As the saying goes, “When in Rome do as the Romans do”, so it would make sense to follow suit in Latvia. Locally produced spirits are steeped in history and are easy to lay your hands on at larger grocery stores. 

These spirits can be enjoyed straight to get their full essence and taste, or used to make cocktails. At the turn of the century, vodka and the famed Riga’s Black Balsam were the two main spirits on offer, but new elixirs have sprung up to quench Latvians' interest in potent new tastes.