Arrack is a traditional alcoholic spirit widely enjoyed in Sri Lanka and parts of South Asia. It is considered one of the oldest distilled spirits in the world, with a history dating back over 600 years. In Sri Lanka, arrack is deeply tied to culture, celebrations, and local craftsmanship.

🥥 How Arrack Is Made

Sri Lankan arrack is primarily distilled from:

• Coconut Flower Sap (Toddy)

  1. Toddy tappers climb tall coconut trees.

  2. They cut the coconut flower and collect the sap into clay or plastic pots.

  3. The sap naturally ferments within hours.

  4. It is then distilled to produce arrack.

This process gives arrack its smooth, slightly sweet, and unique coconut aroma.

🍶 Types of Arrack in Sri Lanka

1. Premium Arrack

  • Aged in oak or Halmilla wood

  • Smooth and refined

  • Ideal for drinking neat or on the rocks

2. Regular Arrack

  • Commonly mixed with juices or soft drinks

  • Affordable and widely available

3. Coconut Arrack

  • Pure distilled coconut toddy

  • Known for clean, tropical flavorsArrack

🍹 How to Drink Arrack

Arrack is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Popular Mixers:

  • Ginger beer (famous “Arrack Ginger”)

  • Soda

  • Lime juice

  • Cola

  • Passion fruit juice

Popular Cocktails:

  • Ceylon Arrack Sour

  • Arrack Punch

  • Colombo Sling

Many tourists say arrack tastes like a blend of rum + whisky + coconut.

🎉 Where Arrack Is Used

Arrack is commonly served during:

  • Weddings

  • New Year celebrations (Avurudu)

  • Parties and gatherings

  • Traditional village festivals

In Sri Lankan culture, arrack is often considered a symbol of celebration.

🛍️ Best Arrack Brands in Sri Lanka

Popular brands include:

  • Old Reserve

  • Ceylon Arrack

  • Double Distilled

  • DCSL Extra Special

  • VSOA

These are widely found in supermarkets, restaurants, and bars.

🌍 Why Tourists Love Arrack

  • It’s unique to Sri Lanka

  • Smooth, tropical flavor

  • Perfect souvenir

  • Affordable compared to other spirits