Get to Know Baijiu a Bit Better This World Baijiu Day, Aug 9

Vincent R. Vinci, Contributing Editor | Aug 9, 2023 4:13 pm | Add a comment | 297 reads

白酒 Báijiǔ (lit. white liquor) – the Chinese spirit that’s been compared to everything from lighter fluid to rocket fuel. No matter how long we’ve been in China, we all have that one experience with this potent and strong liquor -- which usually clocks in at around 53 percent ABV and up (and if you haven’t yet, you just soon might).

But for all the bad lip service baijiu gets, it’s grown on quite a few people, ourselves included, because when you get past the initial fiery persona of this liquor, there’s nuance and a diverse array of flavors and variety to be found.

Baijiu is made primarily from sorghum, rice, or glutinous rice, with some varieties using wheat, barley, millet, corn, or yam in their mashbills. It’s distilled via a process called solid-state fermentation, in which a starter containing yeast – called a 曲 qǔ – is combined with the base ingredient to begin fermentation without any liquid added. Once fermented, the resulting mash is then distilled into baijiu and stored in earthenware jars and set to age anywhere from six months to three or four years.

Those who count themselves as baijiu lovers are in good company. The spirit is enjoyed all over China, with 10 billion liters being produced every year on average. Plus, baijiu has gone well beyond just something to drink in quick shots – as it’s traditionally enjoyed – showing up on cocktail menus across China and even around the world.

If you haven’t tried it already, then today (Aug 9) is the perfect day to do so: World Baijiu Day. Founded in 2015 by nightlife blogger, wine and baijiu expert Jim Boyce, who chose the day of Aug 9 because the Chinese words for August and 9th (八 bā and 九 jiǔ) and sound close to baijiu.

World Baijiu Day was founded, in Boyce’s own words, not with the aim of convincing anyone to become a baijiu lover, but instead to “give people the chance to try one of the planet’s most intriguing spirits.” You can do just that at the following bars and venues, who feature special baijiu cocktails or are putting on special events for the holiday.

Beijing Beijing 2.0 – Burge’s Bistro & Bar

One of our favorite burger spots has a special baijiu drink on their menu. The Beijing Beijing 2.0 (RMB 68) is baijiu paired with fresh pear, lemon, egg white, cinnamon, and club soda. It’s a gem according to Boyce, who calls it balanced, complex, and “a tasty way to experience baijiu.”

Tang & Other Drinks – MO Bar

Next on the list is MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, who have a new baijiu cocktail on their food trends-themed cocktail menu called Tang (RMB 158). Starting with a base of Jingye Ergoutou baijiu and duck fat-washed Diplomatico white rum, mixed with honey, apple vinegar, cherry foam, clarified cucumber, and a special sweet sauce. Boyce also recommends two drinks from previous themed menus, which you can read more about here.

Stupid ‘80s Disco x WBD Party – DADA Beijing

At nightclub DADA Beijing you’ll find permanent baijiu cocktail The Chinglish, but it’ll be joined by a selection of baijiu cocktails and shooters come Aug 12, as part of a special ‘80s disco and World Baijiu Day party sponsored by Tabb Baijiu.