PANDA Cocktail 027: Blue Baijiu, Andre, The Peacock Bar, Zwolle
(November 29th, 2024, Zwolle, the Netherlands)
It’s a milestone for PANDA: all the top 3 mixologists from the NCC 2024 have created cocktails featuring SHUNTUN Baijiu today!
The Peacock Bar, a must-visit speakeasy cocktail bar in Zwolle, boasts a head bartender, Andre, who is a highly skilled and consistently performing mixologist with remarkable agility and quick reflexes.
My original plan for November 29th in Zwolle included meetings with four individuals, listed here without particular order of importance:
1. Jan W. – A friend and spirits enthusiast, who is also the son-in-law of one of my pastor friends.
2. Claudine Raciti (@claudine_drinks) – A talented food and beverage photographer from Kampen whom I’ve admired on Instagram for a long time but have yet to meet in person.
3. Kevin – A mixologist from The Dublin House who previously crafted a cocktail with SHUNTUN Baijiu and I met him when he won second place in the Bols Cocktail Competition in Amsterdam a few months ago.
4. Andre – The head bartender of The Peacock Bar, runner-up in NCC 2024, and a winner or runner-up in several other prestigious competitions.
Friday evenings are typically very busy in bars, so I broke my visit to Andre into three distinct goals:
1. Primary Goal: Invite Andre to participate in PANDA’s Baijiu-Themed Cocktail Competition in February 2025. The winner of this competition will join PANDA for a two-week experience in China.
2. Important Goal: Gift Andre some SHUNTUN Baijiu to help him craft a competition-ready cocktail.
3. Secondary/Bonus Goal: Ask Andre to create a SHUNTUN Baijiu cocktail for me on the spot.
In the Netherlands, one critical principle of doing business is authenticity. While authenticity may not win you universal support, it guarantees unwavering support from those who believe in you.
When I presented SHUNTUN Baijiu to Andre, he listened intently as I introduced Baijiu and sampled it. After setting the tasting glass down, he immediately asked, “Would you like me to make a cocktail for you now?” I sensed his confidence was palpable, and I eagerly replied, “I’d love that!”
The Art of a Great Mixologist
A skilled mixologist can identify the flavor and taste profile of a base spirit with precision, then construct an ideal cocktail structure with layered complexity. They draw from their memory and extensive ingredient knowledge to select the perfect modifiers, add intriguing bitters for character, and use garnishes to visually express the desired emotion of the drink.
This requires:
1. A refined palate for spirit evaluation.
2. An aesthetic sense for flavor harmony.
3. A vast memory and ingredient “database.”
4. The ability to translate emotion into visual presentation.
Beyond Technique: The Demands of Bartending
Beyond technical skills, bartenders must excel in areas such as:
• Communication skills.
• Bar management.
• Efficiency in service delivery.
Becoming an outstanding mixologist is no simple task—it’s far more than just crafting a drink; it’s a fusion of science, artistry, and hospitality.
These reflects above are inspired by Andre at that moment.
Recipe
Name: Blue Baijiu
Ingredient:
- SHUNTUN Baijiu 50 ml
- London Essence Soda Water 50ml
- Liquor Strega 10 ml
- Home Made Blue Berry and Lavender 30 ml
- Green Lime Juice 10 ml
- Ms. Bettter's Bitter Green Strawberry Mah Kwan 1 squeeze
Garnish: Little Flowers
Tasting Report for Blue Baijiu
Appearance
The cocktail has a mesmerizing light purple-ish hue combined pink and blue, enhanced by the blueberry and lavender syrup. The effervescence from the soda water adds a lively sparkle, while the delicate flower garnish brings an elegant and floral touch, elevating the overall aesthetic appeal.
Nosing
The aroma is complex and layered. The dominant floral notes from the lavender syrup mingle with the herbal and saffron-like fragrance of Liquor Strega. Underneath, the Baijiu introduces a subtle earthy and fermented grain base, complemented by the bright and zesty lime. The bitters add a nuanced green, fruity edge.
Tasting
The first sip reveals a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. The SHUNTUN Baijiu provides a robust base with its signature strong aroma and complex layers of fermented grains. The blueberry and lavender syrup brings a fruity sweetness with floral elegance, while the lime juice adds a crisp acidity that brightens the drink. The herbal, slightly anise-flavored Liquor Strega ties the flavors together beautifully, and the green strawberry Mah Kwan bitters add an intriguing vegetal bitterness that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
General Sensational Explanation
Blue Baijiu is a captivating cocktail that merges the bold, unique character of Baijiu with delicate floral and fruity elements. The effervescence keeps the drink light and refreshing, while the bitters and herbal elements ensure complexity. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts seeking something both aesthetically pleasing and flavorfully intricate.