Snake wine

You probably know (from our previous articles!) that the snake is an animal with a rich symbolism, and that it can also be very dangerous. But did you know that it can also be drunk? 🤔

In fact, in Asia there's an alcohol whose main ingredient is a venomous snake. Intriguing, disgusting, and sometimes cruel. This is how we see Asian Gastronomy, which is well known to us for its sometimes unusual character!

Today, we'd like to introduce you to a particularly popular spirit in this part of the world: Snake Alcohol!

 1) An Alcohol... made from Snake?

A) What is Snake Alcohol?

Snake alcohol is an alcoholic beverage of Asian origin, first mentioned in 700 BC. It consists of a liqueur in which one or more poisonous snakes are placed to macerate 🍸. This alcohol has many names: Snake Wine, Snake Liqueur, Serpent Whiskey, ... But most often, bottles of Snake Alcohol contain Rice Alcohol, which fluctuates between 30° and 50°.

Most of the time, the venomous snake used in the preparation of Snake Alcohol is a Viper or a Cobra. The more venomous the snake, the better 😅! But the beast can also be accompanied by Goji Berries, Scorpions, Seahorses, Venomous Scolopendras, Ginseng Roots or Geckos. All these animals are recognized as having medicinal properties by ancient Chinese medicine.

This is one of the main reasons for the popularity of Snake Alcohol: its medicinal virtues 💊. The idea behind this snake-based beverage is that the alcohol dilutes and breaks down the venom, while preserving the Medicinal Essence of its meat.

 Does snake wine really work?

 No, snake wine does not work as a medicinal remedy.

While it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, there is no scientific evidence to support its claims of health benefits. The idea that snake venom or other snake parts can cure various ailments is a myth.

Here's why:

• No scientific basis: There's no scientific research to prove that snake wine can cure any diseases or conditions.
• Potential risks: Drinking snake wine can pose health risks, such as bacterial infections or allergic reactions.
• Placebo effect: Any perceived benefits of snake wine are likely due to the placebo effect, where people believe something will work and therefore experience positive results.

It's important to rely on evidence-based medicine and consult with healthcare professionals for any health concerns.

 B) How is Snake Alcohol made?

Snake Alcohol is prepared by placing a whole 🐍 (and sometimes live) venomous snake in a jar filled with Rice Alcohol, or another type of grain alcohol. It is then left to "Infuse" for several months. Occasionally, herbs and spices such as ginseng are added to the formula.

But there is a second type of drink, which does not require the snake to be marinated. Instead, a live snake is killed on the spot and its blood and bile are then Blended and mixed with alcohol 🥂. This preparation is consumed immediately by the customer in the form of a vaccine.

 In order for the snake to properly infuse into the brew, it must first be placed in a cold place to enter a state of Near-Hibernation 🥶. Then the snake is gutted and drained of blood before being sewn back together, to prevent it from giving off a foul odor. Brewers then place the snake's body in a vat of 60% ethanol for a month or more, to ensure its preservation.

Some vendors bottle the Alcohol (and the snake) in front of customers 😓. In Taipei, Japan, visitors to the Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market, colloquially known as "Snake Valley," can get a fresh bottle of snake alcohol made to order.

The snakes in the bottles almost always look Aggressive. And this is because when they are "bottled", they are still a little conscious even after spending time in a refrigerated place 🧊. The snake therefore takes on this aggressive air once it is in the bottle, by pure Survival Instinct. The sellers also play on this aggressive image, by "arranging" the snakes in the most impressive way possible in the bottles.

If you find these snakes aggressive, wait until you see our T-Shirt Collection!

C) The popularity of Snake Alcohol

Although it has become fashionable again in recent years, this drink is not new to Asian countries. It is a very ancient alcoholic beverage and is believed to have medicinal properties. However, it is not a "luxury" alcohol, it would even be comparable to our Beer 🍺.

