Luckin Coffee, in an unexpected partnership with Kweichow Moutai, the renowned Chinese baijiu liquor producer, has introduced a unique offering – alcoholic lattes.
This innovative creation, known as the “sauce-flavored latte,” is infused with a dash of liquor and is available for 38 yuan ($5.20). For a limited time, customers who order with an online coupon can enjoy a 50% discount on the beverage.
The “sauce” in the drink’s name alludes to the subtle savory undertones found in Moutai’s liquor, which some liken to soy sauce.
This novel beverage has quickly become a trending topic on Chinese social media platforms, with many users expressing concerns about its safety for on-the-go consumption. The question “Can we drive a car after drinking that Moutai coffee?” dominated discussions on the social network Weibo, accumulating 430 million views.
Moutai’s baijiu is a robust spirit typically containing 53% alcohol, earning it the moniker “firewater” due to its intense flavor. Moutai’s red-and-white bottles, especially the flagship product “Feitian” or “Flying Fairy,” are a staple at Chinese state banquets and business gatherings.
For this collaboration with Luckin Coffee, each cup contains only a minute amount of liquor, resulting in an overall alcohol content of approximately 0.5%, as reported by Luckin.
However, the company has issued a caution, advising drivers, teenagers, and pregnant women to abstain from consuming the latte.
Served with a dollop of whipped cream on top, this inventive drink represents Moutai’s latest venture into diversifying its product range.
Last year, the brand demonstrated another surprising use of its liquor by launching a Moutai ice cream store in Zunyi, Guizhou province, China. This store sold desserts infused with baijiu, and the concept was met with resounding success. As of a year later, nearly 10 million cups had been sold, according to the company’s statement in May.
Luckin Coffee has staged a remarkable comeback with consumers after a fraud scandal led to its removal from Wall Street three years ago. The coffee chain has regained its status as a prominent brand in China and currently operates around 10,000 stores in over 240 Chinese cities.
