Mekhong Selects Two Ultimate Thai Cocktails to be Served at MICHELIN Guide 2018 Awards Ceremony

Mekhong, the Spirit of Thailand, a long-established brand of Thai spirit with a unique Thai flavour for more than seven decades, has invited Thais to select two ultimate Thai cocktails out of the chosen nine curated by top mixologists from the nation’s favourite bars, as part of the Mekhong Thai Spirit Cocktails 2017 campaign. The two winning cocktails will represent Thai pride at the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok 2018 Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held for the first time in Thailand, on December 6, 2017, at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

Ms. Sansiri Yodmeungcharoen, Assistant Marketing Director of Thai Beverage Marketing Company Limited, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the campaign. It truly shows the spirit of unity and collective pride of Thais in our heritage and local talents. The panel of judges has selected two winning cocktails out of nine, with much difficulty, as all of the cocktails have been created with such passion. The two winning cocktails are “Koon Suek” by the mixologist from Baan Suriyasai and “Thong” from TEP BAR. Both drinks are inspired by the proud heritage and uniqueness of the Thai culture. Mekhong is extremely proud to play a part in carrying on the Thai heritage and showcasing it to the rest of the world. The two cocktails will be served at the first MICHELIN Guide Award Ceremony to be held in Bangkok and attended by the world’s leading chefs and experts in the culinary world.”

Ms. Gaelle Van Hieu Vice President of MICHELIN EXPERIENCE for East Asia and Australia, one of the judges, said: “I’m touched by how Thais nationwide have come together to select the ultimate Thai cocktails that best represent what Thai-ness is all about. As a representative of MICHELIN, we are pleased to host the first ever award ceremony and gala dinner in Thailand. As we’re all aware, Thai food is loved the world over for its stunning and unique flavours. So it’s very fitting that a global culinary event of this scale will be held here. I also hope that apart from Thai food, in the future, people around the world will also discover that Thai drinks as just as stunning.”

The criteria for judging included the drink’s concept, creativity, originality, flavour and balance, presentation, as well as the techniques and skills displayed by the mixologists. The two winning mixologists are Nanthawit Sameepak who created “Koon Suek” and Chaiyasit Pratumsud who created “Thong”.

Mr. Nanthawit Sameepak, mixologist at Baan Suriyasai, said: “Koon Suek” was inspired by the ancient spirit drunk by Thai soldiers before they went off to war to boost morale and inspire bravery within the troops. The cocktail, therefore, has a bold flavour that speaks of gallantry. I’m very proud and honoured to represent our country in bringing to the world a truly Thai flavour. I believe that Thai people are just as talented and skilled as everyone else.”

Mr. Chaiyasit Pratumsud, mixologist at TEP BAR, said: “Thong” was inspired by the golden era of Thailand. Fertility, prosperity, abundance, wisdom, and culture are the elements that make up the golden era. The ingredients in the cocktail are ripe mango, which is a favourite of a number of foreigners, as well as coconut sugar and wild honey. The premium ingredients give the cocktail its golden hue and luxurious smoothness.”

The Mekhong Thai Spirit Cocktails 2017 campaign invited Thais to vote for their favourite cocktails out of nine created by mixologists from Bangkok’s best bars and eateries. The winning cocktails will be served at the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok 2018 Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner. Aside from the two winners, Mekhong has also been invited to present the signature drink of Thailand ‘Mekhong Thai Sabai’ to be paired with one dinner course.

“We hope that this campaign has ignited pride of the Thai wisdom and heritage and supported our Thai talents to shine on an international stage,” concluded Ms. Sansiri.