🐼 x🍹Baijiu Cocktail 008: Baijiu Out of Blue, Leeuwarden
Another Ride with Shuntun over My Back in the Pack.
After enjoying a Chinese dinner and various spirits tasting with friends at the Distillery Alambik, I continued my journey to Leeuwarden after having breakfast at Zarko's place. Cycling from Midwolda to Leeuwarden requires passing through Groningen, with a total distance of exactly 100 kilometers. The sun was scorching along the way, and I quickly felt like I was getting burned.
As usual, I visited Drankenspeciaalzaak Jelle to say hi, and asked Jelle to share some information about the best local cocktail bar. Jelle told me that I should visit Dr. Watson with no doubt.
Another thing no doubt from me is that I always order something at Vis en Dis. Whenever I stop visit Leeuwarden, besides Jelle's Liquor Store, I must go here for some fish. This is a great place to refill and put some notes on my paper notebook.
Dr. Watson Leeuwarden vs. Dr. Watson Rotterm
Dr. Watson?! Isn't it the Dr. Watson in Rotterdam?! They've got a franchise in Leeuwarden now?
BIG NO! But I have to tell you, both of them are good.
Dr. Watson Leeuwarden is a super cool cocktail bar underground with very speakeasy environment.
Dr. Watson Rotterdam is also a super cool cocktail bar underground with 2 escape rooms!
Similarity:
1. Both are called Dr. Watson and hard to find.
2. You need to enter with PASSWORD! Check the links above!
3. Good cocktails! Please, don't just order a Mojito! Or Long Island Ice Tea! Come on! Ask the bartender to AMAZE you, especially with something on the SECRET MENU!
Difference:
1. Totally different owners
2. Totally different city styles
Suggestion:
If you are a cocktail lover, you might have to visit both.
Friesland and Leeuwarden
Friesland is somewhat like a sauce-flavored baijiu or a heavily peated whisky. It's a place that most people won't easily fall in love with, but once they do, they become deeply passionate about it. It is also similar to Tibet in China: although it is a province (an autonomous region), it is full of exotic charm. Just like Catalonia to Spain, Corsica to France, and Texas to the United States, Friesland has its own distinct identity and allure.
Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, with 50000 inhabitants, exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of a serene utopia. The city feels like a peaceful haven, where the natural beauty of tree-lined streets, fragrant flowers, and gently flowing canals create a tranquil and pure environment. The residents live simple, joyful lives, marked by mutual support and harmony, free from conflicts. This idyllic setting evokes a sense of calm, comfort, and contentment, as if time has slowed down, allowing one to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world and enjoy a carefree existence.
Before I visited Friesland, I heard that Friesland is the most unique place in the Netherlands. Despite having traveled to most towns in the Netherlands, it was in this province that I first felt a strange sense of rejection in the beginning.
One day, I walked into a liquor store in a small town in Friesland. The owner saw me, and I enthusiastically extended my hand to shake and said, “My name is…” Before I could say my name or explain what I wanted, the owner repeatedly said, “No interest, no interest, no interest.” I felt something indescribable, and I was instantly at a loss for words, feeling like there were words stuck in my throat, like a bunch of fish bones.
I turned to look at an elderly woman nearby, possibly the owner's wife, who was also moving things. She slightly tilted her head, tightened the muscles in her neck, and pulled both corners of her mouth down simultaneously, showing a hint of helplessness, as if to tell me wordlessly, “Sorry, that's just how he is.” After leaving that shop, I kept thinking: What happened? I couldn't find any fault in myself. Could this be karma for pulling a classmate’s pigtails in kindergarten over 30 years ago?
Of course, later on, establishing a partnership with Jelle in Leeuwarden gave me a lot of confidence to continue visiting other towns in this area.
Returning to Friesland for many times, I really enjoy the views around there and the people actually are more easy. If Dutch people is 2000% straight forward, the Friesians are 5800% straight forward, comparing to 85% straight forward of Chinese born after 2000, 45% straight forward of Chinese born after 1980, and 30% straight forward of Chinese born after 1949. Simply to say, people from Friesland don't bullshit at all. I would say Friesian heart is crystal clear, and their hearts are at throats. Don't get me wrong, I love Friesian style.
I met one shopkeeper Leeuwarden, she tried Shuntun Baijiu and told me, the drink tasted so complicated and sophisticated. Usually, I pay more attention to what comes after the word "but" following praise. However, unexpectedly, she said she would strongly recommend that the boss order this product. From the moment I asked her to when she said this, it took less than ten minutes. I asked her, "Why were you so sure about our product so quickly?" She replied, "If we don't have it, how can we sell it? Once we have it, we'll know if it sells well. If it doesn't sell well, we'll think of ways to sell it. It's always good to provide more experiences for everyone." Then, two weeks later, I met her boss Jelle, and I was honoured to be the supplier.
