Qiaotou Laba Wine

Qiaotou Laba Wine

　　Qiaotou Laba Wine, also known as postpartum wine or beauty-enhancing wine, originates from Qiaotou Town in the mountainous region of Jinggangshan. It is made by the Hakka people of Qiaotou using traditional brewing methods, fermenting glutinous rice with wild herbs and homemade wine yeast, then aging it for many years. With a history of over 600 years.

　　Renowned for its saying, “Once the jar is opened, the fragrance fills a thousand homes; with one sip, ten thousand are enchanted,” Qiaotou Laba Wine is often brought out during joyous festivals and holidays by the Hakka people to entertain esteemed guests as a gesture of honor. It is also an indispensable drink at Hakka wedding banquets. The wine has a deep reddish-brown color, a fragrant aroma, and a mellow, rich taste that is smooth and refreshing on the palate. When served cold, it is cool and refreshing, helping to beat the heat. When served warm, it warms the body and guards against the cold. Consumed in moderation, it helps relax the muscles and joints, invigorate the spirit, and relieve fatigue.

　　Chilled Yellow Wine

　　Currently, a popular trend among young people is drinking chilled yellow wine, especially in Hong Kong and Japan, where it’s common to enjoy yellow wine with ice. To make your own chilled yellow wine, simply buy it from a supermarket and refrigerate it. For temperature-controlled fridges, set the temperature to around 3°C. Adding a few ice cubes when serving enhances the flavor. You can also customize it to your taste by adding preserved plums, lemon slices, or mixing it with Sprite, cola, or fruit juice. It has the benefits of cooling the body and stimulating appetite.

　　Warm Tips:

　　1. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: Alcohol is absorbed more slowly when you're full, but much faster on an empty stomach, making you more prone to getting drunk. Experienced drinkers usually eat something before drinking to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

　　2. Don’t drink too quickly: Hakka yellow wine is best savored slowly. Rich in nutrients, sipping it gradually aids absorption and offers the purest tasting experience—the highest form of enjoyment.

　　3. Never drink and drive: A little wine may be pleasant, but excessive drinking harms your health. Never drive after drinking alcohol.

　　4. Avoid overconsumption: Though Hakka yellow wine has a mild taste, don’t underestimate it—it has quite a strong aftereffect. If you can normally drink half a jin (250g) of baijiu, limit your yellow wine intake to no more than eight taels (400g). Moderate, regular consumption is beneficial to health.

　　5. Don’t bathe after drinking: Bathing after drinking depletes glucose in the body, and a significant drop in blood sugar levels can cause a sharp decrease in body temperature, potentially leading to shock in severe cases.

　　6. Don’t mix different types of alcohol: Drinking various kinds of alcohol together increases the risk of getting drunk and can cause discomfort.