Raksi
Raksi (Devanagari:रक्सी) or Rakshi (Bantawa language: Hengmawa/Hengma, Limbu language: Sijongwaa aara,[1] Nepal Bhasa: aila) is the Nepali term for a traditional distilled alcoholic beverage in Nepal, India (Darjeeling, Sikkim) and Tibet. It is often made at home.
Raksi is a strong drink, clear like vodka or gin, tasting somewhat like Japanese sake. It is usually made from kodo millet (kodo) or rice; different grains produce different flavors.[2] It is made by distilling a chhaang, a brewed alcoholic drink.[3] The
In CNN's list of the world's 50 most delicious drinks, raksi was ranked 41st and was described as follows: "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."[6]
Because of its popularity, various
GC-MS based metabolomics revealed medicinal compounds present in raksi collected from high altitudes of Singalila Ridge of the Himalayas. Study claims raksi contains compounds which are useful as a remedy of high altitudes sickness.[7]
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.[8]
See also
- Alcohol in Nepal
- Ara, a Bhutanese drink
- Chhaang, a Tibetan and Nepalese drink
- List of Tibetan dishes
References
- ^ Ethnic Fermented Foods and Alcoholic Beverages of Asia, Front Cover By Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Springer, 5 Aug 2016 - Technology & Engineering, P.107
- ^ "Nepal: Liquor". Archived from the original on 9 March 2016.
- ISBN 1786719975.
- ^ p.67 Land and Social Change in East Nepal: A Study of Hindu-Tribal Relations. Lionel Caplan.
- ^ p.34 Kinship and Marriage Among the Limbu of Eastern Nepal: A Study. Rex Lee Jones - 1973
- ^ "World's 50 most delicious drinks". 12 July 2017. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
- ISSN 2352-6181.
- ^ "Terraced Fields and Natural Disasters in Nepal -- An Fuyusawa". www.natureinterface.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2018.