Ah there’s nothing like sipping a steaming mug of rice liquor while riding a train through the Middle Kingdom. Delicious and romantic. But what are you to do abroad, where access to such divine spirits remains limited? Fear not, for below lies the ancient wisdom of 杜康 (Dukang), translated by yours truly:

Step 1: obtain a bottle of paint thinner. Find a suitably attractive flask in which to put your creation.

Step 2: mix the paint thinner with rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover, in proportions of 4:1:1. Stir using a sturdy metal spoon. Pour the resulting conconction down the sink. Wait 24 hours.

*** Important DO NOT RUN THE SINK DURING THIS TIME PERIOD.

Step 3: open the trap under the sink, and pour out the remaining liquid into your flask. Repeat the above process until you have a sufficient volume of beverage. Best enjoyed warm.