Why drinking damiana liqueur might turn you on

This beautiful elixir has a rep for sparking romance

If you’ve spent time in Cabo, you’ve probably had margaritas made with a golden-hued elixir said to have aphrodisiac properties: damiana. The herbal liqueur made from the leaves of a native plant is one of the hallmarks of the Baja Peninsula. You’ll find it served as a digestif or in cocktails everywhere, from the crowded airport bars to beautiful oceanside resorts.

The most famous producer’s fertility-goddess bottle and herbal flavor are unmistakable. Enrique Martinez Giles, head mixologist at Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos, relies on local flavors and traditions of Baja California Sur for his cocktail programs. To him, using damiana represents native ingredients and history and reinforces the beachside resort’s overall wellness philosophy.

“We incorporate damiana into cocktails that celebrate its ability to relax, revitalize, and enhance the dining experience,” he says. “Damiana acts as a bridge between local culture and modern mixology.”

But is it really an aphrodisiac? Whether it revs your engine or not, damiana is a wonderful liqueur that makes cocktails sing. Here’s more about its history, lore, and best uses — including a couple of Solaz recipes that will make you feel like you’re swinging in a sunset-colored hammock by the beach.

What is damiana?

Damiana, Turnera diffusa, is a small shrub with pale green leaves and aromatic yellow flowers. It grows particularly well along the Baja peninsula, as well as in Central and South America, Texas, and parts of California. The leaves and stems are gathered, dried, and used for everything from tinctures to teas and liqueur.

The use of the damiana plant goes back to the Mayans, but many seek out its healing and supposed libido-boosting properties today. Guaycura Distillery, named for Baja’s original inhabitants of the southern tip of Baja, is one of the most popular damiana liqueur brands. You’ll know it for the bottle shaped like a voluptuous fertility goddess, and its pretty yellow color and herbal taste. You’ll see Guaycura damiana liqueur all over Mexico, but it’s also widely available in the U.S.

“Damiana is a fascinating ingredient in mixology because it combines a cultural background with functional benefits,” says Giles.

What does damiana do to the body?

Damiana has been sought after for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Often sold in leaf form to use as a tea, it’s said to improve digestion and other stomach health issues, like reducing ulcers, fighting obesity and depression, and helping sexual dysfunction.

Using it to stimulate your libido isn’t scientifically proven, but that’s been a main draw to people outside of the region ever since Spanish missionaries noticed Indigenous people making sweetened damiana tea to enhance sexual performance for men and women.

With possible hallucinogenic properties, damiana is also a known additive for herbal cigarettes, but smoking it isn’t recommended (possessing, growing, or distributing the herb is actually illegal in Louisiana). But adding damiana liqueur to cocktails is, if anything, a great selling point when you’re looking for a bit of rest, relaxation, and romance, whether in Los Cabos or not.

What does damiana liqueur taste like?

Giles describes damiana’s unique flavor profile as sweet with hints of chamomile, anise, and a slight woodsy bitterness. It’s often used instead of triple sec in margaritas (some say it was integral to the first margarita), giving the drink a subtle herbal note. It’s also a smooth sipper on the rocks.

He recommends balancing the flavor with lemon, grapefruit, other citrus, and natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar to enhance damiana’s antioxidant properties.

“It also works wonderfully with botanical distillates such as gin or amaro, which complement its herbal essence,” he adds. “In my creations, damiana brings an element that combines flavor with wellness, adding depth to both the taste and sensory experience.”

If that experience turns you on, even better!

Cocktails featuring damiana liqueur

Giles likes how damiana’s herbal notes add character and complexity to any cocktail he creates at Solaz. The fact that it supports digestive health and has relaxing properties ups the game. As far as the libido stuff goes? That’s up to you to decide.

Baja Sunset

“This cocktail highlights the heritage of Baja California Sur, combining the antioxidant properties of damiana with the vibrant flavors of tropical fruits,” says Giles. “It is an invitation to relax and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and sour.”

Ingredients

1/2 ounce mezcal

1 ounce damiana liqueur

1 ounce orange juice

1 ounce passion fruit puree

1/2 ounce agave nectar

1 ounce prosecco

Damiana sprig or edible flower (for garnish)

Directions

To a cocktail shaker filled 1/3 with ice, add the mezcal, damiana, orange juice, passion fruit puree, and agave nectar and shake vigorously. Strain the ingredients into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Top with prosecco and garnish with a sprig of damiana or edible flower.

Diamond Gin

“Inspired by digestive tonics, this cocktail is light and refreshing, perfect for relaxing after a meal,” says Giles. “Damiana and rosemary work together to relieve tension and aid digestion.”

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounce gin

3/4 ounce damiana liqueur

1/2 ounce honey

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

Tonic water

Grapefruit slice (for garnish)

Rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Directions

To a cocktail shaker filled 1/3 with ice, add the gin, damiana liqueur, honey, and lemon juice. Shake well. Strain into a Collins or wine glass filled with ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with rosemary and a grapefruit crescent.

About Lesley Balla

Based on the West Coast, Lesley has covered the food and beverage, travel, entertainment and lifestyle beat for more than 20 years. She’s written for numerous digital and print publications, including Taste of Home, Resy, Food Fanatics, Eater, Los Angeles magazine, Zagat, Angeleno, The Hollywood Reporter, Skift, The Seattle Times, and many more.

When she’s not road tripping with her husband and pup, she’s planning her next bucket-list vacation. Some all-time favorites: Tokyo, Amsterdam, San Sebastian, Paris, Cabo, and the San Juan Islands.