It started on a warm Friday night in Jakarta, where a group of friends gathered at a rooftop bar for their monthly “spirits tasting” ritual. The evening’s star? A bottle of baijiu — unfamiliar to most at the table.
“Do we shoot it?” someone asked, eyeing the tiny glass.
“Nope,” laughed Jono, the unofficial bartender of the group. “You sip baijiu. This isn’t clubbing — it’s a cultural experience.”
With that, three different glasses were poured: one neat, one on the rocks, and one blended into a citrusy cocktail. What followed was a round-the-table tasting that revealed just how versatile this Chinese spirit really is.
1. The Neat Pour — Tradition in a Sip
The first glass, served neat at room temperature, carried the weight of history. “This is how it’s been enjoyed for centuries,” Jono explained. “Especially with aged baijiu — the complexity comes alive without dilution.”
Sipping slowly, they picked up earthy, floral, and umami notes. It was intense but rewarding — a contemplative drink best suited for dinners, storytelling, or a quiet evening.
2. On the Rocks — A Gentle Introduction
The second glass, poured over a single large ice cube, mellowed the edges. “Perfect for lighter aroma types,” Jono said, as the group sampled a chilled Jiangxiaobai.
The flavour became crisper and softer, making it approachable for newcomers. As the ice melted, it gently diluted the spirit, opening up new flavours with every sip.
3. The Cocktail — Baijiu, Reinvented
Finally, the cocktail: a zesty Baijiu Mule with ginger beer and lime. Even the most skeptical faces lit up. “I could drink this all night,” one friend admitted.
Baijiu’s bold character held up beautifully in the mix, adding depth without overpowering. Other favourites that night included a Baijiu Mojito and a citrus-forward Baijiu Sour.
Final Verdict?
There’s no single “right” way to drink baijiu. Neat honours tradition. On the rocks invites ease. In cocktails, it becomes a whole new experience. The key is to explore — and find your own favourite way to enjoy it.
Whether you’re sharing stories with friends or experimenting behind the bar, baijiu proves itself as more than a spirit. It’s a journey — one sip at a time.
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