In previous news, we have already mentioned that we planned to open a bar on the terrace at the Museum of Ayahuasca, which is being created on the territory of our Ecolodge. Despite the difficulties associated with the quarantine, we have almost finished the work on its registration. The opening of this small but cozy place called “Taste of Peru” is planned for the near future.
How not to rip your pants?
Peruvian selva is famous for its infusions (or liqueurs) on medicinal plants based on sugarcane moonshine. Our bar will present the products of the best regional producers, both the liqueurs themselves and the original snacks. There are a large number of original recipes for liqueurs and cocktails based on them, which, according to local residents, get rid of any diseases and problems and help to raise everything that should be at its best. And first of all – the mood! Only the listing of the titles of these wonderful drinks is guaranteed to raise the level of positiveness.
For example, RC liqueur (Spanish Rompe Calzon – “Ripping pants”) owes its name to a composition of aphrodisiacs and blood-dispersing plants such as Chuchuhuasi, Fiero Caspi, Cumaseba, Clavo Huasca. The most experienced producers add the penis bone of the local animal Achuni to the drink to give even more magical power. Drinking such a tincture in its pure form, you risk at least your pants (local joke, nothing superfluous). 😊 But there are also more “gentle options” of use, for example, in the form of cocktails. Perhaps the most popular RC cocktail is Almost Virgin.
Another good example of the Amazonian tinctures with an easy to remember name is “7 Roots” (Spanish 7 Raices). It is made from the roots and juices of 7 plants, the composition of which varies depending on the manufacturer. Classic composition: Uña de Gato, Murare, Icoja, Chuchuhuasi, Fiero Caspi, Sangre de Grado and Cumaseba. This healing potion, according to local curanderos-“natural healers”, should be taken after waking up and before going to bed, so that life is filled with health and joy. Well, if you wanted to combine business with pleasure, then a light cocktail called “Selva Libre” was invented on the basis of this medicinal tincture. Drink and be free!
Among the special Amazonian tinctures, which are called here “macerados”, there are quite exotic options: for example, on the Suri palm caterpillars and on the Mamaco ants. And if you’re lucky, you can find unique tinctures on snakes, turtles and caimans! They say that they give strength not only in love pleasures, but also in work and study. The main thing is not to be afraid to try!
We don`t drink, but we are healed…
Let’s take a closer look at some of the Peruvian “specialties”. They really are not only alcoholic drinks and aphrodisiacs, but also medicinal agents. Liqueurs Siete Raíces (“Seven Roots”), R.C. – Rompe Calzón (or Raíces Completas), Para-Para, Levántate Lázaro (Risen Lazarus), Chuchuhuasi (natural Viagra), Uña de Gato (Cat’s claw), Uvachado, Kiruma, Aguaje serve as aphrodisiacs for both men and women.
R.C. (alcohol content – 22%) is used to obtain sexual arousal and as a measure against frigidity and infertility by stimulating the central nervous system. In traditional medicine, liqueur is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent, an antidepressant and an immune system modulator. Helps women with menstrual cramps and uterine bleeding.
Chuchuhuasi (28%) increases libido and sexual satisfaction, as well as the strength of the reproductive organs. Helps against female frigidity and improves the hormonal system by regulating the menstrual cycle. Stimulates the functioning of the nervous and immune systems. It is also used to relieve abdominal pain, relax muscles, treat arthritis and rheumatism, prevent high blood pressure, malaria, pneumonia, etc.
7 Raices (36%) helps to increase the duration of intercourse, is used as a remedy against premature ejaculation and impotence.
Uña de Gato (38%) helps to strengthen the immune system, is used in folk medicine as a remedy for back pain, to cleanse the gastric tract and to prevent cancer. Tribes such as Ashaninca have used it from time immemorial to treat dysentery, restore the hormonal balance of the female body after childbirth.
Welcome to our bar!
In general, in Tarapoto, cocktails based on tinctures on edible Suri caterpillars and giant Mamaco ants are very popular, since it is believed that eating Suri is good for the health of the bronchi, and Mamakos are rich in vitamins and calcium. Although more common alcoholic drinks based on passionfruit, grapes, camu-camu berries, aguaje fruit, cocoa, coconut and coffee are also common. The alcohol content in local liqueurs starts at around 13% volume. Aphrodisiac liqueurs are usually infused with traditional ingredients for a long time during the preparation process. All components are of natural origin. Most drinks are based on condensed milk, fruit pulp and brandy (moonshine aged in barrels made from valuable Amazon wood). Local honey is often added.
As many of the local liqueurs and cocktails are designed to stimulate love desires, and in all corners of the globe since ancient times, the phallus has served as a symbol of fertility, we decided to decorate our bar accordingly. Indeed, in Peru, images of the phallus are present in the form of ceramic vessels and wooden objects both in pre-Columbian civilizations and in the colonial period. At our bar there will be a small but memorable exposition, for which we have collected “symbols” from all over the world. So, at the entrance, guests are greeted by a statue of Chuyachaki, an Amazonian goblin, a “brother” of a satyr from European mythology, about which we have already written in detail.
The Amazon is a unique place where you can find solutions to many questions and problems. The most important thing is to trust nature and try to get closer to it. Our bar is a place that continues the theme of the Museum of Ayahuasca and Medicinal Plants, where we would like to show and tell our guests about the unique culture of the Amazon, based primarily on an understanding of nature.