Arak (spirit)
Arak or araq ( Arabic عرق, DMG ʿaraq , "sweat") is a clear, unsweetened aniseed schnapps . It is often confused conceptually with arrak , the much sweeter rice brandy that is common in India , Sri Lanka , Southeast Asia and Russia .
Origin and manufacture
Arak is mainly produced and consumed in Syria , Lebanon , Israel , the Palestinian Territories , Iraq and Jordan . The alcohol content varies between 40 and 80 % by volume . Arak is made by adding aniseed fruit to distilled wine.
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 pure. The addition of ice or water causes the otherwise clear spirit to become milky ( louche effect ). The reason for this is the anethole in anise oil, which is only soluble in alcohol and not in water.
Arak in Israel
The spirit was introduced into present-day Israel by Jewish immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East. In recent years the arak has become a fashionable drink among young people in Israel. Liquorers report an increase in sales to bars, nightclubs, restaurants, supermarkets and kiosks. The main reason for this is the low price in comparison to other alcoholic beverages. In clubs Arak is usually as short for beer served. Arak is increasingly being used in new cocktail creations in modern bars and restaurants in Tel Aviv.
See also
Web links
- Articles in Haaretz (English)
- The Flavor of Anise (English)
- Arak Cocktails (English)