The origin of the name Mama Juana (or mamajuana) comes from the English word Demijohn, which refers to a large squat bottle with a short narrow neck, usually covered in wicker. It is thought to be derived from the French Dame Jeanne (Lady Jane), a term which is also still used to describe this bottle. In the Spanish-speaking countries, Dame Jeanne was transformed into Dama Juana and later, into Mama Juana (Mother Jane). Mamajuana.
Mamajuana today is better known as a “spiced rum” from the Dominican Republic. There are many recipes but basically it is a concoction of dark rum, red wine, and honey aged with tree bark and specific herbs. Originally theses ingredients were soaked in that little stubby bottle (the Mama Juana).
The resulting color is deep red and the taste is very close to that of port wine. In many countries where it is legal to make powerful claims about alcohol beverages it is advertised as an aphrodisiac.
Many native Dominicans claim it has similar effects to Viagra. Women have also claimed that it enhances sexual desire… WOW…but legally we can’t make any of these claims here in the US! That might be a good thing… don’t we already have enough of those irritating ads running all the time?
So, for all you herbalists out there… Basically, Mama Juana is a combination of tree bark and herbs left to soak (age) in rum… mostly dark rum is used but white rum is used quite often too. Then honey is added and of course red wine. The local leaves, sticks and roots used vary from region to region but here is a list of the most frequently used:
Anamu (Petiveri alliacea), Anis Estrellado (Illicium verum)
Bohuco Pega Palo (Cissus verticillata), Albahaca (Ocimim basilicum)
Canelia (Cinnamodendron ekmanii), Bojucco Caro (Princess Vine)
Marabeli (Securidaca virgata), Clavo Dulce (Whole clove)
Maguey (Agave spp.) leaves, Timacle (Chiococca alba)
Precise recipes for mixing these ingredients vary greatly and following the recipes is said to be quite an art. Not to worry… there is an authentic version of Mama Juana available in the US right now. HISPANIOLA MAMAJUANA, 60 proof from The Dominican Republic. This original Dominican herbal rum liqueur with mythical power is the true taste of Dominican lifestyle. It can be shipped to all 50 States.
Click here for more information.
The “Captain” suggests that drinking his spiced rum makes you pose your leg in a certain peculiar way… Hispaniola Mamajuana vaguely suggests that drinking its Mamajuana will make any extremity-of-your-choice pose in any way you want. Now which would you rather want to do??? Please pose responsibly.


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