Ganbei! Celebrate World Baijiu Day in Beijing this Friday

Need an excuse to try the essential Chinese spirit? Now you have one

Baijiu: China's ubiquitous tipple. Around since the Song Dynasty, it's usually made of sorghum, has an alcohol percentage of up to an eye-watering 65 percent and is drunk by young and old alike in all kinds of settings. However, despite being the most consumed spirit in the world, most foreigners haven't heard of it – let alone tried it – before coming to China.

World Baijiu Day (WBD) wants to change that. For the past four years, there have been events in cities across the world that aim to bring people's attention to this drink, with restaurants and bars creating new cocktails, infusions and even foods (baijiu pizza anyone?).

Baijiu is set apart from other spirits partly by its ridiculously high alcohol percentage, but also by qu, the agent used for its fermentation that is made of compressed grains, with mould, bacteria, yeast and, often, bugs. You can also find special baijiu concoctions that leave bugs, such as bees, in the liquor once bottled.

Now for the fifth time, the WBD returns this Friday with three venues in Beijing mixing up their own take on the Chinese liqueur. If you can’t get to them, check out our guide on the best budget baijiu and host your own celebration at home. If you can't face the strength, then you can at least try to branch out by trying some alternative Asian spirits. 

Here's where to celebrate World Baijiu Day this Friday in Beijing:

World Baijiu Day at Pachapapi

Photo: Jim Boyce

Pachapapi. Fri 9. All day

Fancy a more sophisticated sip of baijiu? Head to Peruvian restaurant Pachapapi and dig into its baijiu-inspired drinks. Nibble on some ceviche and wash it down with baijiu-based cocktails. Enjoy a 30RMB off for El Brujo (48RMB). Created by bartender Alexander Holender all the way from Peruvian bar El Infusionista Bar in Lima, this concoction is a refreshing and bubbly take on erguotou and made with homemade berry liqueurs and blood orange soda. 

World Baijiu Day at Jing-A Brewpub

Photo: Jim Boyce

Jing A Brewpub Xingfucun. Fri 9. All day

For beer enthusiasts, Jing-A Brewpub is marking this WBD by pouring a bright and fruity sour beer brewed with qu, the brick of grain that’s used to start the fermentation of baijiu. Enjoy a pint of their 'qu brew’ this Friday night and an exclusive discount at 35RMB per glass.

World Baijiu Day at the Schoolhouse

Photo: Jim Boyce

The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu. Fri 9-Sun 11. 9am-9pm.

And to turn the WBD weekend into a truly adventurous one, veteran participant of the event, the Schoolhouse near the Mutianyu Great Wall, is offering baijiu spritzers (38RMB), and a gimmicky treat, deep-fried baijiu ice cream (48RMB). This offer is available from Friday to Sunday.

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