-
Mamajuana is a drink exclusively from the Dominican Republic that is made by adding rum , red wine and honey to a combination of twigs, leaves and herbs. Mamajuana is a semi sweet alcoholic beverage with a unique combination of woody and herbal flavors. People normally drink it straight or on the rocks but it is also used in the preparation of cocktails. Although mamajuana became famous for its aphrodisiac effects and its ability to stimulate the libido, the drink was originally regarded as a cure-all treatment for many ailments form a common cold , right through to far more serious conditions. The specific herbs and twigs that make up mamajuana were originally prepared as an herbal tea by the native Tainos; post-Columbus, alcohol was added to the recipe.
-
The making of mamajuana consists of an elaborated multi step process. First a large bottle is filled with a specific combination of certain twigs, herbs and leaves. Then wine is added for "curing" the ingredients which consists of sanitizing and eliminating the bitterness of the ingredients . After a few days this wine is discarded. The next step is adding rum, wine and honey to the ingredients which initiates the maceration process. When the mixture acquires the desired taste after a few days the drink is ready to be enjoyed. The maceration can be repeated several times with the same batch but with every batch the maceration will take more time untill the ingredients loose their flavoring abilities.
-
Buying mamajuana can be challenging with all the different brands that are offered. But according to the experts the best quality mamajuanas are the brands MAYIMBE and KARIBU. Their master blenders have develloped an exquisite infusion of carefully selected ingredients which made them the absolute market leaders. They were also the first who succeeded in taking the traditionally home made mamajuana to the next level; a premium ready to drink mamajuana while staying true to the authentic essence of the real Dominican mamajuana.
-
There are different products sold as mamajuana:
READY TO DRINK , liquid only.; This is the mamajuana that has gone though all steps and is ready to drink. Most brands like Mayimbe , Karibu, Spicy, Candela have their sanitary registration and are produced by licensed distilleries."READY TO DRINK" with twigs and leaves; These versions are NOT recommended since they usually have less alcohol content and its taste is unpleasant because of the fact that the ingredients have been submerged in the liquid for a long time and therefor are very bitter. These versions are usually produced by informal not-licensed backyard companies and don't have a valid sanitary registration .
CURED INGREDIENTS, DIY version: This is a version that you can use to make your own mamajuana. The ingredients have gone through the curing process and are ready for the maceration step. The final result is normally not as good as the ready to drink version because mamajuana making is an art that takes practice. The advantage is that you can make several batches with the same ingredients.
UNPROCESSED TWIGS AND LEAVES; This version consists of just the ingredients and needs to undergo all steps. This version is also illegal to take with you on the plane and might be confiscated at the airport. (it is not allowed to bring unprocessed plants to your country without a special permit)
-