Sweet Rice Syrup Drink

Sweet Rice Syrup Drink

　　Sweet Rice Syrup Drink

　　Sweet Rice Syrup Drink, or Ma Tang Shui, is made by the people of Dejiang through a meticulous process involving the steaming and fermentation of rice, corn, or tubers, which are then stored in jars. This traditional drink is produced only in Dejiang, even though nearby counties do not make it. With an alcohol content of about 15% and a sugar concentration over 35%, Tujia locals often drink two bowls during the busy farming season or in hot weather to relieve thirst, invigorate themselves, and stave off hunger—hence the nickname “Tujia Mao Tai” (local equivalent of Maotai liquor). The nutritional value of Ma Tang Shui is no less than that of beer or soft drinks; to the Tujia people, it is both a refreshing beverage and a fine nectar, long cherished as an ideal gift for festivals and family visits. According to expert analysis, Ma Tang Shui contains relatively high levels of certain substances, so it should not be consumed excessively. Autumn marks the best season for its production each year.