Mustang coffee

Rocksi is the local fire-water made from a rice base which is somewhat like saki but with a smoky flavor. Rocksi is made in the region although not in Pheriche but is available if you know who to ask. Chang is another type of Nepali adult beverage which is more beer-like but harder to acquire in the Khumbu. After hearing about it, Chris Hill decided we needed to sample rocksi, and he and Jeet went on a mission. Upon return, Jeet got very busy in the kitchen making a speciality drink called Mustang coffee which involves burnt sugar, butter, salt, rocksi, and instant coffee. We had heard rumors of this beverage from the Machermo group and were a bit apprehensive. Indeed, this turned out to be one of the most vile tasting liquids to pass our lips. And given enough time, the butter separates out and forms an oily sheen on the surface rendering it even less appetizing. Fortunately placing the cup on the stove for a bit helped re-emulsify the butter, but with each re-heating the taste became worse and worse. While I can't imagine it becoming a personal favorite, we all agree it tests better than it smells.