Airag

A Mongolian beverage made from the milk of a female horse, or mare, which contains more sugar than cow’s or goat’s milk. A symbol of hospitality, it is considered a holy drink and is typically enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. It is prepared by straining the milk through a cloth, pouring it into a leather sack, and churning it with a wooden masher. It tastes slightly sweet and sour and contains less than 3 percent alcohol due to fermentation.