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UK style
crowds will soon be able to discover a whole new exotic experience
with the introduction of Mekhong to the consumer market. This
uniquely blended premium spirit is the perfect drink to enjoy under
the summer's sun, and the must-have drink of any social gathering.
In a category of its own, Mekhong
inspires flavours from spicy ginger to smooth toffee and vanilla for
its drinker. It's distilled with a distinctive blend of Thai herbs
and spices and fused with fragrant citrus - which makes it a great
base for an amazingly different range of cocktails as well as giving
the drinker the ultimate 'quintessentially Thai' experience.
Already storming the exclusive
New York bar scene, Mekhong promises to transport drinkers to an
exotic paradise, evoking a sense of passion and mystery with every
sip. This classic amber liquid is made from all natural ingredients
and is not only easy to drink, but truly accessible and faithfully
authentic to its South-east Asian roots.
Part of Mekhong's enigmatic
quality stems from its secret recipe - an untold story that has been
passed down from a generation of Master Distillers: father to son.
The drink derives its name from the Mekhong River - the revered
life-force of rural Thailand. The first domestically produced branded
spirit in Thailand since 1941, Mekhong grew in popularity in Colonial
Times when the French attempted to divert a section of the Mekhong
River away from the Thai border. The brand became associated with
this time in history and instantly became synonymous with Thai
national pride.
Mekhong is a truly versatile
serve - experience it with a range of classic and exotic mixers or as
an exciting new ingredient in a diverse range of cocktails. It even
makes a great substitute in any of the classics. A unique blend of
95% sugarcane and 5% rice, Mekhong is a well-balanced,
flavour-complex spirit that makes it truly appealing. It's a
passionate addition to complement flavour-some Asian cuisine but will
also add spice and colour to any summer gathering.
Today, Mekhong has become the
staple drink of style pioneers and trend setters wanting to break
away from the crowd. Inspired by its native popularity, Mekhong is
experiencing an international surge in popularity.
Just months into 2009, Mekhong
has already proved its international status by being awarded a Gold
Medal "Superior Rating" from the Chefs in America Awards
Foundation, which named Mekhong the No. 1 Asian Spirit in America in
its World Beverage Championship. Europe's MONDE SELECTION awarded
Mekhong a Silver Medal in its 2009 World Spirits & Liqueurs
Selection. Mekhong also picked up a Bronze Medal at the 2009 San
Francisco World Spirits Competition, which included 450 distillers
and importers submitting around 750 spirits from 21 countries.
"The UK bar scene is one
of the best in the world so we expect there to be a huge demand for
Mekhong amongst the style leaders over here," said David
Lind, Marking Manager, International Beverage. "It's all
about discovery and inviting drinkers into an experience - taking
them on a passage to Thailand through Mekhong. There is a lot of
intrigue surrounding the brand, as we have seen already in New York
where the mixology community has fully embraced it. Not very often
does a drink come along that is genuinely new, different and
authentic - Mekhong is a drink that is so versatile, you can
rediscover it time and time again."
Mekhong can be purchased online
at www.mekhongstore.com
and www.thespiritofthailand.com.
Signature cocktails:
GINGER
LIME LONG-TAIL
The most exciting way to navigate
the canals of Bangkok is by long-tail taxi. This cocktail captures
the emotions and energy of the country - not for the faint hearted.
INGREDIENTS
* 2 shots Mekhong
* ½ shot fresh squeezed lime juice
* Ginger Beer (you can also use
Ginger Ale)
* 1 dash of Angostura Bitters
* 3 lime wheels
METHOD
Pour Mekhong and lime juice into
a collins glass. Add ice and lime wheels. Cover with a shaker tin and
shake briefly. Top off with ginger beer and add Bitters. Serve with a straw.
SABAI
SABAI
Mekhong's signature cocktail,
'Sabai' translates as 'happy' but is closer to comfortable, relaxed
or well. So put your feet up, take a sip of your Sabai Sabai and feel
the wind blowing in your hair. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
* 1 ½ shots Mekhong
* 1 ½ shots fresh squeezed
lemon juice
* ¾ shot simple sugar syrup
* Finger pinch of sweet Thai basil
* Club Soda
METHOD
Pour Mekhong and the rest of the
ingredients except club soda into a mixing glass. Add ice and shake
vigorously for 7-8 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini-cocktail.
Top off with club soda.
THAI SMILE
The pomegranate is believed to
represent fertility, marriage and abundance and was one of the fruits
to be found in the 'Garden of Paradise'. Thai Smile has an abundance
of flavours and character that will leave a lingering smile of pleasure.
INGREDIENTS
* 2
shots Mekhong
* 1 shot fresh squeezed lemon juice
* ¼ pomegranate fruit
* ¾ shot simple sugar syrup
METHOD
Muddle pomegranate (leaving over
a spoon of seeds to garnish) and sugar syrup in a mixing glass. Add
remaining ingredients, fill with ice and shake vigorously for 7-8
seconds and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with remaining
pomegranate seeds.
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