If you’ve ever spent a summer in Goa and haven’t tried Urrak, did you even do Goa right? This seasonal cashew-based drink is more than just alcohol, it’s an experience, a tradition, and quite honestly, the best way to beat the Goan heat while feeling slightly tipsy (in the best way possible)
Urrak 101
Before you confuse Urrak with Feni (rookie mistake), here’s the difference.
Urrak is the first distillate of cashew apples, making it light, fragrant, and refreshingly smooth. It’s got a subtle buzz, unlike Feni, which is the stronger second distillation. If Feni is the wild party animal, Urrak is that chilled-out friend who knows how to have a good time without going overboard.
And the best part? Urrak season is fleeting, it typically lasts from March to May, so if you miss it, you wait an entire year! No wonder Goans celebrate its arrival like a festival.
A Buzz from the Past
The Portuguese may have brought cashew trees to Goa in the 16th century, but it was the locals who turned it into liquid gold. What started as an experimental brew soon became a Goan household staple, passed down through generations. Even today, Urrak is mostly home-brewed in small batches, and every Goan has their go-to source for the best stuff.
How to Make a Perfect Urrak Cocktail at Home
While some hardcore Goans swear by drinking it neat, the best way to enjoy Urrak is in a simple, yet legendary cocktail. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
60 ml Urrak
A splash of Limca or tonic water
A generous squeeze of lime
Crushed ice
A pinch of salt
Garnish: Fresh chili or coriander (optional but adds a kick!)
Method:
Fill your glass with ice.
Pour in Urrak and top it with Limca or tonic.
Squeeze in the lime, add a pinch of salt, and stir well.
Garnish and sip away!
Why Goans Are Obsessed with Urrak
For Goans, Urrak isn’t just a drink, it’s a vibe, a season, and a tradition. You’ll find people gathering in their verandas, laughing over stories, and toasting to summer with a glass in hand. It’s light enough to enjoy all day long, and with Goa’s soaring temperatures, it’s almost a necessity.
Get Your Urrak Before It’s Gone!
The countdown is on! Urrak season won’t last forever, so if you’re in Goa, hunt down a local taverna or ask a Goan friend for their secret supplier (trust us, they all have one).
And if you’re not in Goa? Well, that’s just another reason to plan that trip.