Why is it not suitable to drink baijiu with ice cubes?

Generally, there are several reasons why consuming white spirits (baijiu) with ice is not recommended, including increased irritation, impaired blood circulation, reduced volatility of harmful substances, altered taste and flavor, and slowed alcohol metabolism. Details are as follows:

1. Increased Irritation: Baijiu inherently contains alcohol and other components that can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa at room temperature. Chilling the liquor may further enhance this irritation, potentially causing greater damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa and triggering symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

2. Impaired Blood Circulation: Consuming chilled baijiu may cause blood vessels to constrict, thereby affecting normal blood circulation. This may lead to symptoms such as coldness and numbness in the hands and feet, and could potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

3. Reduced Volatility of Harmful Substances: Harmful substances in baijiu, such as formaldehyde and methanol, can volatilize at room temperature or when heated. However, when the liquor is chilled, these harmful substances may be less likely to evaporate, thus being absorbed by the body and potentially damaging the central nervous system.

4. Altered Taste and Flavor: Although chilling baijiu may somewhat reduce its irritation, it also changes its taste and flavor profile. Low temperatures can reduce the activity of certain aroma compounds, making the flavor of the liquor thinner and diminishing its original sensory experience.

5. Slowed Alcohol Metabolism: Chilled baijiu may also slow the metabolic rate of alcohol in the body, prolonging its presence and thereby increasing the potential for bodily harm. Long-term consumption in this manner may lead to increased liver burden, damage to liver cells, and even the development of alcoholic liver disease.

To maintain good health and fully appreciate the taste of baijiu, it is recommended to avoid consuming it with ice cubes.

References:

[1] Zhao Heng. A History of Chinese Alcohol Culture [M]. Beijing: China Social Sciences Press, 2021.