Mamajuana: A Drink You Must Try While You’re in Punta Cana

Is mamajuana known as an aphrodisiac? YES, IT IS. We locals call it the Dominican Viagra. Mama, what, you ask? You know, the spiced rum you may have drunk straight from the top of its bottle on the street (oh, was that just me?) or perhaps as an after-dinner liqueur. This Dominican mamajuana blends cinnamon, medicinal leaves, and herbs into a sweet yet fiery concoction that will leave you breathless, maybe even a little “frisky.”

What Is Mamajuana? (Mama Juana)

Locals make this spiritual drink from my Dominican Republic with rum, red wine, and honey. They soak it in a glass bottle with tree bark and herbs. On some excursions, like Dune Buggies and Safari, you will have the chance to try this amazing drink. The Taino Indians first prepared mamajuana as an herbal tea made with water, tree bark, and herbs, alcohol was added later. In the post-Columbus era, alcohol was added to the mamajuana recipe.

The mixture of bark, tree leaves, and herbs varies depending on the region. There are various versions of the drink, including the following types of vegetation, which are key mamajuana ingredients:

• Anam (Petiveria alliacea)
• Anis Estrellado (Illicium verum)
• Bohuco Pega Palo (Cissus verticillata)
• Albahaca (Ocimum basilicum)
• Canelilla (Cinnamodendron ekmanii)
• Bojuco Caro (Princess Vine)
• Marabeli (Securidaca virgata)
• Clavo Dulce (Whole Clove)
• Maguey (Agave spp.) leaves
• Timacle (Chiococca alba)

(source: Wikipedia.org)

Preparation: Making Mamajuana

There are many ways to prepare mamajuana. For example, another one, but no less famous, includes seafood, cinnamon, gin, rum, honey, a stick called Brazil, and raisins. In fact, this last ingredient is the key and the reason why this drink became popular.

However, don’t believe just me—believe my ancestors, who are wiser than I am.

Besides that, mamajuana is not only an aphrodisiac drink but also valued for its medicinal uses. Specifically, the benefits include flu remedies, improved digestion and circulation, blood cleansing, and kidney and liver support. Interesting, huh?

Moreover, many Dominicans believe cinnamon mixtures help stabilize blood sugar and support those with diabetes. In addition, locals believe cloves relieve pain. Similarly, honey has been a natural remedy for centuries, and Dominicans believe it can cure the flu and boost energy. Therefore, these mamajuana health benefits make it more than just an alcoholic beverage.

Strength – The combination of the dark rum known in the Dominican Republic as Gasoline, mixed with wine and soaked in the bark and herb mixture, makes this drink very potent. You should only drink small shots and limit how many you take. Drinking too many shots at once can cause alcohol poisoning.

Taking Mama Juana Home To The US Or Canada – What You Need To Know

Producers bottle mamajuana in two ways. Producers sell two types. The first has only herbs and tree bark, so you can mix rum and wine yourself. The second is a ready-to-drink version that comes pre-soaked and prepared.

Neither the US nor Canadian customs do not permits the transport of mamajuana if it is not in its liquid form. If you carry dry mamajuana ingredients home, Customs may confiscate them. U.S. customs officials appear to be wise to the beverage and will ask you straight out if you are bringing back mamajuana. Customs officers allow liquid versions under alcohol import rules, but they confiscate dry ingredients on the spot.

Let’s go have a shot now! I hope you enjoy this post and try this drink whenever you come to visit Punta Cana. Remember, mamajuana is not just a drink, but a piece of Dominican culture and history, evolving from the ancient mamajuana tea to the potent elixir we know today. So, when in Punta Cana, don’t forget to experience the unique taste and mamajuana benefits for yourself.