Our April cover story on Baton Rouge’s international food boom has us in the spirit—no pun intended—to sample some libations from across the globe. Aside from an around-the-world beer sampling at your draft house of choice, there are a few ways to try something new for your after-dinner swill. Here are some local recommendations.
Korean soju at Vinh Phat Oriental Market
If you’ve every sat down at the grill at a Korean barbecue joint, you’ve probably been offered a shot of soju. This clear liquor is traditionally made by distilling rice (though it’s often made with tapioca, sweet potatoes and the like these days) and outside of America, it’s one of the most popular liquors in the world. It comes in a higher ABV flavorless version and smoother, less boozy, flavored personal bottles that are dangerously delicious. Vinh Phat carries several brands of soju, and you can pick up some other Asian staples and exotic fruits and vegetables while you’re there.
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Turkish raki at Bin Q
Raki—pronounced rah-kuh—can be an elusive liquor. Originating out of the Ottoman Empire and considered the national drink of Turkey, this drink is made by double distilling grape pomace and flavoring it slightly with aniseed. The recommended enjoyment is as an aperitif before your meal, like many similar liquors popular around the Mediterranean. It’s meant to be sipped slowly. At Bin Q, which carries a nice variety of international spirits, you can find the Yeni brand of raki.
Italian grappa at Martin Wine Cellar
Perhaps the most indulgent entry on this list, grappa is a fragrant brandy distilled from the pomace left behind in the winemaking process. Like port, it’s typically served after dinner, so it’s worth the wait to finish off your evening with coffee and a bit of grappa. Martin Wine Cellar carries several brands, all originating in Italy.
Guatamalan Chilero Michelada at Ideal Market
Of course there is the quintessential Mexican liquor—tequila—but for something a little different, there’s Chilero, a brand bringing Central American flavors global. The Guatamalan cerveza comes in light and dark varieties, but what’s really worth a try is the Chilero Michelada, which you can find at Ideal Market. It’s a bottled version of what’s essentially a Central American bloody mary: golden beer blended with tomato juice, lime juice, salt, pepper and spices.