Toddy (locally none as “ra”) is the most traditional Sri Lankan liquor. It is only a mild drink (4% alcohol) made by sap collected from palm trees. The sap ferments immediately into toddy and becomes mildly alcoholic.
Arrack is one of the most traditional drinks in Sri Lanka which is distilled from toddy or palm syrup, and has a much higher percentage of alcohol (60 – 90%). The golden colored drink is often regarded as the national drink of Sri Lanka, and tastes like something between Whisky and Rum. Many people mix it with Sprite, ginger beer or Coke into a cocktail – you can get both these drinks from the local Toddy shacks.