What Is Urrak? Goa’s Hidden Seasonal Drink Everyone Talks About

Summers in Goa are delightful. It is often imagined as a slower, quieter version of its peak-season self. The crowds thin out, the beaches breathe a little easier, and local life takes over. But if you ask someone who really knows Goa, this is also the time when people begin to explore its culinary treasures.

One such hidden gem is a drink that does not come with flashy menus or tourist promotions, and you will not easily find it bottled on store shelves. It appears only briefly every year, almost like a secret shared among those in the know. We are talking about the Goan drink Urrak.

What is Urrak ?

Urrak is a traditional Goan alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of cashew apples. It is often considered the lighter, fresher precursor to feni, Goa's more well-known spirit. Unlike feni, which is distilled multiple times and has a strong, pungent flavour, Urrak is typically the first distillation. This makes it lower in alcohol content, mildly sweet, and incredibly easy to drink.