On my recent trip to PDX a friend introduced me to Pok Pok, an amazing Thai restaurant with an authentic, well-researched menu of traditional fare. We were surprised to see drinking vinegar on the menu, offered in about 15 different flavors mixed with soda water. I had the rhubarb, friend had the lychee flavor, served in tall iced-tea glasses with a pineapple leaf garnish. Wish I had taken a photo of it, but trust me it was refreshing, tart, and just the right balance of flavor to soda ratio. It was like a grown-up version of an Italian soda, less sweet. One can only imagine how great it is in cocktails. Happy discovery: Pok Pok sells it online (under the label 'Som')!
Curious about the whole concept of flavored vinegar, I looked it up only to find it's apparently been around for ages in various forms, herbal and fruit-based popularized in Japan (and other parts of Asia) as relief for minor aches and pains, as well as a dietary aid. Going to try to make some soon!
....and FYI it also serves as a handy rescue when the spicy clay pot soup sets your mouth on fire.
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Very interesting, I would not of thought this could be good. I probably would not have tried it as there is so much wine & spirits that I still haven't yet, the vinegar would be relagated to a very low priorty on my "to taste list". But here I am thinking I must try it at least once. Some time soon; thanks for the tip.
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