Did you know that the whole month of May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month? Here at Distillery Nearby, we enjoy celebrating the beautiful diversity that America has to offer, and Asian Heritage Month is no exception! 

In today’s blog, we’re going to take a look at the history of APAHM, which countries are included in APAHM, and how you can celebrate this amazing observational month, even if you aren’t of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

What Is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?

Also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Asian Heritage Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) is a time of the year to celebrate the influences and contributions of Pacific Islanders and Asian peoples to the United States we know and love today. 

APAHM is a time to celebrate the diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures, and to learn about the challenges and triumphs of this community. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.

When Is Asian Heritage Month?

The whole month of May is set aside for celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander heritages. The month of May was chosen because it includes two important dates in Asian American history:

• May 7, 1843: The first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States.
• May 10, 1869: The completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was built with the help of thousands of Chinese workers.

What Countries Are Included in Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?

There is no exhaustive list, but this area broadly covers nations like “the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).” – AsianPacificHeritage.gov

What Is the History of Asian Heritage Month?

The history of APAHM can be traced back to the early 1970s, when a group of Asian American activists began to advocate for a national month to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander culture and history. 

In 1977, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution recognizing May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress expanded the observance to a month, and, in 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed a proclamation declaring May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

Since then, Asian Heritage Month has become a time for communities across the United States to come together and celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. There are many ways to participate in APAHM – how will you celebrate?

How Can I Celebrate Asian Heritage Month?

Even if you aren’t of Asian American or Pacific Islander heritage, you can still celebrate the diversity that our nation and this month-long celebration represents. Here are a few ideas to help you learn more, celebrate, and raise awareness for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

#1: Attend a Cultural Event or Festival

These events are a great way to learn about and experience different Asian cultures. There are many different types of events and festivals to choose from, so you can find something that interests you. Some popular events include:

• Film festivals
• Food festivals
• Music festivals
• Dance festivals
• Art festivals

#2: Read a Book or Watch a Movie About Asian American History

As you can imagine, there are many books and movies that tell the stories of Asian Americans. Through these stories, you can learn about the challenges and triumphs of these communities. Here are a few recommendations for your Asian Heritage Month reading or watch list:

Book Recommendations:

• Indigenous Pacific Islander Eco-Literatures

1. 1. All This Could Be Different, by Sarah Thankam Mathews

• I Hotel, by Karen Tei Yamashita

• If I Had Your Face, by Frances Cha

• The Collective, by Don Lee

Movie Recommendations

1. “Far Western”
2. “Minari”
3. Hayao Miyazaki titles such as “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
4. “The Joy Luck Club”
5. “Whale Rider”

#3: Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering your time to an Asian American organization is a great way to give back to the community and help make a difference in the lives of others. There are many different types of Asian American organizations, so you can find one in your area that is a good fit for your interests and skills.

Some popular volunteer opportunities include tutoring students, teaching classes, advocating for the rights of Asian Americans, and fundraising. By volunteering your time, you can make a difference in the lives of others and help to build a stronger community.

#4: Support Asian American Businesses

Supporting Asian American businesses is another great way to show your appreciation for their contributions to our society. It also helps to ensure that these businesses can continue to thrive and provide jobs and services to our communities.

There are many ways to support Asian American businesses; you can shop at their stores, eat at their restaurants, and use their services. You can also spread the word about their businesses to your friends and family! When you support Asian American businesses, you are not only supporting a local business, but you are also supporting a community. You are helping to create jobs, boost the economy, and promote diversity!

Cocktail Ideas for Asian Heritage Month

If you’re looking for some fun drinks to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, you’ve got tons of possibilities. Let’s take a look at three delicious options that you can pour out with local, craft distilled spirits (especially if you have a local distillery that is owned by people of the heritage we’re celebrating this month!).

Morimoto Asia’s “Japanese Old Fashioned”

Morimoto Asia’s “Japanese Old Fashioned” is a twist on the classic cocktail. It is made with Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a touch of yuzu juice. The yuzu juice adds a brightness and citrusy flavor to the cocktail, while the Japanese whisky gives it a smooth and smoky finish. The cocktail is garnished with a cherry and a lemon twist.

