Raksi

Raksi distillery in Nepal

Raksi (Limbu:Sijongwaa aara)[1] (Nepali: रक्सी) or Rakshi is a traditional distilled alcoholic beverage in Nepal, India (Darjeeling, Sikkim) and Tibet. It is often made at home.

It is also the traditional beverage of newari people and of course mongol people.[2] The Limbus especially, drink an enormous amount of Tongba and raksi served with pieces of Pork, Water buffalo or Goat meat Sekuwa.[3] Raksi is usually made from kodo millet (kodo) or rice; different grains produce different flavors.[4] It is a strong drink, clear like vodka or gin, tasting somewhat like Japanese sake.

In the CNN's list of World's 50 most delicious drinks, it was ranked 41st and was described as "Made from millet or rice, Raksi is strong on the nose and sends a burning sensation straight down your throat that resolves itself into a surprisingly smooth, velvety sensation. Nepalese drink this home brew to celebrate festivals, though some think that the prized drink itself is the reason to celebrate."[5]

Because of its popularity, various temperance movements exist in Nepal, including various women's groups. Raksi, however, remains an important requirement of various religious rituals and social events, due in part perhaps to its antiseptic properties.

Serving

Raksi is often served in a bhatti glass and during special occasions, the drink is poured from a great height via a pitcher with a small spout, making an entertaining spectacle.

Production

Raksi is produced, sold and mostly consumed at rustic distilleries scattered around the countryside. Usually it is not aged before consumption. A large amount of wood is used in the distillation process.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ethnic Fermented Foods and Alcoholic Beverages of Asia, Front Cover By Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Springer, 5 Aug 2016 - Technology & Engineering - 409 pages, P.107
  2. ↑ P.67 Land and Social Change in East Nepal: A Study of Hindu-Tribal Relations By Professor Lionel Caplan, Lionel Caplan
  3. ↑ p.34 Kinship and Marriage Among the Limbu of Eastern Nepal: A Study By Rex Lee Jones - 1973
  4. ↑ Nepal: Liquor
  5. ↑ CNN: World's 50 most delicious drinks
  6. ↑ Terraced Fields and Natural Disasters in Nepal
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