Quick answer
Hotel bar menus list arrack in three ways. A spirits list names bottles, often by producer and style, such as an extra special, an old, a double distilled, a pure coconut or an age-stated arrack, sold by the measure. A cocktail list features arrack sours, old fashioneds with kithul treacle, punches and highballs. Some hotels offer tasting flights. Choose pure coconut or aged arrack to sip, mid-range with ginger beer, and cocktails for an easy introduction. Prices include service and taxes.
Key takeaways
- Hotel menus list arrack on the spirits list, in cocktails or as tasting flights.
- Spirits lists usually name producer and style or age.
- Choose pure coconut or aged arrack for sipping.
- Arrack cocktails are an easy introduction to premium arrack.
- Hotel prices are much higher than local bars and add service and taxes.
The spirits list
Most hotel bars list arrack alongside rum, whisky and gin, by producer and style or age. Entries may include an everyday extra special, an old or double distilled, a pure coconut arrack and one or two age-stated bottles.
Read each entry for type words: extra special or special for everyday, old or double distilled for mid-range, 100 per cent coconut for pure coconut and a number of years for aged. If the list gives only a brand, ask the bartender which type it is.
Measures are usually around 30 ml, sometimes 25 ml, served neat, on ice or with a mixer.
Some menus group arrack under a heading such as local spirits or Sri Lankan arrack, separate from imported rum and whisky. That section is usually where the best local bottles appear, so it is worth reading even if you normally skip to the cocktails.
- →Everyday: extra special, special.
- →Mid-range: old, double distilled.
- →Premium: coconut wording, years.
The cocktail list
Many hotel bars now feature arrack cocktails: an arrack sour with lime, an arrack old fashioned with kithul treacle and bitters, an arrack punch, a highball with ginger beer or tonic, and house creations with tea, cinnamon or tropical fruit.
Cocktails are often made with a premium coconut arrack, so they are an easy way to taste a better type. Ask which arrack the bar uses.
A sour or old fashioned shows arrack's character best; sweeter fruit cocktails show it less.
Tasting flights
Some hotels, particularly in Colombo and luxury resorts, offer arrack tasting flights: small pours of three or more types, from everyday to aged.
Flights are an excellent way to learn the types in one sitting, often with notes from the bartender. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange a flight or guided tasting at a partner hotel.
If no flight is listed, ask the bartender whether they can pour two or three small measures side by side.
- →Flights: small pours of several types.
- →Where: Colombo, luxury resorts.
- →Ask: for a custom flight.
Choosing from the menu
To sip, choose a pure coconut or age-stated arrack, neat with a little water or on a single large cube. To drink long, choose an old or double distilled arrack with ginger beer. For an introduction, choose an arrack sour or old fashioned.
Avoid paying hotel prices for an everyday extra special with cola, which is far cheaper in a local bar.
If unsure, describe what you usually drink, rum, whisky or gin, and ask the bartender to recommend an arrack.
Ask for a small taste before committing to a premium glass. Many bartenders are proud of their arrack selection and will offer a few drops of two bottles so you can choose. It is also a good opening for a conversation about local drinking habits.
- →Sip: pure coconut or aged.
- →Long: old with ginger beer.
- →Intro: sour or old fashioned.
Prices and service
Hotel bars charge considerably more than local bars, often roughly US$2 to US$8 for an arrack measure and roughly US$6 to US$14 for a cocktail, before service charge and taxes. Premium aged arrack costs more by the glass.
Bills usually add a service charge and government taxes, which can add a significant percentage. Check whether menu prices include them.
Despite the cost, a hotel bar is a good place to try premium arrack by the glass before buying a bottle.
- →Measure: roughly US$2 to US$8.
- →Cocktail: roughly US$6 to US$14.
- →Plus: service and taxes.
Rules and timing
Hotel bars generally follow the same rules as other licensed premises: no alcohol sales on poya days and other declared dry days, and a minimum age of 21.
Some hotels may offer guests drinks in rooms or private areas on poya days, but policies vary. Ask in advance if a poya falls during your stay.
Drink sensibly, especially before swimming in hotel pools or the sea.
Frequently asked questions
How do hotel bars list arrack?
Hotel bars usually list arrack on the spirits list by producer and style or age, in cocktails such as sours and old fashioneds, and sometimes as tasting flights. Ask the bartender which type a brand name refers to if the list does not say.
Which arrack should I order in a hotel bar?
To sip, choose a pure coconut or age-stated arrack. To drink long, choose an old or double distilled arrack with ginger beer. For an easy introduction, try an arrack sour or old fashioned, often made with premium coconut arrack.
Do hotels offer arrack tasting flights?
Some do, particularly in Colombo and luxury resorts, with small pours of several types. If no flight is listed, ask the bartender to pour two or three small measures side by side. It is the best way to learn the types quickly.
How much is arrack in a hotel bar?
Expect roughly US$2 to US$8 for an arrack measure and roughly US$6 to US$14 for an arrack cocktail, before service charge and taxes. Premium aged arrack costs more. Check whether menu prices include service and tax.
Is it worth ordering extra special in a hotel bar?
Usually not. Extra special with cola is far cheaper in a local bar or from a shop. In a hotel bar, better value comes from trying a pure coconut or aged arrack by the glass, or an arrack cocktail made with premium arrack.
Can I drink in a hotel on a poya day?
Alcohol sales are not permitted on poya days, including in hotel bars. Some hotels may offer guests drinks in rooms or private areas, but policies vary. Ask in advance and buy any bottles you want the day before.
Which arrack cocktail should I try first?
An arrack sour or an arrack old fashioned with kithul treacle shows arrack's character best. A sour is fresh and citrusy; an old fashioned is rich and smoky-sweet. Both are usually made with premium coconut arrack in hotel bars.