The base liquor in a cocktail is essential for its character and style. Currently there are six main spirits that dominate the world of bartending. Those are gin, rum, whisky, vodka, brandy and tequila. However, in our fast-paced world of ever-changing circumstance, there has been a new spirit on the rise. Chinese baijiu is becoming a more viable option for many bartenders, since baijiu manufacturers started targeting the international market. Some scene bars already feature baijiu cocktails on their menu.

Unfortunately, the spirit category with the world’s highest sales numbers has a somewhat antiquated image. The associated consumer group is typically middle-aged to older people. The characteristic aroma of Chinese baijiu is its trademark, but the strong pungency also limits the range of consumption scenarios–as for mixing. Some traditional liquor brands have tried to rejuvenate baijiu, hoping to open the market of young people. However, the acceptance in that market segment is still comparably low. Priming baijiu as a base for cocktails, could bring the turning point in perception.

In recent years, more and more baijius with light flavor have come out. This is due to the international demand, as well as the increased effort and innovation in development of blending techniques. JIANGXIAOBAI is a typical enterprise adept at producing innovative mild flavor baijius. With these new products coming to the market, the mixology scene has one more tile to play with in their creations.

Here are some ways to enjoy your mixed drink with baijiu:

Lowering the degree of alcohol, Sprite or coke make great mixers for light-aroma baijiu. As with whiskies, one could use a drop of water to activate the aroma compounds of baijiu. Or you could cover a plum with boiling water, add ice to cool the mix down and then add the plum to your favorite baijiu. If you like a strong taste, you can add 4 liters of water to half a bottle of baijiu. Down below, find some tasty cocktails with baijiu as a base:

1. Starlight at Midnight

30 ml light-aroma baijiu

1 small bag of Pop Rocks candy

100 ml cola

Method: Add 4 cubes of ice into highball, pour baijiu and cola in turns. Stir, then add Pop Rocks into glass. Finally, add straw for better drinking experience.

Profile: Sweet, refreshing and tasty. Hear the sound of the Pop Rocks while drinking.

2. Shanghai Nights

30 ml light-aroma baijiu

10 ml lemon juice

120 ml cola

1 slice of lemon

Method: Add two ice cubes to the glass and pour the lemon juice. Stir, then fill with cola. Decorate with lemon slice.

Profile: Long drink for a chill evening chat with your friends.

3. Red Sorghum

15 ml light-aroma baijiu

40 ml dry red wine

1 piece of lemon peel or orange peel

Method: Add four ice cubes to the mixing glass. Pour baijiu and dry red wine in turn. Stir for a while, then strain into cocktail glass. Add one piece of lemon peel or orange peel.

Profile: This cocktail is dry and appealingly fragrant.

Baijiu cocktails might still be flying under the radar, but if you like trying new things, don’t hesitate to ask your local bartender for a new mix.

JIANGXIAOBAI is one of the pioneers in baijiu cocktails. Its J-Mix project has been specifically launched to create innovative new mixed drinks and involve the world of bartenders with baijiu. This year, the producer of sorghum spirits provided the official liquor for the IBA (International Bartenders Association) competition.

For more information, please visit: https://www.jiangjidistillery.com/