Moke is a typical drink from the island of Flores which is made from palm trees (palm trees) and palm. This drink has many names such as liqueur, dewe, and moke. But the name that is most familiar and characterizes the island of Flores is Moke. Moke is a symbol of custom, brotherhood and association for the people of Flores.
Moke is a traditional drink that is made from the distillation of the fruit and flowers of palm and palm trees, the manufacturing process is still traditional, which has been passed down from generation to generation and is still being carried out today.
Moke making is done in community gardens using traditional containers such as earthen pots to cook it. Moke making requires tenacity, patience and special skills to produce a quality drink.
One bottle of Moke takes 5 hours, because it waits drop by drop from a refinery that uses bamboo. Moke with the best quality is often referred to by the community as BM or “burning on fire (Bakar Menyala)”. Moke has health properties and is not intoxicating. The best quality moke is usually only served on weekends and traditional events such as weddings as a companion to the main course and also served with betel and areca nuts which are commonly consumed by women.
Even though moke is an alcoholic drink, to get it is very easy, moke is always available in various corners of the city and in remote villages. Outside Kupang moke can be found at roadside stalls. The price is between Rp. 15-20 thousand per medium bottled water. This traditional wine is a drink for the wider community in Flores, including among local officials.
People in Flores often consume Moke together or in regional terms it is called a circular way. The consumption of moke is often done together with various snacks or plates in the local language.
Moke is also consumed along with typical Flores foods such as fish sauce with tamarind sauce, grilled fish, goat soup, roasted / boiled banana and lemon chili or tomato sauce. The banquet is often held outdoors such as on the beach, in the yard and under the trees.