jiǔ

Jiu (Chinese:酒; Pinyin: jiǔ) is the Chinese word that refers to all alcoholic beverages. This word has often been mistranslated into English as "wine", although the meaning is closer to "alcoholic beverages" or "snaps". The same Chinese character is also in Japanese, where there is strong interest or shu, and in Korean, where it is pronounced "Ju."

The two main varieties of Chinese alcoholic drinks are fermented beverages (Chinese:黄酒; Pinyin: huáng jiǔ; truest sense of the word "yellow brandy"), which may be clear, beige or reddish-brown color, and distilled drink (Chinese:白酒; Pinyin: bái jiǔ; literally "white liquor"), which are usually clear liquids. Although not a traditional product, wine (Chinese:葡萄酒; Pinyin: pútáo jiǔ; literally "grape brandy") was first mentioned in classical Chinese poetry about 2000 years ago in the Han Dynasty. It was increasingly produced and consumed in China since 1900 as a result of growing Western influences.

Chinese alcoholic beverages are traditionally heated before it consumes. The temperature at which the alcohol can be heated between about 35 and 55 ° C, well below the boiling point of ethanol. Warming the alcohol allowed its aromas to be better by the drinkers, without too much alcohol. Optimum temperature for the warming depends on the type of wine, and the preference of the drinker.