Welcome to my blog, adventurer! Today we’re going on a journey around the globe to explore exotic spirits. From cachaça to arrack, we’ll be uncovering unique and unusual drinks that may not be on your radar yet. So grab your passport and let’s get started! 👀

Cachaça 🇧🇷

Our first stop is Brazil, home to the national spirit - cachaça. This sugarcane-based liquor is similar to rum but has a distinct flavor and aroma. It’s used in the iconic caipirinha cocktail, which is made with lime, sugar, and cachaça. Cachaça can range from unaged to aged varieties, with aged cachaça often being compared to whiskey due to its oaky notes.

A caipirinha cocktail with lime and cachaça on a wooden bar.

Pisco 🇵🇪

Next up, we’re headed to Peru and Chile to discover pisco. This brandy-like spirit is made from grapes and is often used in the popular Pisco Sour cocktail. The flavor profile of pisco can vary greatly depending on the grapes used and the region it’s produced in. Some varieties may be smoky, floral, or fruity.

A Pisco Sour cocktail with a foamy top and garnished with a slice of lime.

Rakı 🇹🇷

Our next exotic spirit takes us to Turkey, where rakı is a popular drink. This anise-flavored liquor is often served with mezze (appetizers) and has a unique ritual associated with it. The liquor is served in a special glass, and water is added to it slowly, causing it to cloud up and turn white. This process is known as “louche” and is a sign that the drink is ready to be enjoyed.

Two glasses of rakı with a platter of mezze in the background.

Arrack 🇱🇰

Arrack is a spirit commonly found in Sri Lanka and other parts of South Asia. It is distilled from the sap of coconut flowers, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor profile. Arrack can be enjoyed straight or mixed into cocktails, and is often used in the classic drink, Arrack Punch. It’s also a key ingredient in the popular Sri Lankan dessert, Watalappam.

A bottle of Arrack with a glass filled with the liquor and some coconut in the background.

Absinthe 🇨🇭

Our final stop on this exotic spirits journey is Switzerland, where we’ll be diving into absinthe. This anise-flavored spirit is infamous for its alleged hallucinogenic properties, although that has been debunked. Absinthe is prepared by adding cold water to a sugar cube that is placed on a slotted spoon above the glass containing the spirit. This process creates a milky appearance and releases the herbal aromas.

A glass of absinthe with a slotted spoon and sugar cube, ready to be diluted with water.

Conclusion 🥂

What a journey it has been, adventurer! We’ve explored some of the world’s most unique and unusual spirits. Whether you choose to enjoy them straight or in a cocktail, these exotic spirits are sure to add a fun twist to your drinking experience. So, the next time you’re feeling adventurous, why not give one of these liquors a try?

A collage of the exotic spirits we explored, surrounded by different fruits and herbs.