Kassipu, Anyone?

On a lighter note, I think it’s time I told you about Sri Lankan alcohol. First, there’s arrack, which is made from fermented coconut. It tastes like a cross between vodka and bourbon, though it’s been described as “smoother” than bourbon. It’s quite strong, and this is a favorite of the trishaw drivers. As soon as the sun goes down, most of them get smashed on this before resuming the evening’s driving. Don’t worry mom, I don’t go out after dark, and my driver to school is a very respectable woman with a van.
Of course, those who don’t get enough kick from arrack can kick it up a notch with raa. Raa is illegal, so I’ve never tried it. However, it’s been described as “borderline illegal,” at least when compared to the Sri Lankan equivalent of moonshine. It’s called “kassipu.” It’s made from sugar, bananas, chameleons, barbed wire, rat snake, garbage, and God knows what else. It can be used in cars as a substitute for gasoline.