arrack

or ar·ak

[ ar-uhk, uh-rak ]

noun

1. any of various spirituous liquors distilled in the East Indies and other parts of the East and Middle East from the fermented sap of toddy palms, or from fermented molasses, rice, or other materials.

arrack

/ ˈærək /

noun

1. a coarse spirit distilled in various Eastern countries from grain, rice, sugar cane, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrack¹

1595–1605; < Arabic ʿaraq literally, sweat, juice; raki

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrack¹

C17: from Arabic `araq sweat, sweet juice, liquor

Example Sentences

"The violent arrack on the Capitol that took place on Jan. 6 has no parallel in American history," Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe told Salon by email.

From Salon

Most arrack, even the Mediterranean kind, is home-brew moonshine, so generally in any form, the word refers to something with a dodgy reputation.

From Seattle Times

His great grand uncle, JBM Perera, is credited with completely changing the way the drink was distilled and blended, when in 1924, he accepted a British government contract to produce arrack on a commercial scale.

From BBC

She goes big in Port of Call, a boozy overproof combo featuring arrack, allspice dram and tangerine juice.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the Green Zone's cocktails feature arrack, a traditional Middle Eastern spirit made with anise.

From Washington Post