Choosing the right alcohol at Chinese business banquets reflects cultural respect and influences the atmosphere. Here’s a guide to common drinks, cultural contexts, and practical tips for foreign friends.
1. Key Alcohol Types
Baijiu (Chinese Liquor)
- Status: The traditional distilled spirit (38%-60% ABV),首选 for business.
- Top Brands:
Moutai: National banquet choice, symbolizing prestige
Wuliangye: Multi – grain aromatic style
Yanghe: Smooth and soft variety - Serving:
Serve at room temperature in small cups (10ml)
Hold cup with both hands, keep cup lower than seniors’
Hongjiu (Red Wine)
- Trend: Increasingly popular for socializing
- Selection:
Prefer imported Bordeaux or premium domestic brands (e.g., Changyu)
Pair with red meat - Etiquette:
Fill glass 1/3 full
Maintain eye contact when clinking glasses
Pijiu (Beer)
- Occasions:
Informal gatherings or summer banquets
Younger groups - Brands: Tsingtao, Snow
Huangjiu (Yellow Rice Wine)
- Culture:
Traditional for festivals (e.g., Shaoxing rice wine)
Pairs well with seafood like hairy crabs - Serving: Warm with ginger slices
Yangjiu (Western Spirits)
- Common Types:
Whisky (Chivas, Macallan)
Brandy (Remy Martin, Hennessy) - Occasions: High – end private dinners or Western – style banquets
2. Cultural Insights & Tips
Alcohol Selection Principles
- Hierarchy Match: Choose Moutai for VIP clients, beer for internal meals
- Local Flavor: Select regional liquors (e.g., Shanxi Fenjiu, Sichuan Luzhou Laojiao)
- Health Consideration: Offer red wine or low – alcohol baijiu options
Drinking Etiquette
- Toasting Order: Start from the guest of honor, proceed clockwise
- Refusal Tactics:
“I’m driving, so I’ll use tea instead”
“This toast is for your health” - Pace: Sip slowly, avoid finishing in one gulp
Special Notes
- Baijiu Taboos:
Never use left hand to hold cup
Don’t invert the cup - Red Wine Tips:
Hold by the stem, not the bowl
Decant older wines
3. Foreigner – Friendly Advice
- First Time Tasting:
Start with low – alcohol baijiu (e.g., Yanghe Blue Classic)
Pair with iced plum juice to reduce spiciness - Handling Persuasion:
Use the phrase “I drink up, you decide”
Politely decline with “Next time for sure” - Cultural Gestures:
Compliment the aroma: “This has a unique fragrance”
Ask about brewing: “Could you share this wine’s history?”
By understanding Chinese alcohol culture and proper etiquette, foreign friends can demonstrate respect and build stronger business relationships. Remember, moderation and sincere communication are always key.