Unique Bali spirits at bridges | Ubud Bar
Vodka, whisky, tequila, gin, rum, and saké are the spirits people are familiar with—they are most used for cocktail mixing and many signature cocktails have been created around them. But only a few, on the other hand, have heard about Balinese Arak of which the small island is one of the oldest and largest producers in all of Indonesia.
In Bali, Arak is not only drunk privately or at social gatherings but also offered during ceremonies—for example as the required offering for Butha Kala (Evil Spirit). The spirits used are commonly called tetabuhan and Arak, Brem, or Tuak can be used as such. The Balinese believe that by offering tetabuhan along with five-coloured-rice (segehan), Butha Kala will not interfere with humans and cause them to do negative things.
During your visit—or if you are on the island already—you might want to try some of the spirits listed below. But remember to make sure that you buy the labeled products only like the ones we offer in our retail wine shop, do not take any unnecessary chances.
- Tuak
Tuak or Balinese sweet wine is an undistilled form of Arak and usually made from sap/nira that is tapped from sugar palm. Most people enjoy plain Tuak at room temperature to warm and refresh the body. The alcohol content of Tuak is quite similar to wine, around 8% to 10%. - Brem
Balinese Brem is produced by fermenting half-cooked black rice. The half-cooked black rice is fermented for about a week and then pressed, resulting in liquid. Balinese Brem is best served chilled. It has a bit higher alcohol content (about 12%). - Arak
Arak is probably the best-liked spirit by the Balinese—it tastes good and can be drunk straight or mixed with other natural ingredients such as honey. Distilled from rice or palm flowers, good Arak can have up to 50% alcohol content.
Are you feeling tempted? Then just visit the DIVINE wine and cocktail bar and sample various Arak-Based cocktails that our bar team has crafted to perfection. You can also discover what foods go well with Arak. And if you want to try your hand at home, just ask the team for the recipe. Cheers!