets this year, including one that is “more about Russian flavours” and another similar to a hard seltzer.
