Latvian tipples

BITTERS

When toasting with a hearty ‘ priekā!’, Latvians look less often to the mighty grape than to spirits infused with birch, cranberry and other local flora. Most bartenders keep a bottle of the local vodka-based, black balsaminfused bitters, and serve it with heated blackberry juice and cinnamon for a version of the hot toddy.

WINE

Latvia’s largest winery, family-run Abavas, 40 miles west of Riga, offers tours and tastings of its sweet rhubarb wines and slightly fizzy ciders. They pop up on menus across the country, in upmarket establishments such as Barents wine bar in Riga. abavas.lv barents.lv

BEER

One of Latvia’s top microbreweries, Labietis produces 40 varieties of beer, classified by their strength, from the simple Grey Family of 5% ABV lagers and ales to the 10% Purple Family. Labietis operates in a former factory enclave off trendy Miera Iela road that’s recently emerged as a hub for beer halls. labietis.lv