5 Unusual Liquors from Around the World

Throughout human history, alcohol has had a variety of different functions. Historically, alcohol was a revered product that was used in religious ceremonies and used for its medicinal and antiseptic properties. Today, alcohol is still used in traditional religious ceremonies but is a common drink for social functions and to unwind during a long day. Alcohol is also a complement to gourmet food to enhance its taste.

Alcohol is prevalent in almost every culture in the world. And these cultural varieties have contributed to some of the strangest alcoholic beverages. Here is a look at five strange liquors from around the globe:

5. Baby Mouse Wine – Yes, you read right, that is baby mouse wine. Baby mouse wine is believed to have medicinal properties in Korean culture. This wine is made by drowning three-day old mice in rice moonshine. The brew is then allowed to ferment for up to one year before consumption. According to local belief, baby mouse wine is a cure-all for illnesses that involve the liver and the lungs. 

4. White Gold and Platinum Tequila – In 2006, tequila manufacturer Tequila Ley sold a single bottle of white gold and platinum tequila to a private collector in Mexico City. The price tag for this unusual bottle of tequila is a cool $225,000. The white gold and platinum tequila claimed the Guinness World Book of Records for most expensive alcoholic beverage. This tequila is made from six year-aged 100 percent agave liquid. For individuals who can’t plunk down the $225,000, Tequila Ley also offers the gold and platinum bottle for $150,000 and the silver and gold bottle for a mere $25,000. 

3. Bacon Vodka – We love vodka and we love bacon. But the two combined together makes for an unusual alcoholic beverage. Seattle-based company Black Rock Spirits came out with this porcine liquor which they call Bakon Vodka. Surprisingly, Bakon Vodka is quite good. This vodka captures the salty and peppery bacon profile while maintaining the crispness of a classic vodka. It seems Bakon Vodka would be interesting in a Bloody Mary. 

2. Pulque – This alcoholic beverage is one of the oldest in history. This ancient Aztec drink is made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant giving at a milky viscous consistency. In Mesoamerica, this was considered a sacred drink that was exclusive to only certain classes of people. Today, it is a secular drink that is enjoyed by most Mexicans. 

1. Yogurito – The Yogurito is truly a global drink. It is made in the Netherlands and bottled in France but it is marketed for Japanese tastes. This strange alcoholic beverage tastes, smells and looks like yogurt but is not made from yogurt. This sweet and thick beverage is either drunk alone or mixed with other tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple.

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10 Ways You Can't Go Wrong with an Oregon Riesling

Thinking about dinner already? Want something special to make it memorable? An Oregon Riesling is one Washington wine that's sure to please. Lightly sweet, with a clean, tangy finish, this wine gives fragrant aromas of peach, apricot, lemon-lime, melon, and a sprinkle of honey. The "late harvest" variety of this fruity wine brings flavors and aromas of orange peel, dried apricot, vanilla, tangerine and raisin.

Whatever the experience you have in mind, no one part of that event should overpower the others. When in balance, each flavor complements the others—that's synergy! Let each part add its proper share of depth and olfactory color to your work of art.

Apéritif
What better way to prepare the palate for a sumptuous feast than with a well-chilled, light white Riesling? Your taste buds will thank you for this opening "event."

Asian Vegetarian Delights
Many Asian dishes for vegetarians are perfect with Riesling. For instance, Japanese, with vinegar and bitter ingredients found in many dishes find Riesling a perfect complement. (For heavier vegetable cuisine, like tempura, go for the more fruity varieties like Pinot noir or Rosé.) Garlic, ginger and soy sauce found in Chinese food work well with Riesling. Indian curry, cumin and coconut with milk or creamy based sauces have only one recommendation—Riesling. The high spice factor of Thai food makes Riesling an obvious choice.

Fried Spanish Mackerel with Cilantro Sauce
The crisp cleanness of cilantro combined with the savory goodness of fresh fish make a fine meal paired with Oregon Riesling.

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/fried-spanish-mackerel-with-cilantro-sauce

Cream of Potato Soup
Lightly sweet, creamy potato with a tang of bacon and earthy goodness of onions and chicken broth make this simple meal seem a luxurious feast when combined with the crisp, fruity flavor of Riesling.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pats-cream-of-potato-soup/detail.aspx

Fish Tacos with Crispy Pickled Jalapeños
If you've never had fish tacos, you will be pleasantly surprised at how satisfying they can be. Spiced up with jalapeño peppers you find this meal far from simple. A sip of Riesling with each bite—heavenly!

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/fish-tacos-with-crispy-pickled-jalapenos

Fish & Chips
This may seem the epitome of plain, but take the satisfying simplicity and spice it up with the olfactory sparkle of Riesling and you have yourself a feast.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/chips-and-fish-recipe/index.html

Shrimp Salad with Sweet Chile Dressing
Super crisp veggies laden with sweet-and-sour shrimp demand the clean, "off-dry" taste of a Riesling. Hungry yet?

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/shrimp-salad-with-sweet-chile-dressing

Cashew Chicken Dijon
Peppers, Dijon mustard, rice and the chunky goodness of cashews create an ideal blend of spice and substance to go with your chicken, perfectly paired with Riesling.

http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1942,143162-230201,00.html

Stuffed Pork Tenderloins with Bacon and Apple-Riesling Sauce
Pork tenderloins with the savor of bacon and sweetness of apples already married with Riesling. What else is there but Riesling?

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/stuffed-pork-tenderloins-with-bacon-and-apple-riesling-sauce

Gingerbread Cookies
The holidays are upon us, but gingerbread isn't just an end-of-year treat. The spicy flavor of ginger with a lightly sweet, fruity Riesling make a perfect way to round out any feast.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/gingerbread-boys-and-girls-recipe/index.html

Wendy Jones is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of subjects, including Oregon Wines.