Most Popular Traditional Chinese Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol plays a key role in many social and cultural events, including in Chinese traditions. Whether it’s at a traditional celebration or a modern gathering, Chinese alcoholic drinks bring people together and reflect a culture that has lasted for centuries. Here are four of the most popular Chinese drinks that you should know about.
Baijiu
Known as the national drink of China, Baiju is the most iconic and widely-consumed alcoholic beverage in the country. Baiju is a spirit typically made from sorghum or other grains.
There is a wide variety of baiju, available in a range of flavours from mild to intensely aromatic depending on where the bottle was produced. As a spirit, Baiju contains a high amount of alcohol, ranging anywhere between 35% to 60%! It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Baiju is often served during major celebrations, weddings, and holidays.
Huangjiu
Up next on the list of popular Chinese alcoholic drinks is huanjiu, which translates to “yellow wine.” This drink has been around for over 2,000 years!
Unlike baiju which is made from grains, huangjiu is brewed from rice. It has a milder alcohol content, with only 8% to 20%. In terms of flavours, huangjiu is rich and slightly sweet. It’s commonly consumed warm, so it’s popular during the colder months. This drink can also be used in cooking to enhance the flavour of dishes such as drunken chicken.
Mijiu
Another popular Chinese alcoholic drink is Mijiu. Like huangjiu, mijiu is a rice-based drink, commonly referred to as Chinese rice wine.
Mijiu is the Chinese equivalent of Japanese sake. It has a light and sweet flavour with a lighter alcohol content, coming in at around 10% to 20% per bottle. This ddrink is often served warm and is the go-to drink for traditional Chinese festivals.
Aside from celebratory purposes, mijiu is often used for its medicinal properties that are believed to improve blood circulation to keep the body warm.
Erguotou
Finally, on the list of popular Chinese alcoholic drinks is erguotou, a strong spirit that is actually still a variant of baijiu.
Erguotou is known for its budget-friendliness and accessibility – you can pretty much find it anywhere, particularly in Beijing. Because it’s so affordable, this drink has a special connection with the Chinese working class, especially blue-collar workers in urban areas. It also contains 50% ABV, meaning that even just a small serving of erguotou can warm you up after a long day of hard work.
Whether you prefer something light like beer or a stronger spirit like baijiu, Chinese drinks offer a wide variety to suit any palate. Exploring these beverages gives you a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, history, and social customs. The next time you’re at a celebration or dinner, be sure to sample one of these popular Chinese drinks or just buy it at your favorite liquor store!
