A Taste of the Dominican Republic

Almost every place on Earth has its own unique drink, probably have the healing powers to cure just about everything. In the Dominican Republic, this potion is known as Mama Juana. If you were ever in the Dominican Republic, you will most probably heard about Mama Juana, seen or even tasted.

Some call it “Dominican viagra” and many believe it to cure many physical complaints such as headache, toothache, abdominal pain, flu, arthritis and digestive problems.

But what exactly is Mama Juana? It is a brew with many different ingredients – some known and others remain, the family secrets. The basic ingredients are a mixture of roots, leaves, bark, herbs and spices, all stuffed inside a bottle. First step in the production of Mama Juana, the purification of the dry ingredients and extract the bitter taste of the roots, bark and leaves. This is usually done by pouring red wine and honey in the bottle and lets it sit for about a week. Another possibility is to add gin and leave it for at least six weeks. Thereafter, the liquid is removed and discarded. Dominican rum, red wine, honey, vanilla, ginger and cinnamon are added. It has been said that it is popular shellfish such as mussels, octopus, snails or even the private parts of a sea turtle (!) Should be added. These parts of animals are likely to give Mamajuana its rare and secret forces. The exact formulation and the amount of each ingredient is an individual matter and it depends on how one wants their Mamajuana – smooth, sweet or strong. Most people use good dark rum, while others (who may be a stronger and more powerful rather drink) white rum can choose. The new mix has to sit for at least another week to all of the flavors from the roots, pull sheets, etc. – the longer it sits, the more flavorful the liquid. At the end of the drink may taste delicious smooth, sweet and warm, deep red in color and are in a similar way as port wine. Or, if you have a lot of rum added, they can be a real fire starter.

There are probably as many different ways to drink Mamajuana, as are blending combinations. Mamajuana is most commonly taken as a small shot, but some people prefer to drink warm, over ice, mixed with lemonade or juice and so on. It is a highly individual matter. Once you start drinking, and emptying the bottle, you can keep re-add rum and honey, so the full bottle. How long does a bottle, the flavors will disappear before a lot of discussion. According to some people, you can fill up to 20 times. Other people swear that the flavors fade and a bottle will therefore last forever.

Mamajuana is also very popular with tourists and Dominicans. If you wander into tourist shopping streets, you’ll see bottles of Mama Juana’s in the stores or markets. It is sold in liquor stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops, on tours, restaurants and hotels. Most places offer a taste before you buy. Some places even offer the bottle by a picture of you and your family or friends to personify him. If you decide you like it so much we want to take it home with you, just be aware that you only have a bottle when it is already mixed with rum, wine, etc. Many places will bottle with the dry ingredients for sale (roots, leaves, etc.) in order for you to Mamajuana mix itself, but as this you are basically on an agricultural product with you, which is illegal. A bottle of Mamajuana is just a taste of the Dominican Republic, that you should try at least once during your vacation and bring (if you like) home to share with your friends.