In this article, I’ll share some of the historical or popular alcoholic drinks I have tried while traveling around the world. In this article, I will tell you about:
- Where the drink originated from
- The ingredients and processes used to make it
- Where can you find it now, if possible
It’s always fun having cocktails with your friends. It is distracting when one of the main ingredients is staring right back at you, though. The venomous snake posed in an attack position. Fangs opened wide, looking to strike. Habushu is an Asian alcohol. It is something everyone should try at some point in their life. Taking a sip of Habushu is a unique experience.
Where Does This Thirst Quencher Come From?
Habu Sake or Okinawan Snake Wine are alternative names for this beverage. I discovered that it is a traditional form of rice liquor. Initially made in Okinawa, Japan. This is a staple of the Okinawan culture. This drink dates back to the 14th century for the nobility. It is named after the pit viper snake, which is native to areas in Southeast Asia. Their venom is a key part of this particular drink. It was also shown that certain parts contained an energy-boosting ingredient. As a result, you receive an additional health benefit from this drink, which I believe is always a positive.
The Process of Making Habushu
The main ingredients are the rice-based Awamori as the base of the drink, with various Herbs and honey mixed in to complete. This is what gives off the yellow tint you see. The pit viper is then inserted into the jar and sealed. I’m sure there are local family recipes that give their unique spin, but I didn’t think to ask. Let me just say to those who might feel that this is particularly dangerous, do not worry.
Is Habushu Safe to Drink?
Once the process has been completed, the habushu is then aged. The mix helps dissolve the venom, making it more mellow in taste and safe to drink. It is in the same way that alcohols such as whiskey and scotch are prepared, minus the barrel. It is appropriately stored in a similar safe environment. The aging process usually takes a minimum of one month to complete. This is to make sure the pit viper is preserved correctly. And makes sure all the ingredients have blended nicely.
After that, it is ready for you to enjoy. The honey makes it sweet and gives off a pleasant aroma. Its aroma is earthy, and see if you can notice the herbs. The taste is mild, warm, and occasionally a little bitter, making you feel like you are enjoying a nice cup of tea.
It is not as bad as it sounds. To be fair, it may be challenging to wrap your head around drinking some snake venom. You may need to prepare yourself mentally. But if your adventurous spirit can push you a little farther, I think that this is something to impress and disgust your friends with.
Where to Find Habushu in Asia
It is not a common or popular enough drink in the standard Asian alcohol directory. It’s primarily found on the islands of Okinawa. But you can sometimes find different versions as you travel: Japanese Habushu, Vietnamese Habushu, and Thai Habushu. Because of this, I only happened to chance upon it on a merchant cart strolling through the streets of Kin, the town where my military base was located. It is sold mainly to passing tourists looking for something adventurous to try. Locals still enjoy this drink too. You might find a jar sitting on the shelf at a local bar or in the special beverage section of the marketplace.
Is Habushu Ethical?
Some animal rights activists and consumers with ethical dilemmas have made it a point to criticize the use of animals in this alcohol production. Given the cultural significance and the impact of consumerism by both tourists and locals, I don’t believe the demand has lessened with these displays. It’s up to each individual to decide whether to participate or not.
Can I Buy Habushu in the U.S.?
You can purchase habushu online at Amazon. There are other sites as well that offer delivery in certain countries. Habushu can travel to the U.S. and internationally. There is only one downside, in my opinion. These usually come without the snake in the jar.
Because of this, it’s best to do some research. You might be interested in this or other snake wines. Be sure to know what kind of snake you are packing into your luggage. According to U.S. Customs, bringing back items made of or containing parts of any animal species is illegal and will most likely be flagged and confiscated. You’ll find it’s acceptable to bring habushu into most countries. Just make sure, as you arrive, to declare it and have officials properly inspect it. Be prepared to have it confiscated, regardless.
Now you’ve decided to purchase some habushu for yourself or others. It’s great as a housewarming present, birthday gift, or just for your use. I hope this will entice you to try something new next time you travel.