Lunar New Year Drinks: Traditional Favourites and Festive Serving Ideas

Lunar New Year drinks are as symbolic as the food on the table. Traditional choices range from sweet fermented rice wine and strong baijiu to lucky teas and alcohol-free alternatives. Whether you are hosting a reunion dinner or a casual tea gathering, the right drink can enhance the festive meal and honour the traditions of the season.

What Are Traditional Lunar New Year Drinks?

Traditional Lunar New Year drinks vary across regions, but they share common themes of sweetness, warmth and symbolic meaning. Common choices include niangao jiu (sweet rice wine), baijiu (a clear distilled spirit), plum wine, and various teas such as longan red date tea. Many of these drinks are believed to bring good luck, prosperity or health in the coming year.

Sweet Rice Wine: Nian Gao Jiu

Nian gao jiu (also called fermented glutinous rice wine or jiuniang) is a lightly alcoholic, sweet and slightly fizzy drink made by fermenting steamed glutinous rice with a fermentation starter. It has a low alcohol content, usually around 2-5% ABV, and a delicate floral aroma. It can be served warm or chilled, and is often enjoyed as a dessert drink.

How to Serve Sweet Rice Wine

1. Chill the wine in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold version, or gently warm it in a saucepan without boiling to preserve its delicate flavour.
2. Pour into small ceramic cups or bowls.
3. Garnish with a few wolfberries (goji berries) or osmanthus flowers for a festive touch.

Food Pairings

Sweet rice wine pairs wonderfully with nian gao (sticky rice cake), sweet dumplings, or fresh fruit. Its gentle sweetness balances the richness of fried or glutinous dishes.

Baijiu: The Fiery Spirit of Celebration

Baijiu is a clear distilled spirit made primarily from sorghum, though other grains may be used. It is known for its high alcohol content, typically 40-60% ABV, and its strong, complex aroma that ranges from floral to savoury. During Lunar New Year, baijiu is often served in small cups and shared among family and friends as a sign of respect and unity.

How to Drink Baijiu Respectfully

1. Serve at room temperature in small, thimble-sized glasses or traditional Chinese liquor cups.
2. Pour for elders or guests first as a sign of respect.
3. Raise your glass with both hands when toasting, and say “Ganbei” (dry cup) only if you intend to finish the drink.

Food Pairings

Baijiu pairs well with strongly flavoured dishes such as braised meats, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and fermented foods. Its high alcohol content cuts through rich, oily textures.

Plum Wine: A Fruity, Approachable Option

Plum wine, known as meijiu or umeshu, is a sweet liqueur made by steeping green plums in alcohol and sugar. It typically has an alcohol content of 10-15% ABV and a mellow, fruity taste that appeals to those who prefer less intense spirits.

Serving Suggestions

Plum wine can be served chilled, over ice, or mixed with soda water for a refreshing spritzer. It is a versatile drink that suits both formal dinners and casual gatherings.

Food Pairings

Its sweet-tart profile complements salty snacks, grilled meats, and desserts. Try it with roasted nuts or dried fruit platters commonly served during the holiday.

Tea as a Lunar New Year Drink: Symbolism and Choices

Tea is an integral part of Lunar New Year celebrations, often served to guests as a gesture of hospitality and respect. Certain teas are chosen for their auspicious meanings or health benefits.

Popular Lunar New Year Teas

• Longan Red Date Tea: A sweet, caffeine-free infusion made from dried longan and red dates, symbolising sweetness and good fortune.
• Jasmine Tea: Fragrant green tea scented with jasmine flowers, representing purity and elegance.
• Oolong Tea: A partially oxidised tea with a rich, toasty flavour, often served during meals to aid digestion.
• Pu-erh Tea: A fermented dark tea with earthy notes, believed to help with digestion after heavy feasts.

How to Serve Tea for a Festive Touch

1. Use a traditional teapot or gaiwan for brewing.
2. Rinse the tea leaves briefly with hot water before the first steep to awaken the flavours.
3. Pour tea for others before filling your own cup, starting with the eldest guest.

Alcohol-Free Lunar New Year Drinks

For those who do not drink alcohol, there are many festive alternatives that carry the same symbolic meaning.

Festive Non-Alcoholic Options

• Longan Red Date Tea: Naturally sweet and warming, perfect for all ages.
• Chrysanthemum Tea with Goji Berries: A refreshing floral tea that symbolises longevity.
• Kumquat Lemonade: Made from kumquats, which represent gold and prosperity; mixed with lemon for a bright, tangy drink.
• Sparkling Lychee Mocktail: Lychee juice topped with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime, garnished with fresh lychee or mint.

How to Choose the Right Drink for Your Gathering

Consider your guests’ preferences and the formality of the occasion when selecting drinks.

Offering a variety ensures that everyone can participate in the festive toasts and enjoy the flavours of the season.

Festive Toasts and Traditions

Toasting is an important part of Lunar New Year gatherings. Common toasts include “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year) and “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Wishing you prosperity). When clinking glasses, it is customary to hold your glass lower than those of elders or superiors as a sign of respect.

Remember to drink responsibly and savour each sip, as Lunar New Year drinks are meant to be enjoyed slowly in the company of loved ones.