Anastasia Smith
Sri Lankans are renowned for their enjoyment of socialising and spirit-filled celebrations! The island nation has a long history of producing its own unique alcoholic beverages, such as toddy and arrack. As a tourist, you can try some of the national drinks when you visit Sri Lanka and immerse yourself in the local drinking culture. These drinks provide a lovely fusion of native flavours and spirits, perfectly matching the laid-back island mood. They range from soothing coconut-infused concoctions to tart, tropical fruit blends. Prepare to explore Sri Lanka's thriving cocktail culture with a few drinks!
Sri Lanka's popular arrack spirit is highlighted in the Arrack Sour, a tropical take on the traditional Whisky Sour. The distinct flavour of Sri Lankan arrack is combined with bright notes of lime juice and a hint of sweetness from sugar syrup to create this zesty and delicious cocktail. A smidgeon of fragrant Angostura bitters gives it body and nuance, making it an elegant but easy-to-drink cocktail that's best enjoyed over ice.
With the distinct flavour of Sri Lankan arrack added, the Ceylon Iced Tea is a pleasant and boozy take on the traditional iced tea. With a zesty splash of lemon juice, this cocktail deftly combines the powerful and fragrant Ceylon black tea with hints of arrack. A hint of honey or sugar wonderfully balances the flavours, making this refreshing drink ideal for a sunny afternoon. It also quenches thirst!
A fruity and tropical drink that embodies the vivid tastes of Sri Lanka is the Coconut Rum Punch. It blends pineapple juice's tart sweetness, orange juice's vibrant citrus notes, and the rich, velvety overtones of the region's coconut arrack or rum. Perfectly balancing the flavours, a dash of tangy lime juice adds a delightful zing. This punch takes your taste senses to the island nation's sun-kissed coastlines when served chilled, making it the perfect party drink.
The refreshing and herbaceous Kahata Gin Fizz showcases the native Kahata plant of Sri Lanka. The unique botanicals of Kahata-infused gin are expertly combined in this cocktail with the zesty sharpness of lemon juice and the delicate sweetness of sugar syrup. With a burst of fizzy soda water, this unusual and revitalising drink encapsulates the island's abundant biodiversity with each sip. A must-try for lovers of gin who want to experience some of Sri Lanka's natural beauties.
The Pineapple Arrack Punch is a tropical and fruity crowd-pleaser that perfectly captures the essence of Sri Lankan flavours. It combines the distinct notes of the local arrack spirit with the sweet and tangy pineapple juice, brightened by a zesty splash of lime. A hint of warm spice from cinnamon or nutmeg adds depth and complexity, making this punch an ideal choice for lively parties and gatherings, transporting guests to the sun-drenched island with every sip.
Sri Lankan flavours are best summed up by the cool, creamy, and delightful Coconut Arrack. This beachfront beverage combines the refreshing freshness of coconut water with the velvety richness of coconut cream and the unique aromas of the island's well-known arrack spirit. The flavours are expertly balanced with a zesty pop added by a dash of fresh lime juice. This is a must-try cocktail that, with each sip, perfectly encapsulates beach living in Sri Lanka.
All these cocktails – and more! Could be found at any bar across Sri Lanka and bars in Negombo. If you are staying in the western coast, be sure to check out Heritance Negombo for its truly Sri Lankan cocktails!
