Dominican Style Drinking — Mamajuana

Mama what?  Yes, you read the word correctly.  No, it has nothing to do with the drug that’s legal in some parts of the United States and the rest of the world.  And no, it has nothing to do with the great Genesis song “Mama.”

So what the hell is mamajuana?  It is a libation indigenous to the Dominican Republic.  You infuse dark rum with a combination of herbs, roots, and bark, and then you mix in some red wine and honey.  I’m a big believer in trying the local libation(s) wherever I travel, so I must thank the Sanctuary Cap Cana resort for introducing me to mamajuana. It is very tasty and very potent. 

There are many types of mamajuana, each with its own slightly different recipe. You can get some mass produced brands that are pretty good (look online), but not as good as the stuff I had in the Dominican Republic.  If you’re in that country, stick with the stuff at resorts.  My friend Sonia, who has traveled extensively in the Dominican, advised that homemade mamajuana can contain all sorts of impurities and be very dangerous.  Don’t be concerned about mamajuana served at resorts.  After all, killing and sickening customers is a bad business model.