Meze, tapas-like Turkish appetizers, are raki’s perfect culinary companions — you can graze on them all night. The tavern (Turkish: meyhane) specifically serves for the Raki culture. While you can enjoy this traditional ritual with your best friend or soul mate, you can go ahead and book a table for 4 as well. Made from fermented turnip juice, purple carrots, salt, pepper, spices, yeast and bulgur wheat, Şalgam Suyu is available in two varieties, mild or very hot. Aniseed-flavoured Rakı, has been celebrated as a festival in Adana and Northern Cyprus since 2010. World Rakı Festival in Adana, emerged from a hundred-year tradition of enjoying Adana kebab, with liver, şalgam and rakı. The event turned into a nationwide popular street festival, street musicians playing drums and zurna, entertain visitors all night long at the second Saturday night of every December. [15] North Cyprus Rakı Festival is a week long festival taking place in Girne, Lefkoşa and Gazi Mağusa. [16] Other uses [ edit ]

All in all, it should be drunk slowly, with little sips, and to make a difference, during the first sip, you can take a short breath between the teeth to let the lungs also benefit the festive.As locals would attest, drinking Raki is about cherishing the moment, the company, and the myriad flavors of Turkish hospitality. So, next time you find yourself in a traditional “ meyhane” (tavern) with a glass of Raki in hand, raise a toast to the timeless Turkish tradition of celebrating life’s simple pleasures. 20. Avoid Excessive Public Displays of Affection The first price? Think of it as the opening act of a great play. Don’t be shy; throw in your counter, maybe share a joke about how this isn’t your first time at the haggling rodeo. And while you might not always snag that rug or lantern at half-price, you’ll walk away with a story, a smile, and perhaps a new friend in the heart of Istanbul. There are several variations of the Turkish Screwdriver throughout Turkey, with some recipes calling for a mixture of gin and vodka while others include bitters, cognac as well as orange juice and vodka. 8- Hot Bunny If you add the ice before the water, the aroma will crystalize, and it will taste bad. You will drop it after the very first sip.

While major credit cards are accepted at many establishments, especially in metropolitan areas, cash is king when you dive deeper into the heart of Turkey. Whether you’re haggling in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, buying a handmade souvenir in a smaller town, or indulging in delicious street food, having Turkish Lira on hand is prudent. A number of rules are to be respected with the consumption of rakı. First, you never drink alone, you drink with friends or with people you love, then rakı is served in a glass of rakı with a glass of water and the arrival of the first mezes. The youngest person at the table should serve the glasses. We first serve the rakı, the water, and then the ices. Nobody drinks until the oldest person in the table raises his glass to toast. We toast with the bottom of the glasses, and it should be drunk slowly because even if everyone will finish a little drunk it is badly seen to be wasted at a rakı table. While it’s not uncommon to see young couples holding hands in Istanbul’s trendy districts or the beach promenades of Bodrum, overt displays of affection, like long embraces or passionate kisses, can raise eyebrows, especially in smaller towns or more conservative regions. This doesn’t mean the Turkish people are cold or indifferent; they are warm-hearted and hospitable. Still, they prefer expressing affection privately. Gostin, Alina-Ioana; Bogueva, Diana; Kakurinov, Vladimir, eds. (2021). Nutritional and Health Aspects of Food in the Balkans. Academic Press. p.268. ISBN 9780128207864.If you’re celebrating, six to eight people might surround the raki table. For a really big event, such as a wedding or a birth, 25 people might gather round. Traditional Turkish anise-flavored spirit: Yeni Raki is a traditional and popular Turkish spirit made from a blend of distilled grape alcohol, aniseed, and other natural flavors. Simple yet refreshing, Turkish lemonade is the ideal drink to cool down during those hot Turkish summers. Rich history and cultural significance: With over 500 years of history, Yeni Raki is not just a drink but a cultural symbol of Turkey, often served as an accompaniment to traditional meze dishes. Made with lemon juice, egg white, grenadine, rose water, sugar, gin and icing sugar as a garnish, sipping on a Turkish Delight Martini after sunset is a romantic thing to do on a nighttime outing in Turkey. 7- Turkish Screwdriver

Raki is traditionally produced from raisin/grape spirit called suma that is distilled to a maximum of 94.55% abv. This spirit is not highly rectified spirit and unlike other flavoured spirits Raki producers consider that the suma has an important role to play in the flavour of Raki itself. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. Remember, it’s all in good fun and very much a part of the vibrant Turkish market culture. That being said, keep in mind the state of Turkey’s economy, and the work they put into making the items they are selling, which are often homemade. The U.S. dollar goes a long way in Turkey, and if you have the extra dollars to spare, don’t try to haggle for the lowest possible price. 8. Public transport is the best option in big cities like Istanbul So, while you’re soaking up Turkey’s rich heritage, it’s wise to keep the public smooches on a low profile and reserve them for more private settings. This small gesture will only enhance your experience and understanding of this beautiful country’s intricate social tapestry. 21. Istanbul is not the capitalVersatile serving options: Yeni Raki can be served in a variety of ways, such as neat, chilled, or mixed with water or ice. It is also often enjoyed in a traditional "lounge" setting with friends and family. Ayran is relatively easy to get your hands on, as most Turkish stores sell bottled Ayran but to savour the drink at its best, you need to try some homemade Ayran served in Turkey’s rural cafes. 13- Salep Salep is a traditional Turkish drink consumed in winter. While Turkey is a modern country, it’s good to be aware that overt public displays of affection, especially in more conservative regions, can be frowned upon. Turkey, a progressive nation at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, has been swaying between its traditional values and global influences. Whether you’re in a lavish Hamam in a big city or a modest one in a smaller town, the experience remains deeply rooted in a sense of community and relaxation. Wrap up with a refreshing Turkish tea, and you’ve got yourself an experience of a lifetime! 16. Stray cats are everywhere