A nine day cocktail festival is set to bring more Chinese festivities to London this month, where aficionados can celebrate the Year of the Monkey
Baijiu Cocktail Week is launching on Friday (February 5th) for the third year to celebrate the Chinese New Year .
But what is Baiujiu and why is there a cocktail week here in London? Here are your questions answered...
What is Baijiu?
Supposedly the oldest spirit in the world, Baijiu is China's China’s most popular and traditional drink.
For thousands of years it has been regarded as a drink to mark celebrations and strengthen bonds, both business and family.
It dates back to ancient times when soldiers would celebrate their battle victories with baijiu.
At over 600 years-old, Shui Jing Fang originates from China’s oldest continuous operating baijiu distillery.
Baijiu is a distilled white spirit, which means ‘white alcohol’ and is 52% proof.
It’s aromatic, with sweet, citrus and fermented notes and ripe plum aromas.
What should you say when drinking it?
To appreciate the baijiu you are drinking, it is necessary to consider the colour, aroma and taste –these three senses will determine the ‘type’.
A good baijiu should be bright, shiny and clear with no suspended particles and it is best served at room temperature in small tasting cups.
A celebratory toast takes place, 'Yum Sing' (Cantonese) or 'Gan Bai' (Mandarin) meaning 'cheers' before shooting or sipping baijiu.
It is traditional to drink baijiu with food rather than on its own.
What is Baijiu Cocktail Week?
Baijiu Cocktail Week launched in 2014 to raise awareness of baijiu and also hit the spot for cocktail aficionados.
With its distinct flavour, cocktails are a great way to be eased into appreciating this spirit.
There has been an increasing presence of baijiu outside of China which is why Chinese New Year is the perfect time to build on the world’s most consumed spirit, baijiu, which roughly translates as ‘white liquor’.
Where can I go to celebrate Cocktail Week?
As well as longstanding bars hosting once again, such as Bo Drake, Hutong at The Shard, Opium, and Ping Pong Dim Sum , there will also be celebrations at 68 & Boston, China Tang at The Dorchester, Demon, Wise & Partners, The Hide, plus Nam Long which is believed to be the first UK-based restaurant to specialise in the strong-flavoured rice and grain-based drink.
Asian inspired cocktails will be served at these bars and restaurants using Shui Jing Fang baijiu.
