Many people confuse the word Arrack , especially due to its prevalence for an extremely long time. In addition, not only Sri Lankans use the term “Arrack”. Numerous other parts of the world like South Asia and Southeast Asia also use the term. People make the drink using the fermented sap of several food and condiments like grains, spices, sugarcanes, and fruits. It does not always mean fermented coconut or Palmyrah sap. It changes according to the locality. However, Sri Lankans consider “arrack” as the distilled alcoholic drink fermented from the sap of the coconut or Palmyrah flower.
Let Us Dive Into the Diverse Origins of Arrack
In India, people believe that the term “arrack” comes from a palm seed named areca nut that grew in the locality. According to Indians, they used areca nut to create and mix several types this drink. At the same time, Arabs believe that the term comes from the word “araq”, which in Arabic language means perspiration. They have claimed credit for the creation of arrack; and were declined. Several people also confused arrack with arak, which is a Middle Eastern beverage that is created from raisins. They are not the same, since arak has a flavor similar to anise. Moreover, coconut trees are not used for its creation. Lastly, they do not go through with the toddy tapping, fermentation, and distillation process.
Many people believe that Sri Lankans created arrack, since it was derived from the word arrakku, which means the result of toddy tapping process. In truth, it is the distilled toddy which the toddy tappers tapped and fermented. Sri Lanka is the main palm sap-based arrack exporter in the entire world.
How is Sri Lanka specialized in Arrack?
In the 5th century AD, people discovered the drink. Pre historic people of Sri Lanka expressed paintings and oral tales which talk about Sri Lankan kings who chose toddy as the best drink in the kingdom. Ancient warriors and soldiers of Sri Lanka chose arrack as their famous choice of alcoholic beverage. The kings and queens of Sri Lanka grew their own Palmyrah and coconut plantation for personal consumption. They drank fresh alcohol every single day. Sri Lankans ferment toddy entirely in a natural and organic way.
Arrack in Sri Lanka Today
Sri Lankan young adults and adolescents choose other alcoholic beverages like beer, whiskey, vodka, and wine. Some think that arrack is a low-class drink without knowing its wonderful qualities. Sri Lankan generated 19.3 million liters of beer for the year 2003, according to the sales records. The value increased to 53% in 2007. Beer was extremely cheap during those days. This attracted the consumers more and caused an alarming trend. In 2016, the Sri Lankan Government employed a 27% tax increase on mild beer and a 32% tax increase on strong beer. They tried to reduce the use of beer, especially among the youth. After 2016, the overall tax of beer escalated to 70%. This predicament resulted in an extreme downfall for the sales of beer across the country.
However, the famous local alcoholic of Sri Lanka only faced a 24% increase during the time. But the sad news is that they only faced a 10% sales escalation even after the tax increase for beer.
How is Ceylon Arrack Welcomed in the International Market around the World?
With a rich history and a creative art of production, Ceylon arrack is now loved internationally. It is fascinating indeed, how a beverage of ancient times has remained popular to this day. This beverage is quite popular in Indonesia, and some mixed drink recipes call specifically for arrack since it has a distinctive flavor.
The history of this beverage is probably quite old. Historical documents and works of ancient art depict the stages of arrack production, and the drink was well established by the time European traders and explorers were introduced to it. In Indonesia, fermented sugarcane is the most common base, while fermented grains may be used in other parts of Asia. Therefore, the unique taste of Ceylon Arrack is welcomed with warmth.
Arrack is also used to make mixed drinks
The quality of arrack varies widely. Serious companies handle their arrack similar to famous strong alcohol drinks like brandy, rum, and whiskey producers. They age the alcohol for flavor in various types of wood.
People use Arrack as a base spirit for punch, and cocktails. It has the wonderful ability of enhancing its own flavor as well as the flavors of other drinks. They consume Arrack with coconut water, neat, or on the rocks. You can mix it with natural fruits like apple, pears and their syrups. You can mix it with wine-based spirits, ginger beer, citrus fruits like orange, lime, dried orange peel and lemon. Lastly, you can even mix it with alcohol- based drinks like brandy, tequila and whiskey.
Arrack in Sri Lanka Today
Sri Lankan young adults and adolescents choose other alcoholic beverages like beer, whiskey, vodka, and wine. Some think that arrack is a low-class drink without knowing its wonderful qualities. Sri Lankan generated 19.3 million liters of beer for the year 2003, according to the sales records. The value increased to 53% in 2007. Beer was extremely cheap during those days. This attracted the consumers more and caused an alarming trend. In 2016, the Sri Lankan Government employed a 27% tax increase on mild beer and a 32% tax increase on strong beer. They tried to reduce the use of beer, especially among the youth. After 2016, the overall tax of beer escalated to 70%. This predicament resulted in an extreme downfall for the sales of beer across the country.
However, the famous local alcoholic of Sri Lanka only faced a 24% increase during the time. But the sad news is that they only faced a 10% sales escalation even after the tax increase for beer.
How is Ceylon Arrack Welcomed in the International Market around the World?
With a rich history and a creative art of production, Ceylon arrack is now loved internationally. It is fascinating indeed, how a beverage of ancient times has remained popular to this day. This beverage is quite popular in Indonesia, and some mixed drink recipes call specifically for arrack since it has a distinctive flavor.
The history of this beverage is probably quite old. Historical documents and works of ancient art depict the stages of arrack production, and the drink was well established by the time European traders and explorers were introduced to it. In Indonesia, fermented sugarcane is the most common base, while fermented grains may be used in other parts of Asia. Therefore, the unique taste of Ceylon Arrack is welcomed with warmth.
Arrack is also used to make mixed drinks
The quality of arrack varies widely. Serious companies handle their arrack similar to famous strong alcohol drinks like brandy, rum, and whiskey producers. They age the alcohol for flavor in various types of wood.
People use Arrack as a base spirit for punch, and cocktails. It has the wonderful ability of enhancing its own flavor as well as the flavors of other drinks. They consume Arrack with coconut water, neat, or on the rocks. You can mix it with natural fruits like apple, pears and their syrups. You can mix it with wine-based spirits, ginger beer, citrus fruits like orange, lime, dried orange peel and lemon. Lastly, you can even mix it with alcohol- based drinks like brandy, tequila and whiskey.
