Quick answer
Arrack, soda and lime is the classic Sri Lankan way to drink arrack: a measure of arrack over ice in a tall glass, topped with soda water and finished with a generous squeeze of fresh lime. A typical ratio is one part arrack to two or three parts soda, or about 50 ml of arrack to 120 to 150 ml of soda. It contains no added sugar, which makes it dry, refreshing and suited to the heat. Old arrack or a young coconut arrack works best.
Key takeaways
- Arrack with soda water and fresh lime is the most traditional everyday serve for arrack in Sri Lanka.
- The usual ratio is one part arrack to two or three parts soda, over plenty of ice.
- Sri Lankan limes are small, thin-skinned and sharp, and half of one is enough for a glass.
- Arrack, soda and lime has no added sugar, so it is drier and lower in calories than arrack with ginger beer or cola.
- Older Sri Lankan drinkers often replace the soda with plain cold water.
What arrack, soda and lime is
Arrack, soda and lime is the island's equivalent of a whisky and soda. It is a simple highball in which the mixer adds nothing but bubbles and the lime adds a sharp, fragrant lift.
Arrack shows more clearly in this drink than in any other long serve. Soda does not mask it the way ginger beer or cola does, so the floral, nutty character of the spirit comes through, which is why people who care about arrack tend to drink it this way.
How to make arrack, soda and lime
Making arrack, soda and lime takes under a minute. The only rules are cold soda, fresh lime and a full glass of ice.
- →Fill a tall glass with ice.
- →Pour in 50 ml of arrack.
- →Squeeze in half a small lime, or a quarter of a large one.
- →Top with 120 to 150 ml of chilled soda water.
- →Stir once and drop in the squeezed lime.
Why the lime matters
The lime in arrack, soda and lime is not a garnish. Sri Lankan limes are small, round, thin-skinned and intensely aromatic, closer to a key lime than to the large Persian limes sold in most supermarkets abroad.
Sri Lankan lime juice is sharp and slightly floral, and it brings out the same notes in the arrack. At home, use the freshest limes you can find and a little more juice than you think you need. Bottled lime juice does not work.
Which arrack to use with soda
Choosing an arrack for soda is worth a moment's thought, because there is nowhere for a poor spirit to hide.
- →Old arrack: the traditional choice, mellow and easy.
- →Young pure coconut arrack: the most flavour, and the best result.
- →Double distilled arrack: brighter and a little fruitier.
- →Extra special arrack: acceptable, though thin; use less soda.
- →Long-aged arrack: pleasant, but better sipped neat.
Simple variations
Variations on arrack, soda and lime are few, since the appeal is its plainness. A small number are common in Sri Lankan homes and bars.
- →With water: plain cold water in place of soda, the old-fashioned way.
- →With a pinch of salt: a tiny pinch sharpens the lime.
- →With a dash of bitters: for a drier, more aromatic drink.
- →With tonic: sweeter and slightly bitter, sometimes called an arrack and tonic.
Ordering it in Sri Lanka
Ordering arrack, soda and lime in Sri Lanka could not be simpler: say exactly those words. In a hotel bar it comes ready made. In a local restaurant the arrack, a bottle of soda and a plate of limes may arrive separately for you to mix.
Lankan Stays & Trails guides often suggest this as a first arrack for guests, since it is light, dry and goes with almost any Sri Lankan meal, particularly grilled seafood on the coast.
Frequently asked questions
How do Sri Lankans traditionally drink arrack?
The most traditional everyday serve is arrack with soda water or plain cold water, over ice, with fresh lime. Ginger beer and cola are also popular mixers. Aged arrack is sometimes sipped neat. Arrack is nearly always accompanied by spicy snacks called bites.
What is the ratio of arrack to soda?
One part arrack to two or three parts soda is typical: about 50 ml of arrack to 120 to 150 ml of soda water in a tall glass filled with ice. Add the juice of half a small lime. Adjust the soda to taste.
Is arrack and soda low in calories?
Relatively. Soda water and lime add almost nothing, so the calories come from the arrack alone, roughly 90 to 115 kcal for a 50 ml measure depending on strength. That is well below the same drink made with ginger beer or cola.
Can I use lemon instead of lime with arrack?
Lemon works but gives a softer, less fragrant result. Lime is the traditional choice because Sri Lankan limes are sharp and aromatic and suit the floral character of arrack. If using lemon, add a little more juice than you would lime.
Is club soda the same as soda water in Sri Lanka?
Yes. In Sri Lanka, soda means plain carbonated water, sold in glass bottles and cans, and is the same thing as club soda or soda water elsewhere. Sweet fizzy drinks are called by their own names, such as cream soda or ginger beer.
Which is better, arrack with soda or with ginger beer?
Arrack with soda is drier, lighter and lets the spirit show, so it suits drinkers who avoid sweet drinks. Arrack with ginger beer is spicier and sweeter and is the crowd-pleaser. Many people start the evening with one and move to the other.