In a move to give the Thai tourism and hospitality industries a much-needed boost, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai Hotel Association (THA) have jointly unveiled “Siam Sunrays” — Thailand’s new signature cocktail.
For the world’s tourism capitals, signature drinks are very much a part of the overall brand experience, and can help raise awareness of the destination. They are fun and become the talk of the town, spreading by word of mouth and viral marketing. Well-established cocktail drinks — such as The Big Apple’s Manhattan, the Singapore Sling or the Cuban Mojito from Havana — have become a part of global cosmopolitan culture and are recognized worldwide.
Signature drinks
Successful signature drinks are one way to fast track holiday destinations on to the world tourism map, and can contribute some added identity to the local food and beverage scene in the hospitality and tourism industry. Visitors are always keen to have a taste of the local signature drink as part of their overall trip experience. Hopefully the first encounter turns out to be a positive and memorable one that keeps them repeating their orders with every opportunity that arises.
Siam Sunrays — Thailand’s new signature drink, is based on the very Thai ingredients that have made Tom Yam soup world-renowned: freshly-picked lemon grass, Kaffir lime leaves, Thai lime and Thai bird chilli (phrik kee nuu). All these play a key part in the unique culinary experience Thailand has to offer, and leave the first-time visitor with a very distinct and long-lasting impression.
Siam Sunrays embodies something of the spirit of Thailand, the Land of Smiles. The refreshing and uplifting qualities of fragrant Kaffir lime leaves and the aromatic tang of lemon grass reflect the fresh, vibrant nature of the destination. A subtle hint of small but super hot Thai chillies (an innovative alternative to peppermint) imparts a tingling sensation yet is ice cool. Young ginger meanwhile warms the spirit. Together, they awaken the senses. The delicate, soothing flavour of coconut is smooth and gentle on the palate, and brings some tropical balance to the mix. Siam Sunrays is the distinctive taste of Thailand.
The recipe for this revitalizing cocktail drink was created by Surasakdi Pantaisong. He was the winner of the 2008 Bar Tender Championship hosted by the TAT and THA at Siam Paragon in September 2008.
A cocktail drink for all occasions, Siam Sunrays is perfect for any time of the day, and any place — by the pool, with family and friends, sundowners, special celebrations, parties, large functions — or just with a relaxing soak in the bath tub after a long, hard day at work. The options are endless …
(NOTE: FRANGIPANI.COM DOES NOT ENCOURAGE OR CONDONE THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER SPIRITS. THIS RECIPE IS SHOWN MERELY TO SHOW THAT, AT LEAST FOR A FEW DAYS, THE THAI GOVERNMENT DETERMINED THAT GINGER AND LEMON GRASS WERE MORE HAZARDOUS THAN ALCOHOL)
Discover the new taste of Thailand. Siam Sunrays is now available at hotels and resorts in key tourist destinations around Thailand.
Siam Sunray Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 30-40 ml. of Smirnoff vodka
- 30 ml. of coconut liqueur
- 15 ml. of syrup
- ¼ cm. of Thai chilli pepper
- 3 slices of young ginger
- 1 Kaffir lime leaf
- 3 slivers of lemon grass
- 3 drops of lime juice
- Soda water
Preparation:
Crush the small Thai chilli pepper, young ginger, Kaffir lime leaf, and lemon grass together in a shaker to bring out the aroma and flavour of the Thai herbs.
Add syrup, lime juice and Smirnoff and shake well.
Strain into a glass with ice; top up with soda water; garnish with chilli, lemon grass and a slice of lime.
