National Drinks on Display in Pyongyang

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed)
May 16th 2009 at 11:02AM

It's been called a contest but seems more like an expo ... either way, it's typical of the ambiguity of communication coming from North Korea. "Crude liquor and sweet drink" – more than 100 types – were on display. These beverages were made with "grain, non-grain and by-products."

Yummy! I can't wait 'til the clock strikes noon and I can have a double-shot of by-products without regret.

The purpose of this event of indeterminate type is to use science to improve the traditional methods for creating these "traditional" drinks, "thus making the dining table of the people more bounteous" (no, you can't make this stuff up). Several years of famine and general consumer goods shortages make this a laudable goal, but one wonders if a trade show will be enough to solve the country's state-sponsored problems.

Though spirits would seem like luxuries in the "workers' paradise," peasants have been able to enjoy the "sour and refreshing crude liquor" when taking breaks from toiling in the field. Depending on the region, the crude liquor is called: thakju, thakbaegi, nongju or nongthak. In Yodok, it's called "nonexistent."

Interested in serving thakju at your next dinner party or cocktail reception? Just ferment boiled rice after "maturing" it with germ barley. Pour, threaten to drown the United States in a sea of fire and enjoy!

Tags: cocktail, cocktail recipes, CocktailRecipes, cocktails, dprk, north korea, north korean, northkorea, northkorean, pyongyang