Mekhong (spirit) facts for kids
Mekhong (pronounced "May-kong") is a special golden drink from Thailand. It was the first spirit made and branded in Thailand itself! People sometimes call it "The Spirit of Thailand." Even though it's often called a whisky, it's actually more like a rum.
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The Story of Mekhong
The place where Mekhong is made, the Sura Bangyikhan Distillery, became part of the Thai government in 1914. This was overseen by the Ministry of Finance. The government allowed private companies to produce and sell spirits for a while to help raise money.
In 1927, the government decided to take over making spirits directly. By 1929, the distillery was updated. It started making a new kind of blended spirit. One of these, called "Chiang-Chun," is still made today.
Later, the government's Excise Department created another special blended spirit. They used local herbs and spices. These were mixed with a strong spirit to create a smooth drink. People could enjoy it on its own or mixed with soda. At that time, many people drank imported whiskey. This new local spirit helped reduce how much imported whiskey Thailand needed.
How Mekhong Got Its Name
During the time of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, Thailand wanted four provinces back from French control. These provinces were near the Mekong River. This led to a conflict known as the Franco-Thai war.
To remind Thai people of these provinces, Luang Wichitwathakan wrote a patriotic song called Kham Khong. This means "Across Mekong." It used the tune of a Western song called Swanee River. The song became very popular and made Thai people feel proud of their country.
Because the Kham Khong song was so famous, the Excise Department decided to name their new special blended spirit "Mekhong" in 1941. This name helped connect the drink to Thai pride and history.
What Mekhong Is Made Of
Even though some people call Mekhong a whisky, it's actually more like a rum. It's made mostly from sugar cane or molasses (about 95 percent). The other five percent comes from rice.
After being distilled, the spirit is mixed with special Thai herbs and spices. This gives Mekhong its unique smell and taste. Mekhong is made, blended, and bottled at the Bangyikhan Distillery near Bangkok. It has 35 percent alcohol. It's also used to make a popular cocktail called the "Thai Sabai."
Mekhong in Pop Culture
Mekhong Rum is mentioned a few times in the album Hell's Ditch by the band The Pogues. It's mentioned along with other common Thai drinks. "Mekhong" is also the name of a popular song by The Refreshments. In their song, a singer orders Mekhong while at a bar in Bangkok.
