Baijiu has been pleasing taste buds for almost a thousand years, and finally, this audacious Chinese spirit is getting the limelight it truly deserves. With World Baijiu Day in August, we thought of suggesting some Baiju cocktail ideas that swap your common spirits for bold baijiu. It’s unapologetically robust, on the face, and versatile enough to elevate your cocktail game. Get sipping and swirling and hop onto this baijiu-tiful journey.
The Hot Toddy is a classic favorite to have on a cold, lazy day. The Hot Toddy never goes out of trend, so we thought of introducing you to a version that brings you the strong flavors of baijiu. The bitter, strong flavor of the baijiu is toned down perfectly by the comparatively sweeter whiskey, lemon juice, and honey. It’s warmly comforting to have this drink on days when getting up from bed feels like a mammoth task, or just when it's raining cats and dogs. Note it down!
Also Read: 6 Hot Cocktails To Try When It’s Raining Cats And Dogs
This drink is a spin on the classic Thai Tom-Yum. The authentic sweet and spicy flavors of a Tom-Yum remain while you get acquainted with unexpected baijiu. Don’t worry, the results won’t disappoint you. Oh, and did you notice its beautiful dark violet color? How can a cocktail be delicious and beautiful both at the same time? We don’t know, maybe ask about this ‘Yum’ drink.
The Pineapple Smash is a refreshing one in a slew of baijiu cocktails. It combines all the different refreshing ingredients that you could imagine - be it lime juice, basil leaves, or pineapple. Sipping away at this simple baijiu drink will take you on a serene walk along the beaches of China, and you wish to not return to reality. Sadly, you’d have to return to reality to make this recipe and try it out yourself. The Pineapple Smash is truly a smashing, and rejuvenating cocktail - we can guarantee that!
Also Read: Your Guide To Michelada This National Michelada Day
The peppy 70s gave us one of the most iconic bands of all time in the form of Creedence. Their famous Born On The Bayou is what gave this drink its peculiar, yet interesting name. The Born On The Baijiu combines rare, unexpected flavors to create a concoction that’d only reinstate your cre(e)dence into the fact that baijiu cocktails can be delicious (if you didn’t believe it in the first place).
A boomerang might end up hitting you if you don’t catch it on time. This Boomerang, true to its name, hits you, but right in your taste buds! This classic rye cocktail gets a baijiu upgrade that we wish happened sooner. Why, you may ask? We recommend tasting it yourself. The Bittersweet Boomerang easily ranks high up in some of the best baijiu cocktails out there.
If you are obsessed with cereals, and killers - pardon, we meant killer baijiu cocktails, this drink is right up your alley. The refreshing, and nostalgic drink is just as delicious as appealing. After all, which adult wouldn’t love a cocktail exquisitely decorated with edible pebbles and whipped cream? This is what we are using our adult money for, and we mean it ‘cereaously’!
To make fruity-pebble-infused baijiu:
Baijiu might seem like a tough player to play with, but this list of creative, lip-smacking cocktails says otherwise. Whether you're crafting a classic baijiu cocktail or inventing your daring concoction, remember, it's all about celebrating the rich cultural heritage behind each sip. So, grab your shakers, and a bottle of baijiu and celebrate this World Baijiu Day by trying your hand at these baijiu cocktails.
What Is Baijiu?Baijiu is a strong distilled spirit from China, traditionally made from grains like sorghum, rice, wheat, or corn. It's known for its potent aroma and high alcohol content, typically ranging from 40% to 60% ABV.Can Baijiu Be Used In Place Of Other Spirits In Cocktails?Certainly! Baijiu's versatility extends to substituting traditional spirits like vodka, gin, or rum in cocktails, infusing them with its distinct flavor to create exotic variations on classic recipes or inspiring entirely new concoctions.Where Can I Buy Baijiu?Baijiu can be purchased at speciality liquor stores, online retailers, and sometimes at Asian markets or supermarkets with a diverse liquor selection. It's increasingly available in major cities globally due to growing interest in Chinese spirits.What Does Baijiu Taste Like?Baijiu flavors vary widely depending on the type and production methods but often include notes of grains, fruits, herbs, and sometimes a slight sweetness or umami character. It's known for its complexity and depth of flavor.How Should Baijiu Be Served?Baijiu is typically enjoyed neat or with a splash of water at room temperature. However, it can also be chilled or used in cocktails where its robust flavors can shine through. In China, there is a dedicated etiquette to drink baijiu.Why Is Tom-Yum Called Tom-Yum?Originating in Thailand, the name "Tom Yam" translates to "boiling" or "hot". The Tom-Yum soup also derives its name from the same word.Is Hot Toddy Good For Health?A Hot Toddy is a comforting beverage that may provide relief from cold symptoms, similar to a bowl of soup or a steaming cup of tea. While it can soothe and hydrate, its healing benefits are primarily due to its comforting nature rather than any specific medicinal properties.Are Galangal And Ginger The Same?Despite their similar appearances, ginger and galangal are two different spices, differentiated by the way they taste.
