an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

Our Signature Rượu Đế Cocktails

Redef‌‌​ining Tradition Through Innovation

For generations, Rượu Đế has been enjoyed neat — a proud symbol of Vietnamese craftsmanship and heritage. At Đào Distillery, we’re redefining what this spirit can be. By introducing Rượu Đế into the world of cocktails, we’re blending tradition with creativity, showcasing its smooth, aromatic character in entirely new ways.

Through close collaboration with professional bartenders and mixologists, we’ve discovered that Rượu Đế can elegantly replace vodka in classic cocktails — adding depth, softness, and a subtle rice aroma that elevates every sip. Even more surprising, its delicate botanical notes allow it to stand in for gin, creating a new flavor experience that’s distinctly Vietnamese yet universally refined.

From timeless favorites to bold, original creations, Đào Distillery is leading a new movement — proving that Rượu Đế isn’t just a drink of the past, but the future of craft mixology.

Umami Sour

A modern twist on the whiskey sour, this drink combines Rượu Đế, ginger, lime, and a hint of fish sauce reduction for a daring balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Smooth, complex, and deeply satisfying — a perfect showcase of Vietnamese creativity.

Ingredients

2 oz Rượu Đế
1.5 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
2-3 dashes of fish sauce (adjust to taste)
1 oz ginger liqueur (or ginger syrup)
1 egg white (optional, for froth)
Ice cubes
Lime peel or a small Thai chili for garnish (optional) signature

Instructions
  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the rượu đế, lime juice, simple syrup, fish sauce, ginger liqueur, and egg white (if using).

  2. Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white and combine the ingredients.

  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 10-15 seconds.

  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.

  5. Garnish with a thin lime peel, seaweed slide, or a small Thai chili for a spicy, aromatic finish.

Đào Blossom Fizz

A refreshing fusion of Rượu Đế, elderflower, raspberry, and jasmine tea syrup— balanced with a touch of citrus and topped with sparkling soda. Light, floral, and celebratory, this cocktail captures the elegance of spring in every sip.

Ingredients

2.0 oz Rượu Đế
1.0 oz elderflower liqueur
0.75 oz lemon juice
1.0 oz jasmine tea syrup
2 oz sparkling water
3 fresh raspberries
Garnish: Edible flowers, lemon wheel, mint sprig

Instructions
  1. Muddle raspberries with jasmine tea syrup in a shaker.

  2. Add rượu đế, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.

  3. Shake with ice and double strain into a tall glass filled with ice.

  4. Top with sparkling water.

  5. Garnish with edible flowers, a lemon wheel, and a mint sprig.

Hot Tami

A bold and smoky cocktail that plays with contrasts of heat, sour, and sweetness.

Ingredients

2 oz Rượu Đế
0.75 oz tamarind syrup
0.75 oz lime juice
0.5 oz chili-infused honey
0.25 oz mezcal (for rinse)
Garnish: Smoked chili salt rim, charred lime wheel

Instructions
  1. Rinse a rocks glass with mezcal and coat the rim with smoked chili salt.

  2. Shake all other ingredients with ice.

  3. Strain over a large ice cube in the prepared glass.

  4. Garnish with a charred lime wheel.

Calamansi Cane Smash

A refreshing, tropical-style cocktail with a balance of sweet, tart, and rượu đế's unique character.

Ingredients

2 oz Rượu Đế
1 oz fresh sugar cane juice (or substitute with cane syrup if fresh juice is unavailable)
0.75 oz fresh calamansi juice (or lime juice if unavailable)
0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Splash of soda water (optional, for a lighter finish)
Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
  1. In a shaker, combine rượu đế, sugar cane juice, calamansi juice,

    and simple syrup.

  2. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.

  3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

  4. Top with a splash of soda water (optional) and garnish with

    mint leaves and a thin calamansi wheel.