Three Representative Mongolian Alcoholic Beverages
The alcoholic beverages that Mongolian people drink most often are
overwhelmingly vodka and beer.
(Cited from the WHO report)
In fact, those are just about the only two types
manufactured domestically.
Since I introduced beer in a separate article previously,
this time I will introduce vodka and other alcoholic beverages!
1. Vodka
Mongolian: Arkhi (Архи)
Mongolian winters are long, and the
maximum temperature is minus 15 degrees every day.
It is likely preferred to warm the body.
The alcohol content is 37-43%. The way to drink it is basically
as a shot for a kick.
It is certainly said that the effect of alcohol
temporarily dilates blood vessels, but...
I wonder about using alcohol to warm the body.
While that may have been a good method in the past,
nowadays central heating keeps the room temperature
around 25 degrees 24 hours a day,
and you can just wear warm clothes.
Even so, it always appears at drinking parties.
You cannot avoid drinking it.
This is because of Mongolian customs, which include rules such as:
- Drinking at least 3 cups
- Drinking an opened bottle until it is empty.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
I drink for the time being, but
it's not delicious, and
it's an infinite loop of being forced to drink until you pass out.
It's just hell.
I study every day
how to stay away from the table for as long as possible.
However, I was relieved to find that
even some Mongolians do not like this custom.
By the way, every December
is full of parties,
so I feel a bit depressed.
However, this year (2020),
everything will likely be canceled due to a certain infectious disease.
That is the only benefit.
If you are looking for something relatively cheap and tasty,
EVOKis recommended.
It has a refreshing taste,
and the alcohol smell is not that strong.
I think it was about 40,000 MNT (1,500 yen)
for 700ml.
There are products for under 10,000 MNT (360 yen),
but you should definitely not buy them.
They taste like disinfectant and will definitely give you a bad hangover.
② Airag (Fermented Mare's Milk)
Mongolian: Airag (Айраг)
It is said to be the origin of Calpis.
As the name suggests, it is fermented mare's milk.
It is put into a leather bag or tank and stirred with a stick.
It is a seasonal drink only for summer,and it seems that nomads sometimes spend their time
drinking only Airag without eating meals.
It has a slightly carbonated, tart yogurt-like flavor.
The alcohol content is apparently 2-3%.
If you drink a lot, you will feel tipsy, but even
small children drink it freely.
By the way, if you drink this, you will
without fail get diarrhea. (If you let your guard down, it will leak out from below.)
Locals call this
"cleansing the intestines."
It's a natural laxative.
Characteristics vary by region, and those from
Arkhangai Province or Bulgan Province seem to be especially delicious.
Sometimes dust, insects, or hair might be floating in it, but just think of it as a secret ingredient and drink it without worrying.
⇩ Click here for the actual preparation method
③ Shimiin Arkhi (шимийн архи)
Also known as: Nermel Arkhi (нэрмэл архи)
Milk Vodka (сүүний архи), etc.
Made by distilling livestock milk.
Colorless and transparent.
The alcohol content is around 20%.
People say "it's like water," but it has a milky and animalistic taste.
Honestly, it is far from water.
Only a small amount is made from a large quantity of milk,
and it used to be something only nomads could drink.
Recently, it has started being manufactured in factories,
and it is now possible to get it at supermarkets.
I forgot the price, but
I have the impression that it was a reasonably good price.
⇩ Please watch this video for the actual preparation method
⇩Reactions of foreigners who tried them
In conclusion
When you go abroad, it is important to try things
even if they look suspicious
or don't look delicious.
I think it is important to give them a try.
Not only will it help you get along with the locals,
but it should also be a great experience.
When you visit Mongolia,
why not try these drinks
for yourself?