Snake Wine: Asia’s Most Ancient and Fearless Drink

Snake wine, or Snake Whiskey as it is commonly referred to in the East, is an age-old remedy believed to cure joint pain and improve vigor and vitality, particularly in men. Some of the most incredible culinary and cultural experiences, such as this one, are rare in Vietnam. It dares even the boldest of travelers to take the plunge. For overseas tourists visiting Asia, sampling a drink like this can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which challenges the courage of diners to the maximum. Thus, all the vital information on its uses and possible effects is included in this article.
 

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 09-01-2025

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What is Snake Wine?

Snake wine is more than a mere drink; it is an exotic, brave, cultural expression in an Asian context. From Vietnam, China, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, it is one such beverage that gains recognition not just for its adventurous taste but also for its legendary reputation as a life-boosting remedy believed to fight off diseases. For many people, snake wine is a poignant symbol of bravery and a link to ancient tradition.

Going deeper, snake wine is a medicinal alcohol that involves immersing the carcass of a snake into a soak of high-concentration rice wine. This practice has been carried out since ancient Chinese times, dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC). It is part of the deeper roots of Eastern medicine, where it is said to provide a "yang" balancing effect and health-giving benefits. According to Oriental medicine, the human body is composed of five organs and six viscera, each relating to specific areas. Snakes symbolically correspond to these divisions:

• Highland snakes represent the upper part of the body.
• Cobras, which live at ground level, symbolize the central region.
• Scorpion snakes correspond to the lower digestive system because they are found in caves.

Besides, mixing different types of snakes, such as the scorpion snake and buffalo cobra, often referred to as the "pentagram," further strengthens the medicinal properties of the wine and the health benefits it brings to the drinker.

Types of Snake Wine

How Snake Wine is Made?

• Alive snake fermentation

Preparation of snake wine differs from culture to culture. Submerge the snake while still alive into the grain or rice alcohol with over 50% vol. and finally seal it for storage. The ratio of snake to wine is 1:10; that is, 500 grams of live snake can be soaked with 5 kilograms of liquor. Herbs and spices are usually included to create an unusual, earthy taste. Usually, the wine can be consumed after two months. However, the medicinal effect is improved if soaked for half a year or even longer. 

• Soaking Fresh Snake Meat in Wine

Freshly clean the snake flesh with water, disinfect it with white wine for about 5 minutes, after which high-quality rice alcohol with a high degree of ethanol is added. The ratio of snake to wine should normally be around 1:5, then seal it for three months before drinking.

• Soaking Dried Snake in Alcohol

Take a scaled dried snake, weigh it, and soak it in grain wine over 50% vol with a weight 5-10 times more than the snake. Seal it, and store it for 3-6 months.

• Mix fresh snake blood into wine

An even more adventurous method of preparing snake wine uses fresh blood and bile. After killing the snake, its blood is mixed with bile and alcohol and ingested immediately to provide a very potent experience prized for its ability to add vitality.

Important Notes on Making Snake Wine

Enhancing Flavor with Medicinal Herbs: Many people add medicinal herbs to snake wine to boost its healing properties and flavor. Popular choices include Cautich, Polygonum multiflorum, Acanthopanax, and star anise. If herbs are included, the alcohol concentration may need to be adjusted to maintain balance.

• Choosing the Right Alcohol: Only distilled and properly mixed alcohol should be used. Grain-based, sorghum, or rice wines are ideal for their strong, long-lasting aroma, which enhances the infusion’s overall quality.
• Handling Venomous Snakes with Care: Extra precautions are essential when using venomous snakes like cobras, bamboo leaf snakes, or vipers. These snakes must be butchered before immersion, as live storage is hazardous. Some snakes can hibernate and revive when exposed to air, posing serious risks to handlers.
• Selecting an Appropriate Container: The container must be made of glass or a sturdy fish tank to ensure durability and safety. Plastic containers should be avoided, as they can react with alcohol over time and compromise the infusion's quality.

What does it taste like?

Drinking a glass of snake wine gives three distinct flavors. The first, earthy and herbal taste, slightly grounded, has subtle hints of herbs that include angelica, polygonum multiflorum, or star anise if included in the infusion process.

Then there is the very high-proof alcohol, over 50 percent, which comes with quite a push and a sense of heat distributed through the body with every sip.

The last essence is that of the snake added into the wine to generate a specific and robust flavor. Sometimes, it could be aptly described as wild or even fishy, depending on the soaking method.

