Why Raki is the Drink You Need to Try in Turkey
Raki is an aniseed-flavoured spirit originating in Turkey and is the country’s national drink, often known as ‘lion’s milk ’ due to its milky appearance when mixed with water. This liqueur has a long tradition, associated with conviviality and deeply rooted cultural rituals. It is similar to other Mediterranean aniseed-based drinks, such as Greekouzo or Middle Easternarak, but has its own uniqueness due to the production process and its strong presence in Turkish culture.
The Basics
- Origin: Turkey
- Ingredients: Fermented grapes (or figs), water, aniseed
- Alcohol: 40-50% vol.
- Sugar: Approx . 0-10 g/l.
Organoleptic characteristics
Raki has a strong aniseed aroma, accompanied by herbaceous and fruity notes due to the grape base. When mixed with water, the liqueur takes on a milky white colour due to the aniseed essential oils. On the palate, it offers an intense, spicy flavour with a slight sweetness that balances the alcohol. The more refined versions, such as Yeni Rakı or Tekirdağ Altın Seri, tend to have a softer, rounder texture.
Production
Raki is mainly produced by distilling fermented grapes (or sometimes figs), creating a distillate called suma, which is then mixed with rectified alcohol and aniseed. The mixture undergoes a second distillation in copper stills, and the result is diluted with water to achieve the desired alcohol content. High-quality variants are often aged in oak barrels to achieve more complex flavours.
Pairings
Raki is usually consumed with meze (Turkish hors d’oeuvres), such as salty cheeses, grilled fish, and fresh salads. It is popular served with melon and beyaz peynir cheese or with fish dishes such as grilled octopus. Raki is often part of long convivial dinners called rakı sofrası, where food and drink intertwine with conversation.
Price
The price of Raki varies depending on the brand and quality. Some of the better known brands include the ubiquitous Yeni Rakı, which costs 17 euro and the precious Anise Tekirdag Rakisi No 10, a more refined version, available around 43 euro
