Written by:
Rahul D. Gupta
If you have a penchant of challenging your nervous system with intoxicating drinks but have comfortably settled down to the very predictable scotch on rocks routine when alone or those predicable vodka shots when out with your buddies, here are few liquid intoxicants that you would definitely love to get your hand (and lips) on. Octanmen, a free online food and wine magazine helps you to find the real delight of exotic drinks from all over the globe.
Arak
Land of Origin: Syria, Jordan & Lebanon
Nicknamed “the milk of Lions” it’s the national alcoholic drink of Syria, Jordan & Lebanon. Its high alcohol content makes it one of strongest intoxicants in the world. It’s a colorless spirit and has a pleasant aniseed like flavor. Because of its inoffensive, rather mild taste, inexperienced drinkers often go overboard and take extra pints. The hangover they are rewarded with the next morning is enough to make them swear that the next time they will go easy on the “milk of Lions”.
How to drink it?
Pleasant on the palate but that’s only when it drunk with ice and/water. Some low end varities can be rather rough and fiery, so Arak is definitely not a drink that should be served on the rocks.
Accompaniments
Arak should be served with typical Middle Eastern accompaniments like pita bread, skewered meats, and pickled vegetables among hundred others.
2. Sake
Land Of Origin: Japan
First brewed over 2000 years back, Sake is the traditional rice wine from Japan and comes in a variety of favors. Its sweet taste and smooth texture can often trick a person into treating it like beer. The fact is that Sake contains 16% to 18% of alcohol. This mild nondescript sounding drink packs a powerful punch, so make sure you have a head strong enough to stomach at least eight servings of Sake. Anything less and you risk pissing off your Japanese hosts. Just Kidding!
Depending on the weather, Sake can either be served hot or over ice.
Accompaniments
It’s a versatile drink and compliments almost all Japanese and Thai dishes perfectly well.
3. Cachaa
Country of Origin: Brazil
Made from finely pressed molasses of Sugarcane, it’s a distilled spirit that’s found only in Brazil. It’s believed to have been invented by the Brazilian slaves who had to toil for long hours in huge plantations under the merciless tropical sun. Cachaa was believed to amplify vigor and relieve stress and weariness. It was also used as massage oil and heated and rubbed to sooth sore muscles.
How to drink?
Brazilians like to have it in the form of an intoxicant sherbet and mix it with sugar, lime juice and ice water.
Accompaniments
Cachaa that has been aged well serves as an excellent accompaniment with meat.