^ Areerat Lee (left) and Patcharee Champaphan, present Rochelle Clarke of the Glowbal Group with a bottle of Mekhong.
(Photography by Brian K. Smith)
The Bacchus Group recently hosted the Western Canadian launch of Mekhong at Sanafir Restaurant & Lounge. Guests were treated to glasses of Sabai Sabai—a Mekhong signature cocktail, also known as the ‘Thai welcome drink’—and Sanafir’s own Mekkong concoction, the Typhoon. The kitchen offered a selection of delectable Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres to accompany the cocktails. Adding to the flavour of the evening, boxers from Universal Martial Arts provided a demonstration of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport.
Mekhong was first produced in 1941 by Sura Bangyikhan Co., Ltd., Thailand’s first distillery. It rose rapidly in popularity amongst Thais, helped in part by a dispute with France over their border with Laos along the Mekong River. Mekhong inspired Thai nationalist sentiment, thus becoming “The Spirit of Thailand,” much like Tequila is associated with Mexico and Cachaça, Brazil.
^ The red and gold ribbon tied around the neck of each Mekhong bottle is a symbol of good luck, like the ones Mekong River boaters tie around their vessels to ward off evil spirits.
^ Raul enjoys a spicy Typhoon, Sanafir’s signature Mekhong cocktail.
^ A delicious selection of Sanafir’s bite-size delicacies.
^ Boxers from Universal Martial Arts give a demonstration of Muay Thai.
Mekhong has been mistakenly called a whisky. In fact, it’s more like a rum, being made from a combination of 95% sugar (in the form of molasses) and 5% broken glutinous rice, blended with a mixture of indigenous herbs and spices. The 35% ABV spirit is versatile in cocktails. Undoubtedly, it will quickly become a staple in local Thai restaurants, ready to offer you some sabai.
SABAI SABAI
1 1/2 shots Mekhong
1 1/2 shots fresh lemon juice
3/4 shot simple syrup
pinch fresh sweet Thai basil
Club Soda
Pour Mekhong and the rest of the ingredients, except club soda, into a mixing glass; add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top off with club soda and garnish with a sprig of basil.
~ RG
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for including me in your write up! :) It was nice to be there with all of you!
Muay Thai is their national sport? That’s awesome.
Now, back to photoshopping myself into that picture.