Mekhong, Sang Som, Ruang Khao — Thailand's own spirits are cheap, distinctive, and part of local drinking culture.
Thailand's most famous spirit — technically a rum-whisky hybrid distilled from sugarcane and rice; spiced, amber, about 35% — pairs well with soda and lime.
A cane spirit sold as rum — sweet, slightly heavy, the party drink of choice for Thai nightlife; 35%; sold in bottles and nips at 7-Eleven.
A rice whisky that's genuinely cheap and genuinely good — light, slightly sweet, the spirit of working-class Bangkok; a 1-litre bottle costs around 200 THB.
A bottle of whisky for the table with ice, soda, and mixers — shared social drinking; add water to stretch the bottle; Thais rarely drink shots.
Most Thai nightlife involves bottle service at clubs — buy a bottle, get mixers and ice; more economical for groups than buying individual drinks.
