Gifiti (also guifiti, giffidy, geffideeGifiti: The Best Roatan Souvenir) is a rum-based bitters, made by soaking roots and herbs in rum. It is traditionally made by the Garifuna people of the Caribbean coast of Central America. Gifiti is traditionally used medicinally, with different compositions for men and women, but is also consumed recreationally, most commonly as shots. Color depends on composition; it is often green or brown. It is one of the peculiarities of the Caribbean region. Composition Recipes vary, but common ingredients are as follows.Gifiti ingredients?
Local ingredients include: Chrysobalanus icaco (coco plum) Guaco Morinda citrifolia (noni) Quassia amara (hombre grande, "big man"), particularly for men, as it is reputed to increase male sexual potency (erection strength and duration)Guifiti: The Traditional Drink of the Garifuna, Jason Carloni Smilax ornata (Honduran sarsaparilla) Tagetes lucida Tilia Turnera diffusa (damiana) Uncaria tomentosa (vilcacora, cat's claw)
More familiar ingredients include: allspice (Pimenta dioica) anise clove (Syzygium aromaticum) chamomile garlic (Allium sativum) ginger whole cane sugar (panela)
Availability
Gifiti is common in areas with Garifuna people, notably Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Gifiti is frequently made at home, with varying recipes. It is also available commercially, such as from Travellers Liquors of Belize.
References