Find The Freshest Urrak AKA Jungle Juice This Summer At These 8 Bars

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If you have never heard of Urrak or even tried it, let us introduce you to its magnificence. A first distilled version of Feni, this quintessential summer drink is perhaps the only reason Goans look forward to summer. So, if you haven't had a taste of this local liquor with Limca, soda, a dash of lime, rock salt and a green chili, you've missed out.

Some call it the jungle juice while others call it the 'taste of summer' but its undisputed cooling property has made it a constant in every Goan household. You can hop over to your next-door wine shop and demand a swig before buying a bottle (or a jerrycan?) but we suggest you try it out at these bars and restaurants first. And like they say, once you go Urrak, you never go back. Oh, and did we tell you its price starts at a humble INR 150 or so for a litre?

Pablo Bar

What used to be called Escobar until recently, has undergone a name change but its sweet local character remains intact. We heard of their fresh Urrak when they decided to give a free shot to everyone to celebrate their half birthday a few days ago. We’d say hit up Pablo if you want to sit by the road and drink like a hipster. Oh, they even do jeera and masala infused Feni that’s amazing.

Spice Goa

One of the best and most popular haunts for seafood in Goa, this restaurant in Goa is famous for its fish preparations (hello, rawa fry). So much so that it moves almost 150 thalis a day! It's no surprise that it's also doing Urrak along with some stellar crab, calamari, prawns and fresh creatures of the sea. Now, we don’t know about you, but it sounds like a good lunch to us, followed by siesta, of course.

Dudhsagar Plantation & Farmstay

We’d have generally steered clear of recommending fancy resorts to try the local-est drink possible, but hey, this one’s different. They’re a massive 50-acre property, right in the wilderness and on the way to the famous Dudhsagar waterfalls. Plus, they’re all about eco-farming practices and take care to maintain the region’s rich biodiversity. So, if you’re in South Goa, drop by here for a Goan lunch and a fresh glass (or five) of homemade Urrak (the videos of cashew apple stomping on the farm are calling out to us).

Joseph Bar

No points for guessing this is our favourite watering hole of all times and the fact that it’s got Urrak is making us go back sooner. Since they’re old-timers, they know that getting Urrak right is an art. They’ve gone as artisanal as possible, right down to visiting villages, tying up with local distillers and labelling the batches based on origins. Cool, right?

Lake View Bar & Restaurant

This restaurant is perched on the serene Siridao lake in Velha Goa and is a hit with the locals and tourists alike. Their butter garlic squid, warm service and occasional crocodile spottings should coax you to give up on the beach and try something offbeat. And of course, they’re serving cold Urak to wash down all that Goan food. Just keep in mind that they’re shut on Mondays and every day during siesta hours (3 PM to 7 PM).

Hideaway

This Vagator spot is more of a cafe and live acts space but they're heartwarming-ly in tune with the local culture. Folks about town hangout here for their fill of coffee and conversations and we're hoping to drop by soon. No, not just to be a part of the conversations but also to taste the fresh Urrak they've sourced and are now experimenting with. Think yummy flavours like mango-basil, wild grapes, pomegranate, strawberries and more. Who's joining us then?

Bombil

Bombil's newly added seating means quicker access to their freshest Urrak, sourced from diverse Goan locales. Perfectly paired with Rawa Fried Prawns, Mussels, and Bombil—it enhances any rava fried dish. Their Jungle Juice, a classic recipe, strikes a flawless, flavourful balance. Don’t miss Bombil this summer, even if you have to, it's worth the wait.

Joet’s

Right on Bogmallo beach, you'll find Joet's, the perfect spot to kick back with Urrak and savour some tasty Goan grub. Feel that sea breeze? That's the Joet's magic! And on some nights, live music really gets the place jumping. Sure, they do Urrak the usual way, but man, it's the vibe that turns it all the way up!

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Remote mechanical Engineer, living in Goa, owns a modern sustainable postcard shop - Heenas.in and loves to explore - @explorer.heena on IG.