Quick answer
Arrack in Sri Lanka costs roughly US$10 to US$14 for a 750 ml bottle of everyday extra special arrack, US$12 to US$22 for old and double distilled arrack, US$20 to US$35 for pure coconut arrack and US$25 to US$60 or more for premium aged bottlings. In hotel bars a measure costs roughly US$2 to US$8 and an arrack cocktail US$6 to US$14, before service and taxes. Prices change often because excise duty, which makes up a large part of the price, is revised regularly.
Key takeaways
- A 750 ml bottle of everyday arrack costs roughly US$10 to US$14 in a licensed Sri Lankan shop.
- Pure coconut arrack costs roughly US$20 to US$35 a bottle, and premium aged arrack US$25 to US$60 or more.
- A measure of arrack in a hotel bar costs roughly US$2 to US$8 before service charge and taxes.
- Excise duty accounts for a large share of the retail price of arrack and is revised frequently.
- Arrack costs far less than imported spirits in Sri Lanka, which commonly sell for two to four times as much.
Arrack bottle prices by style
Arrack bottle prices in Sri Lanka rise with the share of coconut distillate and the time in wood. The figures below are for a 750 ml bottle in a licensed shop, in US dollars, and are deliberately broad.
- →Extra special and special arrack: roughly US$10 to US$14.
- →Old arrack: roughly US$12 to US$20.
- →Double distilled and VSOA: roughly US$13 to US$22.
- →Pure coconut arrack: roughly US$20 to US$35.
- →Premium aged arrack: roughly US$25 to US$60, with limited editions above.
Half bottles, quarters and miniatures
Smaller arrack bottles are priced almost in proportion, which makes them a sensible way to try a style. The half, at 375 ml, and the quarter, at 180 ml, are sold in every wine store.
Miniatures of 50 ml exist for some labels, mostly in airport and hotel shops, and gift packs of several miniatures appear around Christmas and the April New Year. They cost more per millilitre but travel easily.
What arrack costs in bars and hotels
Arrack in bars and hotels is priced by the measure, usually 25 or 30 ml, or by the bottle in local places. The range is wide.
- →Local bar or restaurant: a quarter bottle for the table at little more than shop price.
- →Beach bar: roughly US$2 to US$5 for arrack and a mixer.
- →Hotel bar: roughly US$3 to US$8 a measure; aged arrack up to US$12.
- →Cocktail bar: roughly US$6 to US$14 for an arrack cocktail.
- →Minibar: the highest price for the smallest bottle.
Why arrack prices keep changing
Arrack prices keep changing because of tax. Excise duty is charged according to alcohol content and makes up a large part of what you pay, with further taxes on top. The government adjusts the rates often, sometimes more than once a year.
The exchange rate of the local currency adds a second layer for visitors. A bottle's local price may rise while its dollar price falls, or the reverse. For that reason any dollar figure, including those here, is a guide to scale and not a quotation.
Service charge and taxes on bar bills
Bar bills in Sri Lankan hotels and restaurants usually carry additions that are not in the menu price. A service charge of around ten per cent is standard, and government taxes are added on top in many establishments.
Menus often show a note such as prices subject to service charge and taxes. Together these can add roughly a fifth to a quarter to the listed figure. Tipping beyond the service charge is optional and appreciated for good service.
Getting good value from arrack
Getting good value from arrack is straightforward: drink the local spirit, buy bottles in shops and keep hotel bars for the occasions that deserve them.
Lankan Stays & Trails includes clear guidance on drinks costs in pre-departure notes, and guides can suggest licensed restaurants where an evening of arrack and bites costs a fraction of hotel prices.
- →Buy a bottle and mixers for villa and beach stays.
- →Choose a half bottle to try a new style.
- →Order arrack, not imported spirits, in bars.
- →Use arrival duty free for wine or whisky if you want them.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bottle of arrack cost in Sri Lanka?
A 750 ml bottle costs roughly US$10 to US$14 for everyday extra special arrack, US$12 to US$22 for old or double distilled arrack, US$20 to US$35 for pure coconut arrack and US$25 to US$60 or more for aged premium bottlings. Prices change often.
Is arrack cheap in Sri Lanka?
Compared with imported spirits, yes. Everyday arrack is the cheapest legal spirit on the island. Compared with local incomes it is expensive, because of heavy excise duty. For visitors, a good aged arrack is excellent value against whisky or cognac of similar quality.
How much is a drink in a Sri Lankan hotel bar?
A measure of arrack in a hotel bar costs roughly US$2 to US$8, and an arrack cocktail roughly US$6 to US$14, before a service charge of around ten per cent and taxes. Imported spirits, wine and champagne cost considerably more.
Why is alcohol expensive in Sri Lanka?
Alcohol in Sri Lanka carries high excise duty, charged by alcohol content, plus other taxes, and imported drinks also bear customs duty. These make up a large share of the retail price. Rates are revised frequently, so prices tend to rise.
Is arrack cheaper at the airport?
Sometimes. Duty-free shops at Colombo airport sell arrack free of local duty, usually priced in US dollars. Everyday bottles can be cheaper than in town, while premium ones are similar. The range is narrower than in a large Colombo wine store.
Can I pay for alcohol by card in Sri Lanka?
Hotels, supermarkets and most bars and restaurants in tourist areas accept cards. Many small wine stores and local bars are cash only. Carry some local currency for bottle shops outside the main towns, and keep the receipt for customs.