Around the World in 60 Cocktails: Rice War

Spain has the famous tomato-throwing war, Thailand has an exciting water war, and Rembang in Indonesia has an amazing … rice war! Tawuran Nasi is how locals express gratitude for an abundant harvest. This tradition begins with the gathering of villagers who will each bring a large bowl of rice and pile it on a tarpaulin. The village leaders then lead a series of prayers of thanks. Finally, people can start to grab handfuls of rice and start flinging – the rice war begins.

Held in the village of Pelemsari in Central Java, the “war” is calculated very carefully to be on the most auspicious day of harvest. And if you’re worried about food waste, don’t be. All leftovers are given to livestock. If only all wars could be so friendly!

There will be no fighting over this delicious cocktail. Indonesian arrack surmises the country’s distilled spirits; much like vodka it can be made from pretty much anything including rice, molasses or palm nectar. The tamarind concentrate adds a tangy and sweet flavor, for a signature cocktail like no other!