Rice wine is a strong alcohol with an earthy and slightly sweet taste. The presence of the snake gives it a Fish or Chicken Flavor 🐓. Sometimes, the addition of additional herbs or spices will give the drink a "medicinal" flavor.

Snake Alcohol is usually found in markets and Traditional Restaurants specializing in snakes. Very popular in Southeast Asia, it is generally served alone in casual settings, rather than as an accompaniment to a meal 🍸. It can be enjoyed in small sips to appreciate all its subtleties, mixed with a soda or in a cocktail, or drunk as a shot.

It can also be sold in very touristy stalls and shopping centers on the side of the road. There, the vendors take care to display at the head of the gondola the bottles containing whole king cobras 😨, ​​and other creepy critters.

However, European populations remain not very sensitive to this alcohol, in addition to its atypical side. Many Western tourists are reluctant to consume snake alcohol during their trips to Asia. Mainly because of the way these animals are treated and killed 😡 

2) Different Types of Snake Liquor

A) Snake Wine

Among Hong Kong’s culinary offerings, Snake Wine is certainly one of the most unusual. Made from venomous snakes and alcoholic rice wine, Chinese snake wine has been consumed since the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC) 👑. It is traditionally considered a medicinal drink. Sought after only by the most adventurous visitors, snake wine is something that even most locals have never tried.

In Hong Kong, snake wine can be found in traditional restaurants, known as “se wong”, such as She Wong Lam in Sheung Wan or Sher Wong Fun in Central. These restaurants are typically family-run businesses with decades of experience in sourcing and handling venomous snakes 🐍. In addition to Snake Wine and Snake Bile injections, these restaurants also serve other snake delicacies, such as Snake Soup, which is made from snake meat.

 B) Habushu

There is a real craze in Asia for a drink called Habushu. It is flooding Japan, China, the Philippines and South Korea. This strange drink comes from Okinawa 🌏, and is made from Sake, infused with a Venomous Snake.

Most often, the snake used to make Habushu is a Venomous Viper, which is quite similar to the Western rattlesnake.

There are a wide variety of ways to make Habushu. But as a general rule, this particular drink is created from honey 🍯 and herbs (Awamori combination). This is why it has this characteristic Yellow Tint. Only then, a snake is dipped into the preparation to infuse it.

 Sometimes some Habushu brewers remove the snake before selling it. But others leave this little beast in the bottle for the customer to see 👀. Some of these creatures are not dead when they are locked in the bottles, they drown afterwards.

3) Effects of Snake Alcohol

A) Virtues of Snake Alcohol

Different parts of a snake have long been considered to have various health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine. For example, snake meat is believed to improve blood circulation and skin 👍. While snake bile, bones, and skin cure diseases like sciatica, migraines, and rheumatism.

Snake venom is the most precious ingredient derived from snakes. Hailed as a "divine medicine" in ancient times, it has been touted as a cure for conditions ranging from joint pain to hair loss to leprosy 💊. It is also said to improve sexual performance. However, none of these benefits have been supported by serious scientific research.

These beliefs are therefore the reason why some can go so far as to drink the blood and body fluids of the snake, mixed with alcohol so as not to be poisoned 🤢. Modern studies have shown that snake alcohol has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Which suggests that it can indeed be good for treating certain diseases.

Venomous snakes are the most popular in the manufacture of miracle cures. We often imagine these beasts as terrible and very dangerous, but they are also part of our history, the Mythology of the Snake being one of the most provided.

Despite its dangerousness, the snake has inspired men since the dawn of time. And this is still true today with Snake Jewelry which has become a real fashion! 🤩

What is snake wine used for?

Snake wine is an alcoholic beverage made by infusing whole snakes in rice wine or grain alcohol. It is primarily used for traditional medicinal purposes in various parts of Asia, particularly in China, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia. Here are some of the common uses and beliefs associated with snake wine:

1. Health Benefits: In traditional Chinese medicine, snake wine is believed to have various health benefits, including improving vitality, increasing strength, and promoting longevity. It is also thought to improve sexual performance and treat ailments like joint pain, rheumatism, and back pain.

