Turkish Beverages

Extra finely ground roasted coffee beans are combined with cold water (and, optionally, sugar) in a traditional coffee pot called cezve or ibrik, and then brewed over low heat until frothy and on the verge of coming to a boil, yi... READ MORE

Ayran or doogh is a savory yogurt-based drink that is mainly associated with Iran and Türkiye, but it is enjoyed throughout the Middle East, and similar drinks are also found in India and the Balkans. The drink has ancient o... READ MORE

Turkish salep is a beverage that is usually consumed during the winter season. The basis of salep is the stem or a tuber of the wild orchid, which is boiled, dried, and ground to produce a starchy powder. It is then mixed with hot milk, a... READ MORE

It is said that Greek winemakers in Asia Minor were the first to produce rakı—the anise-flavored spirit distilled from fermented grape pomace. However, it was in Türkiye that raki was heavily popularized, which led to a monopol... READ MORE

Boza is an ancient fermented drink that is usually made from wheat, millet, barley, oats, or bulgur. The drink is believed to have originated in Turkey, more than 8000 years ago, but its varieties are found throughout Central Asia and the... READ MORE

Şalgam is a popular vegetable-based street from the Mediterranean region of Türkiye, most popular in the cities of Adana, Mersin, and Osmaniye. In Turkish, the word salgam means turnip, even though the drink is made... READ MORE

Şıra is a traditional non-alcoholic beverage made from freshly pressed grape juice. The juice has a fruity taste, and vibrant purple color, is slightly fermented, and is often sweetened with sugar to taste. Şıra is popular in the grape harvesting ... READ MORE

Narince is a native Turkish grape that is now cultivated in several regions, but its origin is mainly associated with Tokat, Anatolia. Narince is a versatile grape that is often terroir-driven, but it mainly produces medium to full-bodied... READ MORE

Tursu Suyu is a refreshing beverage native to Turkey, made from pickled vegetables such as beets, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, peppers, garlic, and brine. It is salty in flavor, with a strong tangy kick at the end, while its color... READ MORE

Emir is a white Turkish grape native to Cappadocia. It is used in varietals and blends, and it produces clean and crisp white wines. Emir is often lauded as a prime Turkish grape that can produce excellent quality wine. Apart from outstan... READ MORE

Öküzgözü is a native Turkish red grape with excellent potential. It hails from Elazığ province, though it is widely planted in other wine-growing regions. The grape is often made into a varietal, but it is also commonl... READ MORE

Kalecik Karası is a native Turkish grape that probably originated in Kalecik district of Central Anatolia. The grape is not well-known outside Turkey, but it is slowly gaining international recognition. It is considered one of the finest ... READ MORE

Papazkarası or Papaskara is a Turkish grape cultivated in Marmara and Central Anatolia regions. The grape produces juicy red wines that are intensely colored and usually have high alcohol content and good acidity. The aromas are ... READ MORE

Boğazkere is a native Turkish grape originating from Diyarbakır, but it is now grown in other Turkish regions. The grape is best known for its ability to produce powerful, tannic wines. Because of its character, it is often used in blends... READ MORE

Lohusa şerbeti is a type of non-alcoholic beverage that hails from Turkey. It is made by boiling lohusa sugar, granulated sugar, water, cloves, and cinnamon. Lohusa sugar is a specific type of sugar that is sold in blocks. It has a distin... READ MORE

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 ... READ MORE

Çalkarasi is a red Turkish grape that originated in Çal, Denizli province. In the past, it was primarily used in blends, but several producers have proven that it has a versatile character and great potential as a varietal w... READ MORE