Arak (drink)

Arak or araq (Arabic عرق, " sweat" ) is a clear, unsweetened aniseed liqueur. It is conceptually often confused with arrack, the much sweeter rice brandy, which is prevalent in India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Russia.

Origin and production

Arak is produced mainly in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Iraq and Jordan and consumed. The alcohol content varies between 40 and 80 vol - %. Arak probably already existed 2500 years ago in the Middle East and was prepared by anise fruits were added to distilled wine. Today is known as a country of origin of Lebanon. The seeds of anise Traditionally there inserted into distillate and stored in earthenware jars.

Consumption

Arak is usually drunk with water and / or ice, but also as a long drink with tea, mint, grapefruit juice or lemonade or simply by itself. The addition of ice or water will cause a milky haze of the otherwise clear spirit ( Louche effect). The reason for this is that anethole in anise oil, which is only soluble in alcohol and in water.

Arak in Israel

In present-day Israel, the spirit was introduced by Jewish immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East. In recent years, the Arak has developed among the young people in Israel to a fashionable drink. Spirits Retailers report an increase in sales to bars, nightclubs, restaurants, supermarkets and kiosks. Reason for this is mainly the low price compared to other alcoholic beverages. In the Club Arak is usually served as a Short beer. In modern bars and restaurants of Tel Aviv Arak is also increasingly an integral part of new cocktail creations.