The revival of Arak

A drink that is legend, the Arak can be identified with Bali, represents tradition, religiosity and history, not surprisingly it was chosen as one of the souvenirs for the participants in the summit of the G20 of Bali in 2022. The Arak plays a socially and culturally important role in the Island of the Gods, it is used in religious ceremonies and belongs to the intimate family moments and to the meetings with friends where it is usually  spilled in a single glass used by everyone. Given the high alcoholic degree, the Arak can be found in different types of cocktails in restaurants, bars or clubs. It seems that its use dates back to the Majapahit Era (1293-1527) and that it was the Mongolian invasion that brought the Arak and the distillation technology to Java. Designed as one of the Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, Arak is the result of a long process of fermentation and distillation of the sap of coconut or palm trees or in general of what local vegetation offers. Its alcoholic gradation varies from 20% to a powerful 50%. Initially linked to a home production it was legalized only in 2020 and now the Arak can be found bottled by numerous distillers who guarantee its high quality and uniqueness.