arrack

American  

[ar-uhk, uh-rak] / ˈær ək, əˈræk /

Or arak

noun

1. any of various spirituous liquors distilled in the East Indies and other parts of the East and Middle East from the fermented sap of toddy palms, or from fermented molasses, rice, or other materials.

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arrack British  

/ ˈærək /

noun

1. a coarse spirit distilled in various Eastern countries from grain, rice, sugar cane, etc

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Etymology

Origin of arrack

1595–1605; < Arabic ʿaraq literally, sweat, juice; raki

Example Sentences

Most arrack, even the Mediterranean kind, is home-brew moonshine, so generally in any form, the word refers to something with a dodgy reputation.

From Seattle Times

His great grand uncle, JBM Perera, is credited with completely changing the way the drink was distilled and blended, when in 1924, he accepted a British government contract to produce arrack on a commercial scale.

From BBC

She goes big in Port of Call, a boozy overproof combo featuring arrack, allspice dram and tangerine juice.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the Green Zone's cocktails feature arrack, a traditional Middle Eastern spirit made with anise.

From Washington Post

He planned to focus on the city’s cosmopolitan night life, nibbling kibbe, drinking arrack, and taking in the vibe at beachside night clubs.

From The New Yorker