Drink to the spirit of China
Although still relatively little-known outside of its native country, the Chinese spirit baijiu is gaining a foothold among connoisseurs in the UK.
Pan-Asian food retailer Wing Yip reports that sales of the white spirit have risen significantly recently. Part of this is down to a spike in overseas visitors as a result of the London 2012 Olympics, but more and more Brits are trying it out because of the continuing interest in Chinese cuisine and culture.
Although there is a general lack of awareness in this country, baijiu is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. The name literally means ‘white liquor’, ‘white alcohol’ or ‘white spirits’ and is a clear drink usually distilled from sorghum or glutinous rice.
The spirit has been made for 5000 years and to this day forms the cornerstone of major Chinese celebrations. It is typically served warm or at room temperature in a small ceramic bottle. The baijiu is poured into small cups, similar to Japanese sake and Korean soju, though baijiu is much stronger. It is also typically consumed with food and, like whiskey, ranges in price from very little to thousands of pounds for a bottle.
Wing Yip stocks many brands, including the popular Maotai brand. This multi-award winning beverage first gained major international exposure when it was served to President Richard Nixon during a state banquet that took place during his historic visit to China in 1972. It is in such high demand that UK-based Chinese buy it in-store and ship it back to China.
There are unflavoured and flavoured varieties, with sugar, flowers, sugar, tea, bamboo and even pork fat added to taste.
With the festive season approaching, partygoers who want to impress their friends and family with something different may want to try baijiu. The strong taste confounds most western palates, but there is a growing trend towards using it in cocktails.
Baijiu Margarita
25ml lime juice
25ml triple Sec
25ml baijiu
Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. To take the edge off the taste, cut a thin slice of lime peel, scrape off the pith and run the twist around the lip of the glass. Then twist it over the drink to release the oils and drop it in.
Hair of the Tiger
25ml baijiu
30ml fresh pink grapefruit juice
15ml triple Sec
5ml simple sugar syrup
5ml fresh lime juice
Dash of citrus bitters
Shake hard and strain into a coupette glass, add another spray of citrus bitters to the surface of the drink.
Submarine
Similar to the US and UK ‘depth charge’, a submarine is simply a shot of baijiu dropped into a pint of lager. Not for the faint of heart!
Wing Yip promotes responsible drinking. For more information go to drinkaware.co.uk.