The experience with Friesland tell me: First impressions are not always correct. As a sommelier, I must declare that the ability to perceive the beauty in things is an extremely rare talent. Some people see everything as ugly, while others appear friendly but cannot articulate why something is beautiful. True aesthetics lie in our ability to see both sides of things, to understand their causes and their beauty. This is a crucial skill for eliminating misunderstandings, fear, and barriers. Aesthetic appreciation is the most sophisticated ability in human cognition.
When should I go back to the liquor store again, where I was rejected?
Henk Pitoy
Since Friesian is very clear and straight forward, I was hoping to meet a more adventurous Friesian in the bar Mr. Watson Leeuwarden recommended by Jelle. I arrived at the bar location, and I could not find it. The number of the house was right, but it was a restaurant, next door was also a restaurant, no sense of a bar. Is the entrance at Platform 9¾((Platform Nine and Three-Quarters) between the connected restaurants?
Yes, literarily, it is the basement of both restaurants,.
I sat at the stairs waiting for someone to open the door. Till someone walked out with a garbage bag. I told him what I wanted: I want to ask the mixologist from this bar to create a Baijiu cocktail, and then I believe Chengdu and this city, Leeuwarden, are alcoholically connected. He said, "That's really interesting! Let me throw away the trash and then I'll take you inside!"
This person was wearing a T-shirt, cargo shorts with many pockets, and Converse sneakers. He tossed the trash into the bin, lit a cigarette, and walked back, about 100 meters. He took three puffs and then threw the cigarette away before it was half-smoked. He then came over and said, "Let's not shake hands just yet; I haven't washed my hands." I said, "You can finish your cigarette and come back." He replied, "I didn't want to keep you waiting."
So, he walked down the stairs, opened the door, and motioned for me to bring my bike into the basement and store it in the storage room.
He led me to the bar, gave me a glass of water, and then said, "Wait here for a moment, I'll go change my clothes." I asked, "Can I take some photos?" He replied, "Feel free."
After a while, the young man came back looking completely refreshed... the atmosphere had changed entirely.
Next came the usual routine: I took out the baijiu and introduced its origin, ingredients, production process, and characteristics. As I talked, he examined the bottle, unscrewed the cap, poured a small glass, then started to smell and taste it... and then he fell into deep thought. After a few minutes, he said to me, "I have an idea."
He then began to mix the Baijiu with purple-colour liqueur and other ingredients, pouring them into a shaker. With a rhythmic motion, he shook it fewer than ten times, then strained the pale blue cocktail into a glass through a sieve.
He poured a few drops of the remaining cocktail from the shaker onto the back of his left hand, licked it, and then said, "The official recipe needs an additional 10 milliliters of Baijiu."
Baijiu Out of Blue
Introduction: The "Baijiu Out of Blue" is an innovative cocktail that brings together the rich cultural heritage of China and modern mixology. This unique drink is a fusion of traditional Chinese Baijiu and the exotic flair of Bitter Truth - Violet Liqueur, creating a visually stunning and flavorful experience.
I name this cocktail with Baijiu Out of Blue not only because it is light blue coloured, but also because that you can be loved or rejected here "out of blue". There is complicated process behind it and this result is served very swiftly.
To the true, straightforward, and bold-hearted Frisian people who love and hate with passion, I salute you! The land of Friesland has nurtured resilient and honest people who face life with fearless spirit and enthusiasm. Their sincerity and boldness are admirable, and their forthrightness and willingness to love and hate deeply are touching. To these brave Frisian people, I offer my highest respect!
Ingredients:
- 40ml Shuntun Baijiu
- 25ml Bitter Truth - Violet Liqueur
- 50ml Chili Mint Shrub (House made)
- Foam from Egg White
Note: Chili Mint Shrub is made with sugar, water, vinegar, mint and chili pepper.
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour in the Shuntun Baijiu, Bitter Truth - Violet Liqueur and Chili Mint Shrub.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a few edible violet petals for a touch of elegance.
Tasting Notes: The "Baijiu Out of Blue" offers a captivating blend of bold and delicate flavors. The robust and earthy notes of Shuntun Baijiu are beautifully balanced by the floral sweetness of the violet liqueur. The sourness from the vinegar of the shrub adds a zesty brightness, while the mild spiciness and mint bring a touch of sweetness and complexity. The result is a sophisticated cocktail that delights the senses with every sip.
Perfect For: This cocktail is perfect for special occasions, elegant dinner parties, or whenever you want to impress your guests with a drink that is both exotic and refined. The "Baijiu Out of Blue" not only tastes exquisite but also adds a visually appealing touch to any gathering with its stunning blue hue and delicate violet garnish.
