Turkish National Drinks: A Quick Introduction
Turkish national drinks reflect daily life, hospitality, and celebration in Turkey. From the anise-flavored raki to cooling ayran, strong tea, rich Turkish coffee, and tangy şalgam, each drink has its own place at the table. If you are exploring food culture in Istanbul, especially around places like the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar, these are the drinks you will see again and again.
The National Alcoholic Drink: Raki
Raki is a sweetened, often anise-flavored alcoholic drink that is very popular in Turkey. It is often served with seafood, and it is the go-to spirit for celebrating a birthday or a promotion. However, you cannot just drink it anywhere, at any time, with anyone; the occasion and the company matter.
Different occasions call for different kinds of raki. A raki-fueled night often ends with people dancing on tables and chairs. On such nights, the gathering becomes a group celebration, perhaps for a friend who got engaged or married. Mostly it begins with gentle subjects such as work and daily life, and after a glass or two, it moves on to matters of the heart and deep conversation.
If you want background on the drink itself, you can also check the general overview on Wikipedia.
The Famous Ayran
Ayran, also known as the non-alcoholic national drink of Turkey, is a yogurt-based refreshment. It is very easy to make on your own by mixing yogurt, water, and salt.
As much as locals love ayran, especially with shish and kebabs, the drink is not particularly linked to celebrations. Ayran is more of a summer drink and is usually served as an appetizer. It goes especially well with grilled dishes and street food. You can drink it plain or add some mint for extra freshness.
It is one of the simplest and most recognizable drinks in Turkish cuisine, and many visitors first try it while wandering through busy food streets near Taksim Square.
The Turkish Tea or Çay
Turkish tea is not like just any black tea. It is huge in Turkey, a way of life in Turkish culture, and one of the best drinks in the country. It means a lot to the population. People admire this drink in both winter and summer, and it is indeed a quick way to relax. Turkish tea is full-flavored and too strong to be served in big glasses, so it is always served in little tulip-shaped cups. You have to hold it by the rim to save your fingers from burning, and it is served hot all the time.
During breakfast, tea is one of the main components of the Turkish table. You cannot really have a Turkish breakfast without Turkish tea; otherwise, it feels as if something is missing.
Turkish tea is consumed massively throughout the country, in public cafes, restaurants, at brunch, or when you are simply relaxing and reading your favorite book. Tea is always there to offer refreshing company.
For a broader look at Turkish culture and cuisine, GoTürkiye is also a useful source.
Turkish Coffee
Take your daily dose of caffeine from amazing Turkish coffee.
There are many things you need to know about famous Turkish coffee. Derived from the Arabica bean and composed of a very fine grind, Turkish coffee became famous all around the world for both its strong taste and dark brown color.
It is not just a normal traditional drink. Along with its remarkable taste, Turkish coffee is also known among locals for fortune telling. Once you are finished with your coffee, close the cup with the saucer, flip the cup, and wait for the coffee grounds to slip down. They leave marks around the cup representing the past and the future of the drinker. Once the cup is cooled, the shapes left by the grounds can be read.
If you want to know more about Turkish coffee, the best way is to go with a guide to learn how to make the perfect Turkish coffee and taste different examples.
Şalgam or Şalgam Suyu
Pronounced “shalgam,” this is a local drink prepared for daily consumption or as a meal appetizer. It is associated with southern Turkey cities such as Adana, Hatay, Cappadocia, Tarsus, Mersin, and Izmir.
The main ingredient is red carrots, followed by bulgur, cracked wheat, yeast, salt, and water.
As much as kebab conquered cities across Turkey, so did şalgam suyu. It is available all year long in markets, though it is recommended to choose an organic brand while buying it, not only for its quality but also because it is closer to the original homemade juice. While you are touring the old cities of Turkey, check the corners for carts selling the juice. It is best served there with a slice of red carrot, and you are welcome to sit down at a small table, have a sip, and chat with the vendor.
Why These Drinks Matter in Turkey
As you can see, Turkey has many famous drinks known around the world. Some are linked to celebration, some to breakfast, some to street food, and some to everyday meals. Together, they show how strongly food and drink are woven into Turkish culture.
Whether you prefer something alcoholic or non-alcoholic, trying these Turkish national drinks is one of the easiest ways to connect with local life during your trip.
FAQ About Turkish National Drinks
What is the national alcoholic drink of Turkey?
Raki is widely known as the national alcoholic drink of Turkey. It is often anise-flavored and commonly enjoyed with seafood or during long, social meals shared with friends and family.
What is the non-alcoholic national drink of Turkey?
Ayran is commonly described as the non-alcoholic national drink of Turkey. It is made with yogurt, water, and salt, and is especially popular in warm weather and alongside kebabs and other grilled foods.
Is Turkish tea different from regular black tea?
Yes. Turkish tea is known for its strong, full flavor and is traditionally served hot in small tulip-shaped glasses. It is an essential part of daily life and a standard part of Turkish breakfast culture.
Why is Turkish coffee special?
Turkish coffee is made from very finely ground Arabica beans and is known for its strong taste and dark color. It also has a social and cultural role, especially through the tradition of reading coffee grounds for fortune telling.
What does şalgam taste like?
Şalgam has a distinctive savory and tangy taste. Made mainly from red carrots along with bulgur, yeast, salt, and water, it is often enjoyed as a meal appetizer and is especially associated with southern Turkey.
