It is a truth known amongst food connoisseurs and enthusiasts that the art of culinary and mixology techniques require a combination of expertise and an artistic touch in order to create new flavours that will open up new experiences and touch the hearts of those who taste it.
With the arrival of the Michelin Guide, the Thai culinary scene has become more exciting than ever. Beverages, which are a crucial part in fulfilling a memorable meal, are thus equally important. The current trend of using local ingredients in food and beverages has seen more bartenders experimenting and incorporating local ingredients into their creations. Now that the quality of Thai spirits is on a par with those from international labels, the use of Thai spirits is a means to elevate the flavours of Thailand to an international level. As such, Mekhong, The Spirit of Thailand for almost 80 years, has decided to launch the ‘Mekhong Thai Spirit Cocktails 2018’ campaign for the second consecutive year after its major success in 2017.
Aiming to search for the best Thai cocktail, the campaign seeks for creations that truly represent the unique identity of Thai spirits and local ingredients on an international level. Last year, the cocktail ‘Koon Suek’ from Baan Suriyasai and ‘Thong’ from Tep Bar became the two representative cocktails served at the world’s most distinguished culinary event—the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok 2018 Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner.
“This year, Mekhong has shortlisted 11 cocktails from 11 bars and restaurants from across the country. Each of the creations tells a unique and charming story about Thailand and its tradition, culture, and history,” says Sansiri Yodmeungcharoen, Assistant Marketing Director of Thai Beverage Marketing Company Limited.
Over a period of one month, Mekhong had invited the Thai public to vote for their favourite cocktails out of the 11 shortlisted entries on Mekhong’s Facebook page. Aside from online voting, part of the results also came from an esteemed body of judges who chose two winners—‘Rin Kam Lam Khong’ from Pullman Bangkok King Power and ‘Nuan’ from Tep Bar.
The inspiration behind the two winners of Mekhong Thai Spirit Cocktails 2018.
“Rin Kam Lam Khong" draws inspiration from the Mekhong rum, whose name derives from the Mekong river. Flowing from the Golden Triangle, the river is a source of life that brings forth growth and abundance to whichever area it flows through. Hence, the cocktail infuses a blend of herbal tea consisting of galangal, lemongrass, and pandan as a base. Tracing its route, the Mekong river flows past Loei province, which is known for its excellent sweet tamarinds before reaching Ubon Ratchathani province—its last stop before leaving Thailand. Here, it gives life to the province’s renowned banana chips, another ingredient used in the cocktail. Mixing the ingredients together, the result is a unique flavour that conveys the abundance and fertility brought by the Mekong river,” explains Aekachai Khongsri, the mixologist behind the ‘Rin Kam Lam Khong’ cocktail from Pullman Bangkok King Power.
Mixologist Watchara Warodom of Tep Bar, winner for two consecutive years, explains: “The name ‘Nuan’ refers to the ivory colour of a milled rice grain—a food source and sustenance that has fed the people of Thailand for over 5,000 years. The cocktail ‘Nuan’ hence conveys its story through the blend of jasmine rice milk from Thailand’s renowned hom mali 105 jasmine rice. Under royal patronage, the hom mali 105 is fragrant, making it a perfect combination for ‘Mekhong’ The Spirit of Thailand, whose ingredients include milled glutinous broken rice. The resulting taste is a subtle aroma from the rice milk with a touch of natural sweetness from stevia and a light acidity from Tep Bar’s jasmine rice vinegar. The puffed rice cracker and indigenous rice cracker on the rim of the glass provides an additional texture and flavour to the cocktail.”
Through their unique inspiration and flavours, the two winning cocktails were chosen and served during the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2019 Star Revelation and Gala Dinner—an excellent opportunity for Thai mixologists to showcase the spirit of Thailand and their cocktails to leading figures in the food and beverage industry from across the world.
Sparking inspiration and pride, the two cocktails demonstrate how local Thai ingredients and quality Thai spirits like Mekhong can be used to create astounding cocktails that represent the unique character of Thailand, as well as elevating Thai mixologists and their creations to an international level.
This content was brought to you by Mekhong, Official Supplier of the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok 2018.
To know more about Mekhong www.mekhong.com, https://www.facebook.com/mekhongthailand/.
