Hua Mulan was a legendary female warrior from the northern Wei (386 – 536) of Chinese history. Disguised as a man, she decides to take her fathers place and to be recruited as his son, for she knew her father was too old to survive the war.

Her heroic deeds were first recorded in ancient texts and retold in the famous poem “ballard of Mulan” In Chinese Hua means flower and Mulan means magnolia. The magnolia has been an auspicious symbol in China since ancient times.

She fought for twelve years and gained great merit, whereupon she was promoted to general. One day before a difficult battle she decided to go on the battlefield in woman’s clothing, so her soldiers would realise her true identity.

The reaction of the soldiers was one of admiration and respect. They were overwhelmed by her bravery. Through this action, she inspired her army to win yet another battle.

Magnolia Baijiu Cocktail

25ml of V.I.P Jiu 8
25ml of Cointreau
25ml of Baileys Irish Cream
25ml of double cream
4 ice cubes
Ground nutmeg
Cocktail cherry

Put all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker except the nutmeg and cherry, shake to mix, strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with nutmeg sprinkled over the top and cherry on a cocktail stick.