Snake wine is a very unique drink found in some countries including Viet Nam. It is usually made by putting a whole snake into a bottle of rice wine or grain alcohol. This tradition has existed for many centuries and remains a significant part of the local culture.
People often use venomous snakes because they believe the venom adds medicinal value to the drink. Other items like scorpions, lizards, or medicinal herbs are sometimes added to the jar as well. These additions are thought to improve the "essence" and taste of the beverage.
This traditional beverage is known as rượu rắn or rượu thuốc in the local Vietnamese language. It is widely available in street markets, traditional restaurants, and even some international airports.
The history of this drink goes back to the Western Zhou dynasty in China. It was first used thousands of years ago to promote general health and vitality.
Is Snake Wine Safe to Drink?
Drinking this liqueur is generally considered safe for most people. The ethanol in the rice wine breaks down the proteins found in the snake's venom. This chemical process makes the venom harmless so it will not cause harm when it is swallowed.
However, there are still some health risks that people should know about before trying it. Some medical studies have shown that it may cause damage to the blood system or vascular problems. It is also important not to misuse the drink as excessive consumption could lead to health issues like impotence.
One very specific warning involves eating the fresh heart of a snake. The heart must be swallowed whole and should never be chewed. Chewing the heart could release a poison that is not broken down by human saliva. If this happens, the poison can go to the brain and cause a person to pass out.
Traditions and Medicinal Beliefs
In Viet Nam, many believe that snake wine is a powerful form of folk medicine. It is frequently consumed to treat conditions like back pain, hair loss, and fatigue. Some also believe it can improve sexual performance and increase general body heat.
Men often favor the drink because snakes symbolize masculinity and strength in their culture. It is typically served in small thimble-sized cups before a meal begins. The drink is often shared during social gatherings or given as a gift from a trip.
The most famous place to find this drink is Le Mat snake village near the city of Hanoi. This village has a long history of preparing snakes for both food and medicinal wine. A large festival is even held there every year on the 23rd of March to honor their snake-catching history.
Moreover, shop owners sometimes create "fake cobras" to sell to tourists for higher prices. They take non-venomous keelback snakes and stretch their necks to look like the hoods of cobras. They may even use black markers to draw special patterns on the scales to make them look authentic.
Every part of the snake is utilized in the traditional cuisine of Viet Nam. Besides the wine, visitors can try snake spring rolls, snake meatballs, or even crispy fried snake skin. It is an experience where absolutely nothing from the animal is wasted.
There are two main ways to prepare the wine. The most common way is steeping the whole snake in a jar for several months. The second way involves draining fresh blood and bile into a cup of rice wine to be drunk immediately.
