If Mexico got their Tequilas, American and their Bourbons and The Russian with Vodka. Indonesia’s own contender is the one and only; Arak Bali.
Generally made out of yeasted coconut water, Arak Bali often brought abroad as a gift or enjoyed under the fun sun of Bali. It is widely available island-wide and also used in religious ceremonies among Balinese not forgetting that is believed to give extra ‘power’ for adults if consumed moderately.
Some of the benefits of Arak Bali is not only to warm up the body and remove any nauseous feel but some of the Arak actually contains traditional herbal medications that uses to take care of wounds as well. Thus, boosting its popularity among the aficionados.
The Myth spoken that when you had too much of Arak, Rangda; the demon queen in Balinese folklore, will pay a visit and play around in your dream. Through this fear of Rangda -whose image can be seen on the factory-manufactured Arak Bali, many have tried to consume Arak Bali moderately.
There are few cases of fake Arak that are sold on the streets of Bali, Methanol based Arak have taken few lives in Bali. Thus making factory made Arak as the safer and more popular options among the visitors and locals too.
So the next time you visit Bali, get brave and try this drink. Most of the Balinese bartenders have their own way of mixing this pretty hard liquor to make it into a delightful drinks. Although do it moderately, unless you would like a visit from Rangda in your dream -believe it or not.
Chef Adith
