Quick answer
To order a specific arrack type, name the type and the serve. In local bars, ask for the style, such as old arrack or double distilled, and a measure: a shot, a quarter bottle or a half bottle. In hotel and cocktail bars, ask what arracks they stock and whether they have a pure coconut or aged arrack. Specify neat, on ice or with a named mixer. Check the bottle being poured, confirm the price and remember bars close on poya days.
Key takeaways
- Asking for arrack alone usually gets the house extra special.
- Name the type, such as old, double distilled or pure coconut, and the serve.
- Local bars sell by the shot or by quarter and half bottle.
- Hotel bars often stock pure coconut and aged arrack; ask what they have.
- Check the bottle, confirm the price and remember poya day closures.
What you get by default
In a local bar, a plain request for arrack usually brings the house extra special, the island's biggest seller, often with soda or cola. In a beach shack, it may be the same or a special arrack. In a hotel bar, it may be a mid-range or the bar's preferred pour.
That default is perfectly good for a long drink, and it is how most locals drink. But if you want a different type, you need to say so clearly.
Knowing the main types, extra special, old, double distilled, pure coconut and aged, gives you the vocabulary.
- →Local bar: extra special.
- →Beach shack: often similar.
- →Hotel bar: varies.
Ordering in a local bar
Local bars often sell arrack by the bottle: a quarter of 180 ml, a half of 375 ml or a full 750 ml, shared at the table with mixers and ice. Some also sell single measures, sometimes called a shot or a peg.
Name the type and size: a quarter of old arrack, a half of double distilled. Ask what types they have, as local bars may stock only two or three. Add ginger beer, soda or cola, and a plate of bites.
Point to the bottle on the shelf if language is a barrier. Check the label as it arrives, so you know you have the type you asked for.
- →Sizes: quarter, half, full.
- →Single: shot or peg.
- →Point: to the bottle.
Ordering in a hotel or cocktail bar
Hotel and cocktail bars usually sell arrack by the measure, often 30 ml, and may stock a wider range, including pure coconut and aged arrack. Ask to see the arrack list or the bottles.
Order by name and serve: a pure coconut arrack neat with a little water, an aged arrack on a single large cube, an old arrack with ginger beer. Bartenders are usually happy to recommend.
Many hotel bars also offer arrack cocktails, often made with premium coconut arrack, which are a good way to taste a better type.
Specifying the serve
Be clear about how you want it: neat, with a few drops of water, on ice, or with a named mixer. Ginger beer, soda and lime, cola, tonic and king coconut water are all common.
For a long drink, ask for the mixer on the side so you can control strength. For neat arrack, ask for a small glass and water.
Lankan Stays & Trails guides can accompany you to a local bar on your first evening and help you order the types you want to try.
- →Neat or with water.
- →On ice.
- →Mixer on the side.
Prices and checking the bill
Prices in local bars are usually modest, while hotel bars charge considerably more per measure, often roughly US$2 to US$8 for arrack, before service and taxes. Premium aged arrack costs more by the glass.
Confirm the price of a premium pour before ordering. Check the bill, especially in tourist areas, and make sure the type charged matches the type served.
Tipping is appreciated but not required in local bars; hotel bills usually include a service charge.
- →Local bars: modest.
- →Hotel bars: roughly US$2 to US$8 a measure.
- →Check: the bill.
Etiquette and timing
Bars and licensed shops close on poya days, the monthly full-moon holidays, and on other declared dry days. Plan ahead if a poya falls during your stay.
Drinking in public places is not permitted. Local bars can be male-dominated; go with a guide or friends if unsure, and dress modestly away from beach areas.
Pace yourself, eat bites with your drinks and never drive or swim after drinking.
- →Poya days: bars closed.
- →Public drinking: not permitted.
- →Safety: eat, pace, no swimming.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I just ask for arrack?
In most local bars you will get the house extra special, usually with soda or cola. That is fine for a long drink. To get a different type, such as old, double distilled or pure coconut arrack, name it specifically when ordering.
How is arrack sold in local bars?
Local bars often sell arrack by the bottle, a quarter of 180 ml, a half of 375 ml or a full 750 ml, shared with mixers and ice. Some also sell single measures, called a shot or a peg. Ask which types they stock.
Can I get pure coconut arrack in a bar?
Often in hotel and cocktail bars, which usually stock pure coconut and aged arrack. Local bars may stock only everyday and mid-range types. Ask to see the bottles and order by name, specifying neat, on ice or with a mixer.
How much does arrack cost in a hotel bar?
Hotel bars often charge roughly US$2 to US$8 a measure for arrack, before service charges and taxes, with premium aged arrack costing more. Local bars are much cheaper. Confirm the price of premium pours before ordering.
Are bars open on poya days?
No. Bars and licensed shops close on poya days, the monthly full-moon holidays, and on other declared dry days. Some hotels may serve guests privately, but do not count on it. Plan ahead if a poya falls during your stay.
What should I say to order arrack and ginger beer?
Ask for an old arrack, or a double distilled, with ginger beer and lime, ideally with the ginger beer on the side. In a local bar, you might order a quarter of old arrack with two bottles of ginger beer and ice to share.
Is it fine for women to order arrack in bars?
Yes. Visitors of any gender aged 21 or over can buy and drink arrack legally. Some local bars are male-dominated, so going with a guide or friends can feel more comfortable. Hotel and cocktail bars are relaxed for everyone.