Question about Mamajuana

[LudovicoManin]

So, this is going to be an odd question but I am wondering if anyone has experience with it.

I am in the Dominican Republic and they have a local drink called Mamajuana which they call a baby maker. Ha ha. It is only about 28 proof and they said you can make it at home by combining equal parts red wine, honey and rum. That being said, there are a number of… things… in it that look like twigs of some sort. Apparently, they are the secret.

Any idea as to what this might be or if anyone has tried it. Any insight as to how to make a home brewed version of this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[IslandLizard]

Source: Mama Juana - Wikipedia

Mama Juana (or Mamajuana) is a spiced alcoholic beverage made by infusing a mixture of rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark and herbs. The taste is similar to port wine and the color is a deep red. It originates in the Dominican Republic.

The specific herbs that make up Mamajuana were originally prepared as an herbal tea by the native Taíno; post-Columbus, alcohol was added to the recipe.

 

[Miraculix]

Now I want some!

 

[redrocker652002]

Now I want some!

I think I will pass. Not a huge wine drinker and that really doesn't sound all that good to me, but hey, to each his own. Rock On!!!!!!!!!

 

[LudovicoManin]

Source: Mama Juana - Wikipedia

Mama Juana (or Mamajuana) is a spiced alcoholic beverage made by infusing a mixture of rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark and herbs. The taste is similar to port wine and the color is a deep red. It originates in the Dominican Republic.

The specific herbs that make up Mamajuana were originally prepared as an herbal tea by the native Taíno; post-Columbus, alcohol was added to the recipe.

I guess to clarify… I am not really asking for the contents but more of a recipe that someone else has used. I know it is a shot in the dark, but I figured I would turn to my home brew brethren before I consulted the almighty google.

 

[MaxStout]

I had never heard of mamajuana until now. Intrigued, I went to the Googles and found this.

Looks tasty.

Edit: I wonder if you could make a faux version of that using spiced rum, honey and wine.

 

[IslandLizard]

I guess to clarify… I am not really asking for the contents but more of a recipe that someone else has used.

I posted the Wiki link to give others here an idea what this beverage is about.

Some of the ingredients are common and easy to source.
But making the real thing hinges on which kinds of bark and herbs to use, giving its unique flavor/aroma.

Many spice/herb/botanical liquors (Jägermeister, Beerenburg, etc.) are produced by steeping herbs and spices in 80-100% alcohol, then cutting it to a 30-42% alcohol product that is sold and consumed.

 

[McHop]

Look around, they sell bottles at the gift shops with just the bark and spices. There is a recipe on the bottle on how to mix in the alcohol components. Be safe while you're there.

 

[LudovicoManin]

So, after asking around the resort to a few of the bartenders, it seems that the organic material that goes into mama Juana can be sourced through market places like Etsy. Who knew? Figured it was worth mentioning for anyone who wants to try making this tasty concoction at home.

The organic material can be used multiple times in the same bottle and can last up to 10 years given the right conditions.

I’d be interested if anyone wants to give it a go and letting me know how it turns out.

Thanks for all your help!