Arrack & Other Drinks
Arrack is Sri Lanka's national spirit—a coconut blossom distillate that, in its best form, is surprisingly mild and complex, far from the harsh liquor one might expect. Good Arrack (Old Arrack, VSOA, Extra Special) is drunk neat or with ginger beer—the "Arrack Sour" (Arrack, lime juice, sugar syrup) is Sri Lanka's classic cocktail.
Other Drinks
- Lion Lager: Sri Lanka's most famous beer—a solid lager. 600–1,000 LKR (1.70–2.85 €) in the restaurant.
- King Coconut (Thambili): Orange-colored coconuts sold everywhere for 50–100 LKR by the roadside—the best natural electrolyte drink against the heat.
- Fruit Juices: Freshly squeezed mango, pineapple, or papaya juice from 200 LKR.
- Toddy: Fermented coconut blossom sap—lightly alcoholic, tart, an acquired taste.
- Faluda: Pink milk drink with basil seeds, gelatin, ice, and rose syrup—a favorite among Sri Lankan children and adventurous tourists.
Achtung
On Poya days (full moon days), the sale of alcohol is prohibited—bars and liquor shops are closed. Hotels often still serve guests, but not always. Check the moon calendar and stock up beforehand if necessary.