2. Tonic for Immunity: Snake wine is sometimes consumed as a tonic to boost immunity and improve general well-being. The snake's essence is believed to infuse the wine, adding to its purported medicinal properties.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some believe snake wine has anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to reduce swelling or pain in certain conditions.

4. Aphrodisiac: In some cultures, snake wine is considered an aphrodisiac, believed to enhance libido and sexual stamina.

While these beliefs are common in traditional medicine, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the medicinal effectiveness of snake wine. Consumption should also be approached with caution, as there may be risks associated with ingesting alcohol infused with venomous snakes. However, the alcohol typically neutralizes the venom, making it safe to drink in moderation.

B) Snake Alcohol: Dangerous?

Although Snake Alcohol is made from venomous snakes, it is Safe to drink because the ethanol contained in rice alcohol renders the snake venom harmless 👌.

Consuming Snake Alcohol is not dangerous, provided you are certain of the origin of the bottle, and avoid Doubtful Productions, or "homemade". Some producers do not respect the legislation in force on Protected Snake Species. They collect them from natural parks in Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia 🤬. The conditions for bottling the snake can also be very unhygienic.

 Some countries prohibit the sale of the bottle of snake alcohol with the beast still inside ❌. And this is due to the very special nature of this drink and the illegal use of protected snake species by some producers. In the same way, sending Habushu with the Snake in the bottle by mail, seems to be illegal in many countries 👮‍♂️. This is why some manufacturers remove the snake from the preparation.

Precision and Expertise count in the development of a quality and safe Snake Alcohol. If the snake has not been properly cleaned and gutted, it may contain parasites that can be fatal ☠️. Sometimes, a manufacturer may drown a live snake in alcohol. For those who might consider this cruel, know that the snake sometimes has its revenge. If the animal is not drowned properly, it can remain alive sleeping in the wine for months, ready to jump out and attack an unsuspecting drinker 😱. This is very rare, but it happened to a woman in 2013.

Is snake wine legal in the US?

C) Biting Alcohol!

Snakes are known to hibernate and, in rare cases, can still be Alive after being soaked in alcohol for months 😮. By lowering their Metabolism and heart rate, they can stay alive as long as the bottle is not sealed.

In 2013, reports surfaced of a woman named Liu from China's Heilongjiang province. The woman was bitten in the hand after a snake jumped out of a bottle of wine, where it had been fermenting for three months 🐍💪. She had made the medicinal drink herself (she said it was made from a viper), after a friend suggested it would help with her joint pain.

Whenever the woman needed a sip, she would pour a small glass of wine from a tap at the bottom of the bottle 🍷. When the bottle was empty, Liu decided to fill it with more alcohol. When she opened the lid, the snake began to breathe, then wriggled and came out, biting her finger.

 Liu was hospitalized for inflammation from the bite, but she survived 🏥. The condition of the snake was not specified. Some will say that it is a stroke of karma, after bottling a poor animal...

This is not the first time that a Snake Survived in a bottle of alcohol. In 2009, a snake that had been soaking for two months bit a Chinese villager. In 2001, a snake killed a villager in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 😰.

Snake Alcohol is therefore a drink that is both very old, but remains little known to us Westerners 🤔. This drink is in any case an unforgettable experience for all lovers of exotic flavors. In addition, once the bottle is finished, it is possible to fill it with formalin or pharmacy ethanol in order to preserve the snake. Enough to create an original decoration 😐.

Finally, it is essential to specify that this unusual drink rightly arouses strong reactions to the way snakes are killed or drowned. All this for the sole purpose of consumption 🤮. Some of the most important brewers of this liquid curiosity end up using around 5,000 snakes per year... Many of these snakes come from protected species.

 If you find these snakes aggressive, wait until you see our T-Shirt Collection!

These protected species are often among the most dangerous snake species in the world, and this is because of the snake venom which sometimes has fantastic properties.