Batavia Arrack

A funky cocktail and punch ingredient from the past that's def back.

Do you know how history likes to do that thing where it repeats itself? It’s doing it now with Batavia Arrack, a funky Spirit that was super popular from the 17th to 19th century before its production practically stopped. Made from molasses and rice, it originally comes from the island of Java. One of the oldest known Spirits that we know - older even than Rum! - it was named after Java’s 17th-century, Dutch-colonized capital and it used to be the essential ingredient of every Punch. In 2007, the importer Haus Alpenz brought Batavia arrack back to the U.S. together with Punch expert and cocktail historian Dave Wondrich. Ever since then, this funky juice has been making its way back into cocktails and bar manuals.

Batavia Arrack van Oosten is made from sugar cane and fermented red rice. It’s unaged and brings smoky and fruity flavors that mingle with a vegetal funkiness. It’s perfect in a Punch as it soaks up all the tea, lemon, and sugar in the bowl. Add depth to your cocktails or pair Batavia Arrack with fortified Wines.