
Spirit Guides
Distinctive Drinking Traditions
Understand aquavit, baijiu, pulque and other families in context.
01
Aquavit and baijiu
Aquavit is associated with Scandinavian traditions and caraway or dill profiles, not simply gin under another name. Baijiu encompasses Chinese grain spirits with several aroma classes, often involving qu starters. One strength or flavor cannot describe the entire family.
02
Pulque and chicha
Pulque ferments agave sap rather than being distilled like mezcal. Chicha describes varied Latin American fermented traditions using maize or other materials. Methods and strengths differ by region.
03
Pechuga and mamajuana
Some pechuga mezcals use fruit, spices and animal ingredients during redistillation; verify producer information for vegan or allergen restrictions. Dominican mamajuana involves variable botanical preparations with ingredients such as rum, wine and honey. Do not present medicinal or aphrodisiac claims as established benefits or improvise with unknown plants.
Related cocktails
Related cocktails
GinNegroni
Equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth — bittersweet and assertive.
WhiskeyOld Fashioned
Whiskey, sugar, bitters and water — the original definition of a cocktail.
RumDaiquiri
White rum, lime and sugar — a bartender's benchmark of balance.
TequilaMargarita
Tequila, orange liqueur and lime with a salted rim.