Batavia Arrack is a type of rum distilled in Indonesia from sugar cane and a small portion of local red rice which is used to start fermentation. It is pot-distilled, and is strongly aromatic, with a buttery, musky aroma.

Batavia Arrack was popularized in Sweden in the mid-18th century as the Swedish East India Company developed a trade route between Indonesia and Sweden. Batavia Arrack is used to make punsch, a warming drink with added sugar and flavorings. 

Punsch was also popular in America pre-Prohibition, but like many types of alcohol, was lost, and is only now being imported into the United States by Haus Alpenz under the [ingredient=van-oosten van Oosten] brand. Many punch recipes from Jerry Thomas called for Batavia Arrack as an ingredient.

Some popular cocktails containing Batavia Arrack

  • Golden Triangle — Light rum, Batavia Arrack, Thai Bitters, Pineapple syrup, Lime
  • The Runaway — Bitters, Batavia Arrack, Rye, Orgeat, Lemon juice, Lemon peel
  • Jakarta Mai Tai — Batavia Arrack, Rhum Agricole, Curaçao, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Salt, Lime peel, Curry leaf
  • Curried Away — Rye, Batavia Arrack, Ginger liqueur, Bitters, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Mint
  • Sacred Monkey Forest — Batavia Arrack, Fernet Branca, Herbal liqueur, Crème de Banane, Chocolate bitters, Scotch, Demerara syrup
  • Midnight to Midnight — Cardamaro, Genever, Batavia Arrack, Bénédictine, Bitters, Orange peel
  • Arrackiri — Batavia Arrack, Herbal liqueur, Mezcal, Lime juice, Agave syrup, Bird's eye chile tincture, Cucumber
  • Explorer's Dream — Dry vermouth, Batavia Arrack, Mezcal, Bénédictine, Absinthe, Lemon peel
  • Batavia Arrack Flip — Batavia Arrack, Cynar, Bitters, Orange bitters, Whole egg, Cream, Brown sugar coffee syrup
  • Spice Road — Cognac, Jamaican rum, Batavia Arrack, Bitters, Pineapple juice, Lemon juice, Egg white, Demerara syrup, Nutmeg
Batavia Arrack van Oosten
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