World Arak Day

 

Arak is one the world's oldest flavored spirits, originating from the area of Lebanon in the 12th century.

In Arabic, arak is the word for "sweat," which describes the distillation process.  The drink is a form of brandy made from fermented grapes, which is infused and redistilled with aniseed.

Because of the term, in other parts of the world, arak may not only be anise flavored, but may use palm sap, rice, or sugar cane.

It is considered a drink of hospitality, often associated with weekends and holidays.  It is usually watered down to a level of wine, which causes the solids to fall out of suspension and gives the liquid a milky opalescence.

It is also a pillar of culinary heritage, serving as a palate cleanser between dishes.

When Muaddi arrived to the West Bank, years of poverty and politics had diminished the once great spirit.  Three generations removed from distillation, a craft that had been more than a thousand years, the quality devolved into an inexpensive industrial alcohol flavored with anise extract.

So he became a distiller himself.

Muaddi

Sahha!