A specialty of the Marmara region, hardaliye is a version of a popular Turkish non-alcoholic beverage şıra made from fermented grape juice flavored with mustard seeds (the name comes from the Turkish words "hardal" and "iye", which translate to mustard and drink) and sour cherry leaves. After pressing the grapes (red or white, although red is preferred), mustard seeds and sour cherry leaves are added to the grape juice, and the mixture is boiled.
Once cooled, the mixture is left to ferment for several days. The final step is straining in order to remove any solid pieces of mustard seeds or grape skins. What is left is a pale yellow liquid with a tangy, slightly sour taste. Hardaliye is typically consumed as a digestive or an aperitif, and some might dilute it with water or soda or add sugar and honey to sweeten it.
This traditional drink is also believed to have many health benefits, mostly as a source of antioxidants and beneficial gut bacteria.