The drinking experience is smooth at the first touch, but the aftertaste tends to have a gamey edge or slight astringency when fresh snake is used. Most drinkers claim to feel a warm sensation spreading throughout their bodies, often paired with an invigorated and well-being feeling.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Snake Wine

Snake wine is a traditional medicinal tonic believed to alleviate conditions like rheumatism, nerve pain, numbness, fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders. It is especially popular among the elderly or individuals engaged in heavy labor for its purported benefits in relieving muscle and joint pain. However, it is important to emphasize that snake wine provides only symptomatic relief and does not offer a cure.

• Common Misconceptions

Snake wine is often mistakenly associated with stimulating yang energy or enhancing male physiology. These claims are unsupported by medical records. In fact, according to Eastern medicine, snakes are linked with yin energy, and excessive consumption may disrupt the yin-yang balance. Such an imbalance could have severe consequences, including fatal outcomes in extreme cases.

• Risks for Specific Groups

Reproductive-age adults and individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as kidney failure, high blood pressure, or heart and liver diseases, should strictly avoid consuming snake wine. Residual toxins in the alcohol can exacerbate existing health issues and lead to severe complications. These risks make snake wine unsuitable for certain demographics.

• Short-Term Effects and Long-Term Risks

Snake wine may temporarily heighten sensory experiences due to its protein and alcohol content, but these effects are short-lived. Prolonged or excessive use can pose serious health risks, including significant harm to personal well-being. Moreover, overconsumption contributes to the overexploitation of snake populations, threatening biodiversity and environmental balance.

• Expert Advice

Although snake wine has traditional uses, its potential risks outweigh its benefits. Experts advise seeking medical guidance before consumption to avoid harm. The misuse of snake wine can jeopardize both individual health and ecological sustainability, underscoring the importance of responsible consumption.

Where to Find and Experience Snake Alcohol?

Simply put, snake wine is prevalent in Southeast Asia; thus, it is accessible in traditional wine shops within the central markets of your itinerary tourist destinations, namely Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and so forth. It is advised to avoid buying homemade wines or from suspicious vendors, as their method of preparation might be unsafe or dangerous for health.

A little tip to make sure you can choose the right place that offers safe and quality snake wine is to choose wine shops that have been certified by the Department of Food Safety, Ministry of Health, for food safety standards.

Not just snake wine...

As you have just read, in Asian culture, people believe that reptiles and extremely poisonous species are always among the ingredients used to make good wine, strong wine, and kidney tonic.

And there is a reality in the countries mentioned that the very common understanding is that reptile wine is not just a drink, but these wines are already a manifestation of endurance. Additionally, wines soaked with many different kinds of animals can also reflect the economic status of the owner. This is why it should not be surprising when traveling to countries like China, Vietnam, or Thailand to see reptiles such as snakes and others found inside wine bottles.

FAQs About Snake Alcohol

• Is snake alcohol safe to drink?

Yes, it is safe to drink snake wine if you buy it from a reputable source and have evidence of its authenticity, as well as commit to drinking it in moderation. Although venomous snakes are used in the preparation, the ethanol content in rice wine denatures the snake venom.

• Can you buy snake alcohol online?

You can buy snake wine from e-commerce platforms, but note that, as this is a product that directly affects the drinker, you should choose stores certified by the platforms. Be sure to check the purchase rate and user reviews. Finally, verify whether the country you are living in has listed the snake species in the snake wine you intend to buy in the Red Book to avoid legal issues.

• Is snake wine illegal in the US?

It is not illegal in the USA to drink wine, but it is illegal to import snakes. All imports of alcoholic beverages have certain restrictions. Snake wine is also subject to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regulations regarding endangered species. An import inspection may need to check at the U.S. port of entry whether the snake allegedly in the bottle is one of the prohibited species under the Endangered Species Act.

Conclusion

Snake wine, steeped in tradition and cultural significance, offers a unique blend of medicinal benefits and adventurous taste. While it holds historical and symbolic value, safety is paramount due to potential risks like contamination or improperly handled snakes. Always purchase from trusted vendors and follow proper storage guidelines. Kampá Tour invites you to experience this fascinating tradition responsibly and authentically as part of your Asian adventure.

🚌 Other must-see attractions in North Vietnam:

• Bac Ha: 7 questions about the land of Northwest ethnic groups
• Pu Luong Nature Reserve
• Don't Visit Cao Bang, Vietnam Without Knowing These 6 Basics
• Mu Cang Chai: everything you need to know before you go
• 10 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Mai Chau, Vietnam