So I’m planning the Chinese New Year’s festivities and I thought I’d wrap it up with a round of toasts and shots of mao tai (a la Nixon in China).
The local liquor store doesn’t have a clue. The only thing Chinese they carry is Tsingtao beer.
So, is mao tai even available in the U.S.? Does it go by a different name, or something? Any hints on how I could best obtain some?
Wu Liang Ye tastes far better. I dont know about the US but, in Sydney, you can either get it a grossly inflated prices at Chinatown or you can get friends to import it from China.
how close do you live to a chinatown?
Well, I can certainly make it to Chicago’s Chinatown. But damned if I can remember any liquor stores in that area.
Where does the Chicago-area Chinese-American community buy its booze? And once I find the store, will they know what I’m talking about if I just ask for mao tai?
if that area of chicago is like here in San Fran, there will be liquor stores all over. Someone should know what you mean and have it, and a quick Google search might give you some more alternate names for it just in case (maybe even a bottle picture to show them or something)
chukhung, have you had Mao Tai before? Personally, I think it is pretty nasty stuff. Ditto the suggestions on Chinatown/Asian markets.
Well I certainly hope so.
If I had to drink that vile mezcal after the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, I don’t see any reason why my dinner companions should have it easy after the Lunar New Year’s feast.
While I’m thinking about it, does anybody know when the Turkish national holiday is celebrated? I need an excuse to make my friends to drink raki…
bwahahahahaahahahahaha.
While you’re at it, look for some distilled bamboo spirits…