Arak is a type of liquor or alcoholic beverage that is generally produced in Southeast Asian and South Asian countries. Arak is made from fermented coconut, sugar cane, seeds, or fruit, depending on the country or region of origin. It is quite popular in Indonesia. In fact, one of its types, namely Arak Bali is already considered legal and can be used as Balinese souvenirs.
Arak in Other Countries
Not only available in Indonesia like Balinese Arak, but we can also find in several other countries, and each has its own uniqueness.
The Phillipines
Arak Filipino is made using the main ingredient, namely coconut sap that has not been opened. Philippine Arak is considered very strong because it has a distinctive alcohol content of 40% to 45% ABV after one distillation (distillation) cycle. Then it can reach 83% ABV after the second distillation. Arak in the Philippines is considered a home-made alcoholic drink, and is served pure or can be flavored with raisins.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan is made by fermentation and distillation of unopened mayang sap. The Sri Lankan arak fermentation process is carried out by leaving it in a vat until the alcohol content reaches 5% to 7% and is ready for distillation. Sri Lanka Arak has an alcohol content of 20% to 40% of the first distillation process. It is then increased from 60% to 90% in the second distillation. Most people describe the taste of Sri Lankan wine as a blend of whiskey and rum.
Arak Bali
Arak that is famous in Indonesia is arak bali. This alcoholic drink is made from fermented coconut juice. Some are made from fermented brown rice. The manufacturing process is usually still traditional and is carried out in rural areas. The alcohol content of arak varies, namely 15-20% and some have an alcohol content of 40%. However, Balinese arak is considered a traditional drink and is useful for traditional medicine.
History of Arak Bali
Arak Bali is one type of drink that is very typical of Balinese culture. Its existence is not only as a body warming drink, but also as part of a religious ceremony. Apart from that, arak Bali is also known as one of the most interesting souvenirs. One very famous brand is Dewi Sri. Starting the production process since 1968, Dewi Sri is said to be a pioneer of professional producers.
History of Arak Bali Dewi Sri
The tradition of drinking arak has long been known by the Balinese people. Unfortunately, in the past, there were many arak products that turned out to be dangerous when consumed. In fact, it leads to death just from enjoying a sip of wine. This then made IB Gotama take the initiative to establish a professional factory. Gotama applies clear operating standards in the production process. The use of the name Dewi Sri is a form of respect for Dewi Sri who is known as the name of the Goddess of Fertility and prosperity in Hindu religious beliefs.
Arak Bali Dewi Sri performs the distillation process carefully and carefully. The distillation process is carried out to release the sugar content present in rice and create alcohol. The refining process is carried out using Spanish copper metal. The use of this metal helps in removing sulfur compounds which are naturally created in the distillation process.
Read also about A Guide To Local Indonesian Liquor
Famous Arak Bali Brand
As it is considered legal and authentic Balinese souvenirs, here are some recommendations of famous brands that you can buy.
Arak Bali Dewi Sri
As the most famous and legendary brand of Balinese Arak, it’s a shame to miss the opportunity to buy Dewi Sri when visiting Bali. Dewi Sri’s prices are quite varied. You can usually find a 680ml bottle of Dewi Sri wine is with prices ranging from Rp. 250,000 to Rp. 300,000.
Arak Bali Legong
Another well-known Balinese Arak brand is Legong. The price for a 680 ml bottle of Legong arak is in the price range of Rp170,000 to Rp180,000.
Arak Bali Cap Pura
Another popular Balinese Arak recommendation is stamp Pura. This brand also provides arak which comes from fermented glutinous rice. The selling price of the Pura stamp for a size of 680ml ranges from IDR 130,000 to IDR 160,000.
Places to Buy Arak Bali
Traditional Store
Some places that produce and sell Balinese wine include the Karangasem area, including in the village area of Sidemen and Merita village, Abang sub-district. The selling price in the region varies, of course, according to the alcohol content. The current selling price for pure wine (class II) ranges from Rp. 25,000 – 40,000 / bottle / 600 ml, while the price for cocktail wine ranges from Rp. 25,000 – 40,000 / bottle / 600 ml. This price varies depending on the alcohol content of the arak, the lower the alcohol content, the cheaper the price, and vice versa.
Online Store
If you haven’t had the chance to visit Bali, but you want to try Balinese wine, now you can easily make purchases online via e-commerce or online trading sites. Prices on e-commerce are often more expensive than buying directly in Bali.
Ways to Enjoy Arak Bali
Besides drinking it traditionally and purely, you can enjoy it with new creations. You can mix it with other ingredients to enhance its taste. Arak cocktail is one of the drinks that are quite popular among the Balinese people. Check out some of the following cocktail wine recipes for you to try yourself at home.
1. Arak with Honey
Ingredients:
- 5 cl arak
- 2 cl lemon juice
- 2 cl honey
- 1 cl water
How to make: Shake and stir the ingredients above and serve in a cocktail glass. As simple as that!
2. Arak Attack
Ingredients:
- 4 cl arak Bali
- 1 cl grenadine syrup
- Orange juice
How to make: Pour the arak and grenadine syrup into a glass with ice. Add orange juice and enjoy.
3. Arak Caipirinha
Bahan:
- 5 cl Bali wine
- 1 lime wedge (8 pieces)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Ice cubes
How to make:
- Put the sugar into lime slices in a glass.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add the arak and stir.
4. Arak Buck
Ingredients:
- 5 cl Balinese wine
- 1 cl Cointreau
- 12 cl ginger ale
- ¼ lemon juice
How to make: Shake or stir the wine, Cointreau and lemon juice, then add Ginger Ale and ice cubes.
5. Arak Mojito
Ingredients:
- 5 cl arak Bali
- 1 palm sugar comb
- ¼ lemon lemon juice
- Soda water
- Mint leaves
How to make: Shake or stir arak with palm sugar and lemon juice, then add soda water, mint leaves, and ice cubes.
6. Arak Coke
Ingredients:
- 4 cl arak
- Cola-cola
Method: Pour the arak into a glass with ice. Fill a glass with a Coca-Cola drink. Add a lemon or orange wedge for a more luxurious look.
Similarly, the base material ingredient for a number of cocktails Arak Bali here’s how to make, in order to get a sense of appropriate and high selling power. You can also mix it with various drinks with various flavors according to taste. You can be creative discovering new cocktail menus!
That’s all the information you need to know about Balinese arak. When you visit Bali, don’t forget to stop by the seller’s shop as a souvenir that you must buy.
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