The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Award is always an eagerly anticipated event for diners and food enthusiasts. In addition to honoring exceptional restaurants, the spotlight on selected cocktails during the celebration adds another layer of excitement. The MICHELIN Guide Thailand Gala Dinner is poised to surpass expectations. The ceremony showcased the winning cocktail from the Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2023.
The competition, hosted by 'Mekhong,' the world-renowned Thai spirit, aimed to discover the single cocktail deserving of the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony. If you couldn’t attend the ceremony, fret not. The skilled bartender is here to reveal the concept, inspiration, and recipe behind the drink. Additionally, he will guide you through crafting this Mekhong cocktail, utilising the esteemed Mekhong premium Thai spiced rum.
‘Nuad Phaan Thai’, the champion of Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2023
An annual tradition of Mekhong the premium Thai spiced rum known as 'the Spirit of Thailand' involves the 'Mekhong The Spirit Competition,' a quest to discover the ultimate bartender capable of crafting an enchanting drink using this exceptional Mekhong spiced rum while showcasing the art of Thai mixology. This year, Pongsakorn Euphosin from 008 Bar clinched victory with his creation 'Nuad Phaan Thai (Thai massage).' The Mekhong cocktail is set to be featured during a bartender guest shift in Japan, introducing the vibrant flavours of Mekhong the 'One & Only Thai Spiced Rum' to the global audience.“‘Nuad Phaan Thai’ draws inspiration from premium Thai spiced rum like Mekhong, ignited by the notion of embodying the distinct and globally renowned Thai massage experience. I aimed to transform this experience into a revitalising and soothing drink. The outcome is a cocktail that mirrors the shared characteristics of Mekhong and Thai massage, both embracing an array of local herbs and spices.”
With its creative interpretation and remarkable taste, it's no surprise that 'Nuad Phaan Thai' won the first prize.
‘Nuad Phaan Thai’ recipe
Ingredients:- Mekhong: Premium Thai Spiced Rum, The Spirit of Thailand
- Syrup compress: Homemade by simmering peeled cumin, lemongrass, kaffir lime peel, and pounded coriander root (with leaves) in root beer. Add sugar in a 1:3 ratio (1 part sugar to 3 parts root beer) when the mixture starts boiling. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, let it cool, and strain the mixture. Refrigerate the syrup, as it stays fresh for about a week.
- Kaffir lime juice: Use the juice of 1 lime per glass (use 2 if the lime is dry).
- Oil from dried chillies and handcrafted lavender oil.
Ratios:
- Mekhong: 45 ml
- Syrup compress: 40 ml
- Kaffir lime juice: 10 ml
- Broiled dried chili for decoration
- A pinch of dried chili oil and lavender oil
Method:
- Add all 3 ingredients – Mekhong, syrup compress, and kaffir lime juice – to a shaker.
- Shake with ice until the mixture becomes cool.
- Pour the drink into a glass.
- Garnish with broiled dried chilli.
- Add chilli and lavender oil for aroma.
Tips from the bartender:
- Pongsakorn Euphosin of 008 Bar, the winner of Mekhong The Spirit Competition 2023, shares that crafting the dried chilli oil and lavender oil are the most crucial tips for perfecting 'Nuad Phaan Thai'.
- Rather than steeping, opt for sous vide cooking at 70ºC for 6 hours to prepare both ingredients. This method efficiently extracts colours and aromas from chiliies and lavender, enhancing the oil's taste profile. To amplify the aroma in the compress, roughly pound the ingredients before boiling.
Now that you know the secret to this amazing Mekhong spiced rum-based cocktail, it’s time to create your own version at home!
