An amber sugarcane and rice spirit, the base of the Thai bucket and the Sabai Sabai cocktail. It was launched in 1941 by the state Bangyikhan distillery as a national spirit to replace imported liquor during the nationalist Phibunsongkhram era.
It is a commercial distillery’s branded spirit with a proprietary botanical blend, and distilling without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into it
- sugarcane molasses, at about 95 percent
- rice, at about 5 percent
- herbs and spices
- water
How it is made
Molasses and a small proportion of rice are fermented and distilled, then blended with a proprietary mix of herbs and spices and diluted to bottling strength. It is technically closer to a spiced rum than a whisky, despite how it is usually described.
How long it takes: days to ferment and distil; blended rather than aged
How it is eaten
In a Sabai Sabai with lime and soda, or in a Thai bucket with cola and Red Bull.
History
Launched in 1941 by the state Bangyikhan distillery as a national spirit to replace imported liquor during the nationalist Phibunsongkhram era.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mekhong?
Mekhong is a wine & spirit from Thailand: amber sugarcane and rice spirit, the base of the Thai bucket and Sabai Sabai. Launched in 1941 by the state Bangyikhan distillery as a national spirit to replace imported liquor during the nationalist Phibunsongkhram era.
How is Mekhong made?
Molasses and a small proportion of rice are fermented and distilled, then blended with a proprietary mix of herbs and spices and diluted to bottling strength. It is technically closer to a spiced rum than a whisky, despite how it is usually described. It takes days to ferment and distil; blended rather than aged.
Can I make Mekhong at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a commercial distillery’s branded spirit with a proprietary botanical blend, and distilling without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into Mekhong?
Sugarcane molasses, at about 95 percent, rice, at about 5 percent, herbs and spices, water.
How is Mekhong eaten?
In a Sabai Sabai with lime and soda, or in a Thai bucket with cola and Red Bull.
