Lao-Lao
Lao-Lao () is a Laotian rice whisky produced in Laos. Along with Beerlao, lao-Lao is a staple drink in Laos. Etymology. Contrary to what the romanized transcription would lead one to think, the name "lao-Lao" is not the same word repeated twice, but two different words pronounced with different tones: the first, ເຫລົ້າ, means "alcohol" and is pronounced with a low-falling tone in the standard dialect, while the second, ລາວ, means Laotian ("Lao") and is pronounced with a high(-rising) tone. Taste. Quality, taste and alcohol concentration vary by source of the drink. However, all variations  are strong. "Lao satoe", the white liquid by-product from lao-Lao production, is also drunk and it has a very yeasty and sweet taste. Production and consumption. Although lao-Lao is traditionally drunk neat, a cocktail that is rising in popularity is the "Pygmy Slow Lorange", named after the pygmy slow loris, a species endemic to Laos. Various flavoured lao-Laos are made by macerating such additives as honey or scorpions. It is women who often distill lao-Lao and sell it as a source of income locally, often being their second major income. Lao-Lao sold on retail  is usually clear, but amber colored varieties exist too. It is traditional to serve two glasses of lao-Lao on ceremonies, feasts and other comparable situations. The drink is customarily expected to be drunk with a single gulp. A less powerful version of lao-Lao, called lao-hai, , and is drunk from large communal earthenware pots ("hai") through long bamboo straws.