Moutai and Luckin's Unexpected Collaboration: Liquor-Laced Lattes Stir Up Chinese Coffee Scene

Luckin Coffee, a popular Chinese coffee chain, has partnered with Kweichow Moutai, the maker of China's baijiu liquor, to introduce "sauce-flavored lattes" with a hint of alcohol. The new drink, priced at 38 yuan ($5.20), quickly gained attention on Chinese social media, with concerns raised about its safety for consumption while driving. Moutai's baijiu typically contains 53% alcohol, but the alcoholic lattes have an alcohol content of about 0.5%. This collaboration is part of Moutai's efforts to diversify its offerings, following the success of its Moutai ice cream store. Luckin Coffee, which faced a fraud scandal in the past, has regained popularity and currently operates around 10,000 stores across China.