In secular Turkey, there are no special restrictions on the use of any drinks for tourists. However, the Turks themselves are not averse to having a glass of raki or chilling in the heat with a glass of ice-cold beer. The most traditional drinks in Turkey are strong coffee, black tea from tulip cups, mashrubats and ayran.
Customs import restrictions provide for a duty-free liter of alcohol per tourist and a small amount of coffee or tea for personal use. The last point looks illogical: the country is known as one of the best places in the world for making wonderful coffee and aromatic tea.
The export of alcohol is not limited by the state, so travelers willingly buy alcohol from Turkey, called "Raki", as souvenirs. The prices for locally produced spirits in the stores of the country fluctuate around 10 euros per liter (as of 2014).
Turkey's national drink
The country of coffee, Turkey is justly proud of its reputation and shows guests dozens of ways to prepare an invigorating drink. It was from here that coffee got into the salons and boudoirs of Europe and began its triumphant march around the world. In Istanbul or Antalya, each coffee house has a branded recipe in stock, and guests choose, depending on their preferences:
- Kahwe - cooked over charcoal, unbearably sweet and thick.
- Syutlu - with milk and sugar.
- Creams - with the addition of heavy cream.
- Sade - black, bitter
- Türk-kahvesi is a traditional Turkish scalding dish with a glass of ice water.
Tea lovers challenge the traditionally assigned palm of coffee and recommend to guests a strong and aromatic drink brewed in real tea danlak. The masterpiece should be eaten in a special place. It is called the "tea garden", and people gather in it to discuss urban gossip, criticize the government or modern youth and share their impressions of the watched episode of the next "soap opera".
Alcoholic drinks of Turkey
Turkey's main national drink, which contains degrees, is called raki. This type of aniseed vodka is quite strong and inexpensive. Turks prefer it at all feasts, but they drink it strongly diluted and with a hearty snack.
Raki drink mixed with water is called "lion's milk", but cognac, gin or whiskey are preferred in pure form and for special reasons due to the relative high cost.
In addition to spirits, the country should try excellent local beer, which is especially tasty in provincial cities.
Updated: 2020.02.21
