World Baijiu Day, celebrated each August 9, shines a spotlight on a spirit more prevalent than vodka, whiskey, or rum but remains a mystery outside China: Baijiu. This potent grain spirit, typically boasting a 53% alcohol content, represents about one-third of global hard liquor production.
The Reign of Baijiu
Baijiu is a powerhouse in the world of spirits. China produces the vast majority of the world’s baijiu, averaging around 10 billion liters per year. To put this into perspective, that’s enough to fill 4,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! If these liters were poured into shot glasses and stacked, they would reach the moon.
Despite its impressive production, baijiu remains relatively unknown beyond China’s borders. However, interest in this spirit is growing worldwide, with baijiu making appearances in liquor shops and bars, and even inspiring a few producers outside China to try their hand at creating their own versions.
World Baijiu Day: Making Baijiu Known Globally
World Baijiu Day aims to change the spirit’s low profile. Since its inception in 2015, partners in over 60 cities, from Melbourne to Minsk, Stockholm to Singapore, and Los Angeles to Lima, have joined in the celebration each August 9. The date was chosen for its linguistic significance in Mandarin, where the numbers for August 9, “ba” and “jiu,” sound close to “baijiu.”
A Global Celebration
World Baijiu Day events go beyond the traditional consumption of baijiu as warm shots accompanied by the toast “ganbei” (dry glass). These events include a variety of creative and modern takes on the spirit, featuring baijiu-inspired cocktails, infusions, and liqueurs. Participants can also enjoy baijiu-infused pizza, beer, and chocolate, and engage in quizzes, classes, and baijiu tasting flights.
The goal of World Baijiu Day is to introduce this fascinating spirit to a broader audience and celebrate its unique cultural heritage. As baijiu gains popularity, more people around the world will have the opportunity to experience its distinctive flavors and potent kick.
Enhancing Baijiu Cocktails with Fruit Mixers
To make baijiu even more accessible and enjoyable, incorporating fruit mixers can add a fresh twist to your cocktails. Fruit mixers are an easy way to add fresh fruit flavors to your drinks without the hassle of juicing, muddling, or dicing. They are typically made from a blend of fruit purees and juices. Some popular fruit mixers include:
Barmalade®: An all-natural, gluten-free fruit mixer provides fresh fruit taste without the work and is perfect for creating craft cocktails at home. Here’s why Barmalade® makes your cocktails better:
- Great Tasting: Essentially a liquid jam, it doesn’t take much to taste amazing.
- 100% All-Natural & Gluten-Free: No syrups, no dyes, no artificial or chemical ingredients.
- Easy 4-Step Cocktails: Create cocktail magic in under a minute.
- No Dicing, Juicing, or Muddling: Enjoy fresh fruit taste without the work.
- Long Shelf Life: Enjoy for up to 30 days after opening (refrigerated).
- Less Ingredients = Less Time: Spend less time making cocktails and more time with your friends.
- 10oz Bottle = 10+ Drinks: More than 3x per container compared to typical mixers.
- Wow Factor: Impress your friends with professional-tasting cocktails.
- Mocktails & More: Make delicious non-alcoholic drinks and use Barmalade® in desserts, as a marinade, in salad dressings, and much more.
- Jam-Packed with Fruit: Contains more fruit than water, unlike other mixers.
Discover Barmalade® Near You! Log in to your account and shop all Barmalade Flavors online 24/7. Businesses interested in stocking Barmalade® or have other inquiries can contact us at [email protected].
Join the Celebration
Founded in 2015, World Baijiu Day has seen rapid growth, with events held in over 60 cities to date. Each year, the event list expands, drawing in more bars, restaurants, consumers, and producers to celebrate this iconic Chinese spirit.
If you’re curious about baijiu and want to be part of a global movement to elevate this spirit, mark your calendar for August 9. Explore local events, try baijiu cocktails, and join the toast to “ganbei” as you discover the world’s most popular spirit that’s finally making its way onto the global stage.
