What is lambanog? Many people came to terms with lambanog being an arrack liquor - a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers or sugarcane. The liquor base is very similar to palm wine which the alcoholic drink, lambanog, is classified. It comes from the fermented sap of a coconut tree and is then distilled to make it potent, but the drink is compared to Japanese sake.
Lambanog is like America’s moonshine since it has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 40-45 percent, but it can rise to over 80 percent after one distillation. You certainly don’t need much of this drink to feel the effects!
The History of Philippine Alcohol
The alcohol made from coconut is also known as coconut vodka, and for a long time, it was only offered as pure liquor. Now, flavors of the drink include bubble gum, mint, and jackfruit to attract a younger crowd. Lambanog can be found all over the Philippines, but it is particularly publicly consumed in Quezon. It would not be an unusual sighting to walk through town and find men in a circle taking turns drinking the strong but smooth and crisp alcohol.
The history of the popular drink started with Filipino farmers working on coconut plantations which made the concentration and passed it down their family line. The coconut sap was collected and placed in bamboo containers and put through a cooking process that creates tuba. Tuba is made with hot water, sugar, and sometimes spices.
Around 1574, during the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines, the technology for distillation became in use. The drink quickly became popular and part of a tradition. What is lambanog? It is a part of the Filipino culture, and it comes in many different flavors that people adore.
The Coconut Wine Recipe
Some may call it lambanog, coconut vodka, or delicious coconut wine. Either way, it is meant for sharing at social gatherings. However, since the drink is potent and high in alcohol volume, it is essential not to drink too much since it can cause harmful side effects on the body and brain development. Likewise, addiction can be easily formed and lead to rapid unwanted repercussions.
How to make lambanog:
- Sap will need to be gathered from many coconut trees.
- Have a bamboo container to hold nectar.
- Allow fermentation.
- Use the process of distillation.
- Put the desired amount of sap or tuba in a chamber for distillation.
- Apply heat until evaporation is completed.
- Add water to the top of the chamber to liquefy the alcohol while evaporating or in the gaseous phase.
- The first 10-20 ounces of distillate will contain a high concentration of methanol, so set aside this amount.
- Continue distillation and use an alcohol hydrometer to check that it is 80-proof alcohol, meaning it is good quality.
The process is time-consuming and can be very dangerous. Professionals can quickly produce lambanog thanks to years of practice and learning. Climbing to the top of 30-foot trees probably will take up most of your time!
Side Effects of Alcohol Abuse
If a person tries coconut wine and becomes addicted, then there are serious health risks involved. Many people will seek alcohol addiction treatment after finding that they are experiencing adverse side effects on the body and brain. Here are some of the dangerous effects to occur:
- Breathing troubles
- Fainting
- Clammy skin
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Tremors
- Potential overdose
- Slow reflexes
- Changes in vision
- Skin reactions like itching
Addiction Help at Pompano Rehabilitation Center
After realizing there is a problem, one should get treatment. At Banyan Treatment Center Pompano, our experienced medical staff is prepared to safely get you through the withdrawal process and establish a relapse prevention plan. We understand that alcohol addiction causes many struggles in everyday life, and we are here to help you regain control over your mind.
We also offer numerous other addiction treatment plans like our prescription drug treatment which has helped hundreds return to living a sober and successful lifestyle. Our alcohol addiction treatment plan usually includes the 12-step program that is favored by many, teaching core principles and setting a foundation for long-term recovery.
Please do not hesitate to contact Banyan Pompano today at 888-280-4763 to get started!
Related Reading:
Why Do I Shake When I Drink Alcohol?
Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health
