Ronny Chieng Rings in Lunar New Year Sharing His Favorite Celebratory Traditions

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Starting from January 29, 2025, the Lunar New Year marks a holiday steeped in age-old traditions that foster luck, prosperity, and a fresh start for the upcoming year. Comedian Ronny Chieng, renowned for his wit and original perspectives, is partaking in these celebrations alongside Johnnie Walker Blue Label this year. The Emmy-winning correspondent from The Daily Show and globally recognized actor from Interior Chinatown offers a guide to making the most of this transformative phase so you can attract as much good fortune as possible — perhaps even winning at Mahjong during your annual family game. Ronny Chieng, accompanied by his wife Hannah Pham, demonstrates how he seamlessly merges old and new customs to create cherished moments with friends and relatives.

One of his beloved customs is preparing Yu Sheng, a lively dish that combines several ingredients representing prosperity, longevity, and abundance. Tossing the Yu Sheng is a shared custom that sets goals for the year; the couple blended the meal while savoring the Golden Orange Old Fashioned, a bubbly drink featuring orange marmalade and Sichuan orange bitters. Chieng’s festivities also feature Mahjong, an engaging game deeply rooted in tradition that strengthens family bonds across the table, and the exchange of gifts, two sets — a practice stemming from the symbolism of harmony and good fortune. Naturally, no Lunar New Year celebration would be whole without acknowledging Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love, adding an old-style cinematic elegance to warm family gatherings. In the video above, Chieng and his wife honor the film’s legendary dance scene.

For a dozen straight years, Johnnie Walker has honored the Lunar New Year with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, aged 21 and over. They’ve paid tribute to the rich traditions connected to this holiday while embodying the essence of renewal and advancement. The top Scotch whisky brand on the globe has collaborated yet again with visionary Taiwanese-American artist James Jean, creating a 12th special limited-edition Lunar New Year Blue Label bottle for the Year of the Snake. Jean’s lively artwork showcases three snakes emerging from a flower bed as they shed their skin, symbolically reflecting the transformative essence of the Lunar New Year. With its detailed craftsmanship and evocative imagery, Johnnie Walker Blue Label continues to honor trailblazers and the charm of personal development, celebrating the cunning wisdom of the wooden snake and the sharp wit of Ronny Chieng.

As a gaming aficionado, I’ve got to say, Johnnie Walker has really outdone themselves with their artistically designed Blue Label bottle! This time, they’ve handpicked an exclusive lineup for The Blue List – a collection of bars and eateries serving up unique Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails. To add to the Lunar New Year celebration, these drinks are thoughtfully crafted to complement traditional dishes we all love during this special occasion. So, let’s raise a glass as families come together around the table, savoring not just delicious food but also diverse cocktails that promise an unforgettable start to our upcoming year!

In the video you see, the Chiengs cheerfully exchange fortunate greetings as they throw Yu Sheng and build anticipation for the most significant gift – not Scotch, but family unity. It’s an ideal present for your dear ones and friends to savor together while indulging in tasty, auspicious dishes. For those aged 21 and above who appreciate Scotch whiskey, they can head over to Johnnie Walker’s website to acquire the latest James Jean-designed Lunar New Year Blue bottle. Organize your upcoming family get-together by referring to Johnnie Walker’s official Blue List.

NOTE: Johnnie Walker Blue Label – Year of the Snake. This is a Blended Scotch Whisky containing 46% alcohol volume. It is imported by Diageo, located in New York, NY. Remember to consume responsibly and do not offer it to those under the age of 21.

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