Quick answer
Arrack and king coconut water is a Sri Lankan long drink made by mixing arrack with the fresh water of the orange king coconut, known as thambili. Use one part arrack to three or four parts coconut water, about 50 ml of arrack to 150 to 200 ml, with a squeeze of lime and ice. It can be served in a glass or straight in the opened shell. The coconut water's light sweetness softens the spirit, giving a mild, refreshing drink best suited to the beach.
Key takeaways
- King coconut, or thambili, is an orange-skinned coconut native to Sri Lanka, grown for its sweet water.
- The usual mix is one part arrack to three or four parts fresh king coconut water, with lime.
- One king coconut holds roughly 300 to 500 ml of water, enough for two drinks.
- Fresh king coconut water should be drunk within minutes of opening, since it sours quickly in the heat.
- Arrack is distilled from coconut flower sap, so the drink combines two different products of the coconut palm.
What arrack and king coconut water is
Arrack and king coconut water is less a recipe than a habit. King coconuts are sold on almost every roadside in Sri Lanka, arrack is in every bottle shop, and at some point most people on a beach holiday put the two together.
King coconut water is clear, cool and lightly sweet, with a clean mineral edge. It dilutes arrack as water would, while adding a gentle sweetness that removes any roughness from the spirit.
How to make arrack and king coconut water
Making arrack and king coconut water needs no tools beyond a knife and something to pour with. Chill the coconut first if you can.
- →Open a cold king coconut and pour the water into a jug.
- →Fill a tall glass with ice and add 50 ml of arrack.
- →Top with 150 to 200 ml of coconut water.
- →Squeeze in a wedge of lime and stir.
- →Optional: a sprig of mint or a thin slice of ginger.
Serving arrack in the coconut shell
Serving arrack in the coconut shell is the beach version. Drink a few mouthfuls of the water to make room, pour the arrack in through the opening, add lime, swirl and drink through a straw.
The shell serve looks good and stays cool, but it is hard to judge how much arrack has gone in. Measure it. A whole coconut with 50 to 60 ml of arrack is a gentle drink; a free pour can be considerably more.
Which arrack and which coconut
Choosing the arrack and the coconut is simple. The drink is delicate, so neither needs to be special, but both should be fresh.
- →Arrack: old arrack or a young coconut arrack; extra special also works.
- →King coconut: orange skin, heavy for its size, opened in front of you.
- →Green coconut: kurumba water is a fine substitute, slightly less sweet.
- →Packaged coconut water: usable at home, though flatter in flavour.
Hydration, heat and common sense
King coconut water is rich in potassium and is the island's natural rehydration drink, which leads some people to treat this cocktail as healthy. The arrack in it is still alcohol, and alcohol dehydrates.
A plain king coconut between drinks is the better use of its virtues. Keep to one or two arrack and thambili in an afternoon, stay in the shade and do not swim afterwards, since south and west coast seas often carry strong currents.
Where to drink it on Sri Lanka's coast
Arrack and king coconut water is at home on the beaches of the south and west coasts from roughly December to April, and on the east coast from roughly May to September. Beach restaurants in Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hiriketiya and Arugam Bay will make one on request, as will most hotel pool bars.
Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange for a private villa to be stocked with king coconuts and a bottle of arrack before you arrive, and for a member of the villa staff to open the coconuts safely.
- →South and west coasts: best from roughly December to April.
- →East coast: best from roughly May to September.
- →Poya days: king coconuts are sold as usual, but arrack is not.
Frequently asked questions
Can you mix arrack with coconut water?
Yes. Arrack with fresh king coconut water is a popular Sri Lankan beach drink. Mix one part arrack with three or four parts coconut water over ice and add a squeeze of lime. The result is mild, lightly sweet and very refreshing.
What is thambili?
Thambili is the Sinhala name for the king coconut, an orange-skinned variety native to Sri Lanka and grown for drinking. Its water is sweeter and more fragrant than that of ordinary green coconuts. It is sold fresh from roadside stalls across the island.
How much arrack goes in a king coconut?
A king coconut holds roughly 300 to 500 ml of water. Drink a little first, then add 50 to 60 ml of arrack, which gives a gentle drink of roughly four to six per cent alcohol. Measure the arrack, as a free pour is easily too strong.
Is arrack with coconut water good for a hangover?
Plain king coconut water helps with rehydration because it contains potassium and natural sugars. Adding arrack cancels that benefit, since alcohol dehydrates. If you are recovering from the night before, drink the coconut water on its own.
Can I use packaged coconut water with arrack?
Yes. Packaged coconut water makes a reasonable version at home. Choose an unsweetened one with no added flavourings, chill it well and add a little extra lime. It will be less fragrant than a freshly opened king coconut.
Does arrack taste like coconut water?
No. Arrack is distilled from the fermented sap of the coconut flower and tastes floral and lightly nutty, like a soft rum. Coconut water comes from inside the nut. Mixed together, the two are complementary, not similar.