Türkiye is a land of rich cultural traditions, and its beverages are no exception. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the quiet villages of Anatolia, Turkish drinks are a reflection of the country’s history, geography, and diverse flavors. Whether you’re sipping tea in a traditional café or enjoying a cold glass of ayran with your meal, Turkish drinks offer a unique taste of the nation’s heritage. Here are some of the best drinks to try when you visit Türkiye.
Turkish Tea (Çay)
Turkish tea, known as çay (pronounced “chai”), is an integral part of Turkish daily life. Recognizable by its deep crimson hue, this black tea is prepared without milk and served in small, tulip-shaped glass cups. A saucer and a small spoon accompany the tea, along with one or two sugar cubes for those who prefer a sweeter taste.
The preparation of Turkish tea is an art form. A çaydanlık—a set of two stacked teapots—is used. The bottom pot holds boiling water, while the top pot contains a concentrated tea brew made from loose tea leaves. This method allows each person to adjust the strength of their tea by mixing the strong brew with hot water. Turkish tea is served everywhere, from homes and workplaces to street-side cafés, making it the most ubiquitous drink in Türkiye.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural experience. The coffee beans are roasted and then finely ground, almost to a powdery consistency. The ground coffee is mixed with water and sugar (if desired) in a cezve (pronounced “jaz-vay”), a small pot with a long handle, and boiled slowly over low heat.
The result is a rich, thick coffee with a layer of foam on top, served in small cups. The coffee grounds settle at the bottom, and while they’re not meant to be consumed, they play a crucial role in a traditional Turkish custom: fortune-telling. After drinking, the cup is turned upside down on the saucer, and the patterns left by the coffee grounds are interpreted to predict the drinker’s future.
Sherbet
Sherbet is a sweet, refreshing drink made from fruit juices or flower extracts, combined with sugar and water. Served cold, sherbets can be made from a variety of ingredients, including rose petals, sour cherries, lemon, and orange. This drink has a long history in the region and is enjoyed across much of the Muslim world, including Turkey, where it is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
Sherbet’s vibrant colors and fragrant flavors make it a delightful accompaniment to a hot summer day or a festive meal, offering a taste of tradition with each sip.
Ayran
Ayran is a tangy, refreshing yogurt-based drink, made by mixing yogurt with water and a pinch of salt. It’s a staple at Turkish tables, especially during the hot summer months. Ayran is typically served cold and pairs wonderfully with kebabs and other savory dishes, providing a cooling contrast to the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine.
Many Turks prefer homemade ayran, which offers a slightly more tangy flavor and additional health benefits due to its probiotic content. In restaurants, you can often choose between prepackaged ayran or a freshly made, pleasantly foamy version.
Turnip Juice (Şalgam)
Şalgam (pronounced “shul-gum”) is a traditional Turkish drink made from the fermented juice of dark turnips and purple carrots, combined with cracked wheat (bulgur) and spices. It has a distinctive sour and salty taste, which makes it a perfect companion to Türkiye’s hearty, meat-based dishes like kebabs.
This drink is especially popular in the southeastern regions of Türkiye and is often served alongside meals as a palate cleanser and digestive aid.
Pickle Juice (Turşu Suyu)
Another unique Turkish beverage is turşu suyu (pronounced “tour-shu suyu”), or pickle juice. Made from the brine of pickled vegetables, this sour and salty drink is often enjoyed with fish dishes. Besides its distinct taste, pickle juice is valued for its health benefits, including hydration, antioxidant properties, and promoting gut health. It’s even sold prepackaged in many Turkish supermarkets.
Boza
Boza is a thick, creamy drink made from fermented grains such as maize or wheat, mixed with water and sugar. With its slightly sweet and tangy flavor, boza is a popular winter drink in Türkiye. It’s rich in carbohydrates and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice, especially during the colder months.
Traditionally, boza is spiced with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and sometimes enjoyed with roasted chickpeas on top, adding texture and warmth to the drink.
Fresh Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate, or nar, is one of the most cherished fruits in Türkiye, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Fresh pomegranate juice is widely available throughout the country, especially in larger towns and cities, where street vendors and juice bars serve it freshly pressed.
The juice is vibrant, tart, and packed with antioxidants, making it both a delicious and healthy choice. Often, it’s mixed with other fruit juices like orange, apple, or even kiwi, providing a refreshing burst of flavor.
Kefir
Similar to ayran but with a tangier twist, kefir is a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains. It’s rich in probiotics, which support gut health and improve digestion. Kefir is widely available in Turkish supermarkets, where it’s often enjoyed as a healthy alternative to other dairy drinks.
Salep
Salep is a warm, creamy drink made from the powdered tubers of wild orchids. This exotic beverage is especially popular during the winter months, cherished for its soothing properties, which are believed to help with coughs and bronchitis.
To prepare salep, the powder is mixed with hot milk or water and stirred until it thickens. It’s typically garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger, adding a spicy warmth to the drink. Salep is not only a comforting winter beverage but also a key ingredient in traditional Turkish ice cream, known as dondurma.
Türkiye’s diverse range of traditional drinks offers something for every palate, whether you’re looking for something hot or cold, sweet or savory. These beverages are more than just refreshments; they are a window into the country’s rich cultural heritage and a daily ritual that connects people across generations. Whether you’re visiting Türkiye or exploring its flavors from afar, these drinks are essential to understanding and appreciating Turkish culture.
Source: Daily Sabah
