So, as the first warm winds of summer lash across Goa, the changing season is synonymous with the arrival of the cultish alcoholic beverage, Urrak, in the state’s many local pubs and taverns.
While Feni is the double distilled alcoholic beverage, Urrak is a single distillate, both derived from fermented cashew apple juice, which packs a punch especially when it comes to the indigenous taste-buds, which have been accustomed to downing the brew, either with a simple dash of lime and water or an ice-cold lemonade fizzed drink to beat the heat. Both have unique flavours and only the brave of heart will dare to go for an on-the-rocks experience!
The cashew plant is believed to have been imported to Goa from Brazil by the Portuguese, who had colonised both regions in the 1700s. While Goa has been virtually synonymous with cashew nuts and feni, local residents have been toasting to urrak every summer, from March to May when the drink is brewed. Fresh cashew juice is fermented in large vats before it is distilled using traditional methods for urrak first and then feni.
Urrak is definitely the most popular drink in Goa among the locals. The drink is only sold in the summer months from March to May, by June, Goans stop drinking Urrak. Reason being it is a cooling drink. Urrak is made out of the first distillation of the cashew apple. The second distillation of the same produces the more popular drink, Feni.
While you can simply go to any liquor store in Goa and pick Feni off the shelf, it’s not the same with Urrak. The production and distribution of this liquor is not organised, families who own cashew farms in the state make it and distribute it among friends. Selling Urrak is still considered to be illegal.
The texture of the final distilled drink is cloudy and not clear, it has about 28-30 percent alcohol and the taste is fruity and punchy. It is definitely a great cocktail drink meant to be enjoyed during the hot summer days in Goa.
The best urrak is often sourced from Goa’s hinterlands, especially areas like Valpoi and Pernem regions, which abound in organic cashew cultivation and where distillation methods and practices are still traditional.
The flip side about the popular drink however, is its lack of shelf-life. You can rarely buy it after the summer.
While you may not get direct access to the drink in Goa, unless and until you are friends with locals who own cashew farms, you may find it in bars and tavernas across the state. Some bars and eateries like Favela, Black Sheep Bistro, Lazy Goose and Zwe have come up with some exciting cocktails with Urrak as the base. You can also check out The Goan Room for a dose of this lovely drink.
