Raki: the number 1 liquor in Turkey

What is Raki

Raki is a traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage that is often referred to as a liquor. It is an anise-flavored spirit that is commonly enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif in Turkey. Raki is often referred to as “lion’s milk” due to its cloudy appearance when mixed with water, resembling the color of milk.

Raki is typically made from distilled grapes or raisins and flavored with aniseed. The aniseed oils make the beverage hazy when water is added, giving it a distinctive aesthetic impression. Raki is typically savored in a social situation, particularly during meals or get-togethers with friends and family, and is frequently sipped with mezes (appetizers).

How to drink Raki

Raki is primarily made from distilled grapes or other fruits like figs and raisins. It is flavored with aniseed, which gives it its characteristic licorice-like flavor.

The production process involves fermentation of the base ingredients, followed by distillation. After distillation, water is added to the spirit, which causes the anise oils to create the characteristic cloudy appearance. This is where the nickname “lion’s milk” comes from.

What is Raki made of

The primary ingredients of raki, a traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage, are distilled grapes or other fruits and aniseed. The essential components are broken down as follows:

Base Ingredients (Distilled Grapes or Fruits): Distilled grapes are the traditional base ingredient for raki, however other fruits like figs and raisins can also be used. Alcohol is produced through fermentation of the raw materials and is then distilled to get alcoholic spirits.

An essential component of raki’s flavor is aniseed (Pimpinella anisum). It gives out the distinctive licorice-like flavor and scent that make raki unique. When raki is combined with water, aniseed contributes to both the flavor and the foggy appearance.

Water is an essential ingredient in the production of raki. It’s used both during the distillation process and later when serving the drink. Adding water to raki causes the anise oils to form tiny droplets, resulting in the characteristic cloudy effect.

It’s worth noting that different producers and regions may have their own variations in the production process and ingredient ratios, leading to subtle differences in flavor profiles among different brands of raki.

 

Raki liquor

Where to buy Raki

Raki can be purchased in various places throughout Turkey, including liquor stores, supermarkets, local markets, and even some convenience stores. Here are some common places where you can buy raki in Turkey:

  • Liquor Stores (Alcohol Shops): These specialized stores are dedicated to selling alcoholic beverages, including raki. You can find a wide range of raki brands and variations in these shops.
  • Supermarkets: Many supermarkets in Turkey have a dedicated section for alcoholic beverages, including raki. It’s often sold alongside other spirits, wines, and beers.
  • Local Markets: In many neighborhoods, especially in urban areas, local markets might have small shops or stands selling alcoholic beverages, including raki.
  • Convenience Stores: Some larger convenience stores might carry a selection of alcoholic beverages, including raki. However, the variety might be more limited compared to specialized liquor stores.
  • Duty-Free Shops: If you’re arriving at or departing from an international airport in Turkey, you can find raki in duty-free shops. These shops offer a range of products at tax-free prices.
  • Restaurants: The majority of restaurants have Raki on the drinks menu. Check out this post if you want more info.

What does Raki taste like

Different regions have their own variations of raki, with slight differences in flavor and production methods. For example, in Greece, a similar anise-flavored spirit known as ouzo is popular.

In addition to being a drink, raki is also a cultural experience that captures the customs, cuisine, and social interactions of the areas in which it is consumed.

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