The “Japanese Old Fashioned” is a great way to enjoy a classic cocktail with a Japanese twist. It is perfect for a night out or to enjoy at home. The cocktail is also a great way to support Asian American businesses, as it is made with ingredients from Japan.

Japanese Old Fashioned Recipe

To make this drink, you’ll need to add 2 oz Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and ½ oz yuzu juice to a rocks glass with ice. Stir well, then garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry, then enjoy!

The Mint “Sojito”

The Mint “Sojito” is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for a hot day. It is made with soju (more about this spirit below), mint, lime, and sugar, and it is topped off with club soda. The mint gives the cocktail a refreshing and minty flavor, while the lime adds a tart and citrusy flavor. 

The sugar balances out the tartness of the lime, and the club soda adds a touch of fizz. The Mint “Sojito” is a great way to cool off on a hot day, and it is also a fun and festive cocktail to serve at parties.

Mint “Sojito” Recipe

To make a Mint “Sojito,” first muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a highball glass. Add 3 oz soju, the juice of one lime, and ½ oz simple syrup to the glass, then top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently to combine, and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

What Is Soju?

Soju is a clear, colorless distilled alcoholic beverage popular in the Korean Peninsula. It is usually consumed neat, and its alcohol content varies from about 12.9% to 53% alcohol by volume. This spirit is made from fermented grains and starches, such as rice, wheat, barley, and potatoes. It is distilled twice, which gives it a smooth and clean taste. Soju is often served chilled and neat, but it can also be mixed with other drinks to make cocktails.

Soju is the most popular alcoholic beverage in South Korea, where it accounts for more than half of all alcohol consumed. It is also popular in other parts of Asia, such as Japan, China, and the Philippines. And, it has a long and rich history, probably having originated in Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Soju was originally made from rice, but other grains and starches were later used as well. Soju became increasingly popular during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it remains a popular drink today.

The Leeward Negroni

The Leeward Negroni is a modern take on the classic Negroni cocktail. It is made with specialty spirits, and it is garnished with a pandan leaf. The pandan leaf adds a subtle tropical flavor and aroma. The Leeward Negroni is a refreshing and complex cocktail that is perfect for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Leeward Negroni Recipe

To make this cocktail, you’ll need a rocks glass and one large ice cube. Rinse your rocks glass with Bittermens Tiki Bitters first, then, in a separate mixing glass, stir together 1 oz coconut oil washed campari, ¾ oz pandan cordial, and ½ oz Sipsmith Vjop gin. Strain this mixture over your ice cube and garnish with a cut pandan leaf.

To learn more about the bartender behind this cocktail, check out Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: My Own Self-Discovery.

Asian American-Owned Distilleries to Support:

As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, it is important to remember the contributions that Asian Americans have made to the American spirit industry. From the early days of distilling in America to the present day, Asian Americans have played a vital role in the development of this vibrant industry.

Today, there are hundreds of Asian American-owned and operated distilleries across the United States. These distilleries produce a wide variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila. They also offer a variety of educational and tasting experiences that allow visitors to learn more about the art of distilling.

If you are looking for a way to support Asian American businesses and learn more about the history of distilling in America, we encourage you to visit a local Asian American-owned distillery. Some distilleries across America that are Asian American owned are:

• Vinn Distillery in Portland, Oregon
• Yobo Soju, West 32 Soju, and MÔTÔ Spirits in New York
• Kikori Whiskey in Los Angeles
• And so many more…

If you own one of these brands and would like to claim your listing, join our network of distilleries and list your brand with Distillery Nearby.

Distillery Nearby: Making it Easier to Find Local, Craft Spirits

Here at Distillery Nearby, we’re on a mission to make it easy to find local, craft spirits. Our website allows you to search for distilleries by state. Our listings also provide information about each distillery, including its hours of operation and contact information. To browse your local listings, check out our “by-state” page today!