3 October 2012
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
www.drinkaware.co.uk
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