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Arak – the Arabic variant of raki

What exactly is arak?

Arak is an unsweetened aniseed schnapps made from grapes. Arak is, so to speak, the Arabic version of the Raki, actually even its predecessor. Etymologically, the word raki comes from the word arak, which means "sweat". It was probably derived from the drops of alcohol dripping from the flask during the distillation process.

Arak comes primarily from the countries of the Orient, including Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq and Jordan. Just like raki, it is diluted with water and enjoyed with appetizers.

There is also an Indian and (Southeast) Asian version of arak schnapps, but it is usually sweeter. This variant is made from sugar cane or rice. The spelling Arrack or Arrak is often used for these variants, the drink is not mixed with aniseed and is therefore not comparable with Arak or Raki. There is also no white turbidity when mixed with water. The spirit can therefore be compared to rum or whiskey.

Is Arak Alcohol?

A very clear yes! Arak, no matter from which region of the world and no matter what raw material or spelling, is a high-proof schnapps. The Arabic Arak schnapps is almost always over 50% vol. Alcohol content and also the Asian and Indian variants are always high-percentage distilled alcohol.

It is believed that the arak has its origins in the Indian-Asian region and was initially a distillate of fermented palm juice (palm wine). For a long time, the word arak served there as a synonym for a variety of alcoholic distilled beverages. In the Persian-Ottoman region, palm wine was then replaced by wine made from grapes and aniseed was added.

What is the difference between arak and raki?

What is arak and how is it different from raki? The two drinks are often used in the same context. Strictly speaking, they are not the same drink. However, the differences are small. Like raki, arak is also made from grape mash and mixed with aniseed. When it comes to Arak, of course, mainly grapes and aniseed from local, i.e. Arabic origin, are used. Probably the biggest difference is the alcohol content. While raki contains at least 40%, but mostly 45% alcohol, arak is much stronger and usually contains 50% or more alcohol.

Furthermore, the arak is generally not sweetened, whereas the raki can, but does not have to, have variants with added sugar. Arak becomes cloudy when mixed with water (louche effect), like raki or other aniseed. Do you want to buy original Arak? Browse in our shop for irresistible Arak offers. You will find arak alcohol of different brands and in different quantities. Most Arak bottles have a capacity of 0,5 to 0,75 liters. 

What is the louche effect? 

If arak is mixed with water, the well-known whitish cloudiness develops. This is also called the louche effect. The discoloration takes place due to the oils of the anise. These are dissolved in alcohol and invisible to us. However, when added to water, they form tiny oil droplets. In the end, this causes the whitish cloudiness that we perceive with the eye. This makes the Arak drink twice as special.

How does arak taste?

Similar to raki, arak is a grape brandy mixed with aniseed. Therefore, the taste is similar, which can be described as liquorice-like. However, the intensity of the taste can always be adjusted to personal preferences by adding water and/or ice as usual. Especially in summer it is advisable to "set" the Arak according to the temperatures.

Have we piqued your interest? We offer you an excellent range of different Arak brands and varieties. You can buy cheap arak from us today!

Is arak suitable for baking?

When people talk about "arak for baking", they always mean the Indian/Asian variant, which is made from sugar cane and is more comparable to rum. As a baking ingredient, it can always be easily replaced with rum or rum flavoring. We've heard of raki biscuits, but we don't know of any other pastry that uses aniseed schnapps as an ingredient.

What is arak liquor?

What is arak? As explained above, arak is an aniseed-infused liquor made from fermented grapes, to which aniseed is added after the initial distillation process. Through maceration, the alcohol extracts the typical oils from the aniseed and the associated flavors. This is often followed by further distillation passes. Arak can therefore be compared to raki, although it almost always has a higher alcohol content. Unlike raki, arak schnapps is always unsweetened. Adding water can dilute the flavor if needed. 

How is arak drunk? 

Arak schnapps can be drunk with water and ice, just like raki. The mixing ratio is left to personal preference. If you want to cover up the intense taste, add a little more water - for example in a mixing ratio of 2:1. If you only want to dilute the schnapps a bit, choose a mixing ratio of 1:1.

In addition, Arak is perfect for long drinks. You can conjure up a refreshing arak drink with tea, mint, grapefruit juice or lemonade. Add a few ice cubes and you have the ideal summer drink. In our shop you will find a fine selection of Arak alcohol that you can try out for your next evening with friends or family. Buy the best arak liquor in our shop!

If you serve the arak, it is important to pay attention to the correct order. The ice cubes are always added last, because the arak alcohol is sensitive to cold. First fill the raki in the serving glass, then the water and finally the ice cubes. This way you get the best possible result. If pure arak is mixed with ice cubes, it can start to crystallize, losing its taste. You should therefore never store the Arak Schnaps bottle in the freezer.

Store arak liquor correctly

What is the correct way to store arak liquor? As already mentioned, the schnapps has no place in the freezer. Ideally, arak should be stored in a cool, dry, dark room with constant temperatures. A cellar room or a special liquor cabinet is suitable for this, for example. The Arak alcohol should always be protected from sunlight. This keeps the taste as long as possible after opening. There is no expiry date for the Arak, theoretically the schnapps, like other spirits, can be kept indefinitely. What matters is how you store it.

Arak Schnaps Limo Recipe

Lemon Mint Lemonade with Arak

We present you one of our favorite recipes. It's the perfect soft drink for hot days. You only need: 

• 4 lemons
• 4 EL sugar
• 1/2 bunch mint 
• 500g crushed ice
• 250 ml sparkling water
• approx. 12 cl arak (depending on taste)

Wash one of the lemons and grate the zest. Then squeeze the juice from all the lemons and mix it with the sugar and lemon zest. Pick and add the mint leaves, followed by the crushed ice. The whole thing is mixed and filled up with sparkling water. Finally, the arak is added and mixed again. We recommend starting with a little less Arak and adding more as needed. This ensures that the end result does not taste too intense. The recipe makes enough for 4 glasses.

Arak - From insider tip to trendy drink

Arak has become increasingly popular in recent years. First the hype developed among the young people in Israel, slowly the trend is coming to us more and more. One of the reasons for this is that it is a lot cheaper than other types of alcohol. In many clubs it is served as a shot with beer and is now incorporated into cocktail creations in modern bars and restaurants in Tel Aviv.

It's only a matter of time before Arak becomes the new highlight on our drinks menu. If you don't want to wait, you can have yours Order arak from us and get creative with your own cocktails! Check out our range and get yours today Buy arak liquor. Once you have placed your order, we will deliver your arak liquor within 1 to 2 working days to your home.