Damiana Liquor: Exploring the Tempting World of Baja’s Elixir

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Created in the outskirts of Todos Santos, the origin of Damiana liquor is the mixture of sugar cane liquor or Vodka, with the exquisite Damiana plant, with a soft flavor and singular aroma.

The climate of the Baja Peninsula is perfect for enjoying a relaxing Damiana liqueur.

Have you tried it? This drink is typical of the region and is attributed to digestive, soothing, and above all, aphrodisiac properties.

DAMIANA: Turnera diffusa is a shrub native to South Texas in the United States, Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the family Passifloraceae.

Damiana history

Turnera diffusa is a relatively small woody shrub that produces small, aromatic flowers. In early or late summer is followed by fruits that have a fig-like flavor.

The shrub is said to have a solid spice-like odor, somewhat like chamomile, due to the essential oils present in the plant famously recognized for its subtle aphrodisiac effects.

People native from Baja use Damiana for making tea

It is a rejuvenating elixir because it also provides antioxidants and is believed to be good for fertility. Its color is of an amber tone, and it has a sweet but very refreshing taste.

It grows mainly in Baja California but also in other parts of Central America. The qualities of this herb were discovered before the Spanish arrived in America. 

The indigenous people used it in their ceremonies because they considered that it had powers to stimulate sexual desire.

Damiana liquor and infusion as an aphrodisiac

Damiana is well known for its aphrodisiac effects.

But Damiana, either in liquor or tea, is also excellent for regulating the intestinal system and helps fight anxiety and tension.

Some people also add it to certain traditional dishes because of its intense aroma.

You can drink Damiana liqueur alone or on the rocks. Furthermore, it goes very well for certain cocktails (I will share my passionfruit-Damiana margarita recipe below!).

There is also Damiana syrup, used in certain drinks. The producers of this very sensual and flirtatious liqueur have added more ingredients such as orange, vanilla peel, honey, almonds, etc. without losing its scent and essence.

So now you know, if you have insomnia problems, or you get stressed easily, enjoy a glass of Damiana liqueur after eating or before going to sleep. You will wake up happier in the morning.

How to make Damiana liqueur

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. dried Damiana leaves
• 2 cups of high-quality vodka (or a sugar cane spirit, if you prefer)
• Glass jars with lids
• Coffee filters
• Funnel
• 2 liters of distilled water
• Airtight container
• Saucepan
• 1 cup of honey
• Glass bottle

Directions:

Place the Damiana leaves in the bottom of a glass jar, pour the Vodka, cover the pot tightly, and let stand for five days.

Place a coffee filter paper in the funnel and then the funnel in another glass jar with a lid. Strain the liquid, cover it, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Place the leaves in another airtight container along with the distilled water, close, and let stand for five days. Then, strain the water through a coffee filter. Heat over medium-high heat, dissolve the honey in the hot liquid, then add the alcohol.

Stir to mix well. Place the Damiana liqueur in a sterile glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Allow standing for one month before drinking.

Passionfruit Margarita with Damiana Liquor (You will love this one)

Ingredients for one serving:

• 2 small key limes
• 1/2 orange
• 1 tbsp passionfruit pulp
• 1 oz Damiana liquor
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 1.5 oz Añejo Tequila

Directions:

Squeeze the half orange and limes into a shaker, then add the rest of the ingredients, fill it with ice, and shake hard for about 10 seconds.

Strain and pour on a cocktail glass with fresh ice. Or a martini glass if you prefer straight up.

Depending on your taste preferences, you can always modify the ingredients. If you like it sweet, add an ounce of simple syrup.

Salud!