Beerenburg


Beerenburg is a Dutch drink, made by adding herbs to jenever, with about 30% alcohol.
The original Beerenburg was made in the mid-19th century with a secret mixture of spices made by the Amsterdam spice merchant Hendrik Beerenburg, to whom it owes its name. Soon local Beerenburg varieties emerged, each with its own recipe. These were, however, not allowed to use the name Beerenburg, which is why there are variations on the spelling, such as Berenburg and Berenburger.
Despite the Amsterdam origin of Beerenburg, the drink became the most popular in Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe. Related to Italian amaro.
In the European Union, Beerenburg classifies as a spirit drink.

Brands

Some famous brands of Beerenburg are Bokma, Sonnema, Weduwe Joustra, Plantinga – all in from Friesland. And Hooghoudt Kalmoes, from Groningen.