Did you know that in Ibiza, you get a glass of Hierbas after dinner at almost every restaurant? If you don’t… run! It’s probably not a good restaurant!
Origins: From Monks to Farmers
The history of Hierbas Ibicencas dates back to ancient times when the Phoenicians, who arrived in Ibiza around 654 BC, brought their knowledge of distillation and herbal infusions. However, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the first true version of Hierbas began to take shape.
During this time, monks and apothecaries on the island started experimenting with local herbs and plants, searching for medicinal remedies. They combined aniseed, rosemary, thyme, fennel, juniper, sage, and lemon verbena all of which grow abundantly in Ibiza to create a powerful digestive aid and cure for common ailments.
As centuries passed, local farmers and villagers adopted the practice, making their own homemade Hierbas recipes. Each family had its own secret blend, passed down through generations, which is why no two bottles of Hierbas taste exactly the same!
🍹 How Hierbas Became Ibiza’s Signature Drink
Hierbas Ibicencas started as a health tonic, mainly consumed after meals to aid digestion. But over time, it became much more than that it turned into a symbol of Ibizan hospitality.
By the 19th and early 20th centuries, the drink was commonly served at social gatherings, weddings, and celebrations. Locals would offer Hierbas to guests as a gesture of warmth and friendship, much like how Italians serve limoncello (but i do prefer Hierbas shhhh)
Fast forward to the 1950s and 60s, when tourism in Ibiza began to boom. Travelers from all over the world visited the island, and many of them discovered Hierbas for the first time in small countryside bars or beachfront restaurants. It quickly became a beloved part of the Ibiza experience, and tourists started bringing bottles back home as souvenirs (Although it taste better on the island, but i guess that’s just the ibiza vibes that make it almost magical…)
The Commercial Boom: From Homemade to Iconic
For many years, Hierbas remained a homemade, small-scale production, made in households and small distilleries. But everything changed in 1880 when Juan Mari Marí Mayans, a visionary local entrepreneur, decided to create a more standardized and commercial version of the drink.
He founded Familia Marí Mayans, which is now the most famous Hierbas brand in Ibiza. Their version of the liqueur became widely available, making it easy for both locals and visitors to enjoy the drink without having to brew it themselves. Today, the Marí Mayans brand is still one of the most recognized producers of Hierbas, exporting it beyond Spain.
How to Drink Hierbas Like a True Ibicenco
One of the best things about Hierbas Ibicencas is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in different ways, depending on the occasion and personal preference. Here’s how locals typically drink it:
- Straight (chilled or at room temperature) – The traditional way! Served in a small shot glass, usually after a meal.
- With ice (“con hielo”) – A more refreshing version, perfect for hot summer nights.
- In cocktails – While not traditional, modern mixologists have started incorporating Hierbas into creative cocktails, pairing it with citrus, soda, or even gin.
- With coffee – Some locals enjoy adding a splash of Hierbas to their espresso for an extra kick!
No matter how you drink it, Hierbas always carries the essence of Ibiza in every sip.
Fun Anecdotes & Legends About Hierbas
- Secret Recipes & Family Feuds: Many Ibizan families have their own closely guarded Hierbas recipes. Some have even led to friendly rivalries between neighbors over who makes the best batch!
- The “First Sip” Tradition: Some Ibicencos believe that the first sip of Hierbas should be taken with the left hand to bring good luck.
- The “Magical” Bottle: It is said that if you leave a bottle of Hierbas on your windowsill overnight, it will absorb the energy of the Ibizan moon and taste even better the next day!
Do you want to have a taste of the island all year round ? Look at these amazing properties on Ibiza.
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