Guunii Soel
The airag (fermented mare's milk) is the national drink of Mongolia, and it is the most important drink in the nomadic culture. The airag is made by fermenting mare's milk in a khokhoo (a cowhide bag) for 2-3 days, and the result is a mildly alcoholic (2-3%), slightly sour, and very refreshing drink. The tradition is to serve airag to every guest, and to refuse a cup of airag is to refuse the hospitality of the host. The airag is also used in religious ceremonies (the airag is offered to the sky, the earth, and the ancestors), and the airag festival is held in August (the peak of the airag season). The mares are milked 4-6 times per day during the summer, and the milking is done by the women (who sing to the mares to calm them). The airag is rich in vitamins and probiotics, and it is said to have healing properties (the airag is used to treat tuberculosis, anemia, and digestive problems). The airag season is from June to October, and the tradition is to drink as much airag as possible before the season ends. . 2026: Mar 4. 2027: Mar 23.
