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
- 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
- Golden Triangle — Light rum, Batavia Arrack, Thai Bitters, Pineapple syrup, Lime
- Sacred Monkey Forest — Batavia Arrack, Fernet Branca, Herbal liqueur, Crème de Banane, Chocolate bitters, Scotch, Demerara syrup
- Arrackiri — Batavia Arrack, Herbal liqueur, Mezcal, Lime juice, Agave syrup, Bird's eye chile tincture, Cucumber
- Privateer — Batavia Arrack, Falernum, Jamaican rum, Aromatized wine, Orange bitters, Lime juice, Nutmeg
- Explorer's Dream — Dry vermouth, Batavia Arrack, Mezcal, Bénédictine, Absinthe, Lemon peel
- Midnight to Midnight — Cardamaro, Genever, Batavia Arrack, Bénédictine, Bitters, Orange peel
- Batavia Arrack Flip — Batavia Arrack, Cynar, Bitters, Orange bitters, Whole egg, Cream, Brown sugar coffee syrup
