Discover a variety of Turkish drinks that offer rich, unique and historical flavors, perfect to complement your culinary experience in Türkiye.
Turkey is known for its rich cultural heritage, and one aspect that is no less interesting is the variety of traditional drinks that are an integral part of Turkish people’s daily lives.
From refreshing sweet drinks to stronger, more intense drinks, Turkey has a very diverse and mouth-watering selection of signature drinks.
Each of these drinks not only offers a unique taste, but also reflects the country’s long history and traditions.
For those of you who are planning to visit Türkiye or just want to try typical Turkish drinks at home, here are 10 traditional Turkish drinks that you must try.
1. Sherbet
Sherbet is a sweet drink that is very popular in Turkey and many Middle Eastern countries. It is usually made from fruit juice or flower petals mixed with water, giving it a refreshing and enticing taste.
Sherbet flavors can range from sharp lemon, to soft rose, to sweet pomegranate, to bright raspberry. Typical Turkish Food includes a variety of unique and refreshing beverages, and sherbet is one of them.
Sherbet is often enjoyed in the summer as a refreshing drink, and there are even traditional varieties that are mixed with spices to give it a more complex flavor. This is a cold drink that is perfect for experiencing the freshness of Türkiye.
2. Ayran
Ayran is a typical Turkish drink that is very popular throughout the country, especially during the summer. Made from a mixture of yogurt, water, and salt, Ayran has a very refreshing and slightly savory taste.
This drink goes perfectly with spicy food, especially kebabs, and is often sold in ready-to-drink packages throughout Turkey.
However, if you visit Turkish villages, you can taste traditional Ayran made on the spot and served with lots of foam, giving a fresher and more unique sensation.
3. Tursu Suyu
Tursu Suyu is an unusual drink, but it is very popular among Turkish people, especially when eating spicy or heavy meals.
This drink is made from water that has been pickled with vegetables, such as beets, carrots, onions, peppers, and garlic.
Its salty and sour taste gives a unique and refreshing sensation after a heavy meal. Tursu Suyu is often found in local restaurants and is considered a drink that helps with digestion.
4. Shira
Shira is a sweet drink made from slightly fermented grape or apple juice. It has a reddish color and a sweet taste that comes from the natural fructose in the fruit. Although it tends to be sweet, longer fermentation can give it a slightly sour taste.
Shira is often enjoyed in the summer and is perfect as an accompaniment to meat dishes. In Turkey, Shira is considered a traditional drink that offers the natural flavors of local fruits.
5. Salgam
Salgam is a unique drink with a taste that combines the freshness of sour and spicy. Made from fermented carrot juice along with turnips and bulgur, Salgam has a fairly sharp taste. This drink is rich in vitamin C and is very popular in the Southern region of Turkey.
Usually, Salgam is served cold and is often enjoyed with meat dishes such as kebabs. For many Turks, Salgam is a drink that is not only refreshing but also provides health benefits.
6. Turkish Tea (Çay)
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Turkish Tea or Çay is a very important drink in Turkish culture. This tea has a strong, rich taste and is served in a distinctive small cup.
Unlike regular tea, Turkish Tea is brewed using a special method over two pots, which allows the tea to be brewed to a very high strength.
Usually served with little or no sugar, Turkish Tea has a naturally sweet taste despite the lack of added sweeteners.
This tea is not only a drink, but also a part of Turkish social culture, often drunk while chatting with friends or family.
7. Sahlep
Sahlep is a very typical traditional Turkish drink, made from tuber flour which gives it a thick and creamy texture. This drink is very popular during winter because it can warm the body.
Sahlep is often modified with the addition of chocolate to give it a richer taste. Usually, this drink is served hot and is perfect for drinking in cold weather.
With a long history since the Ottoman Empire, Sahlep remains a favorite among Turkish people, especially in the winter.
8. Boza
Boza is a traditional Turkish fermented drink made from fermented white wheat. It has a sweet and sour taste with a hint of savory, thanks to the addition of chickpeas served on top. Boza is usually served warm, making it perfect for the fall or winter months.
Its slightly sour taste and thick texture make Boza a very distinctive drink that is different from other drinks. It is a highly appreciated drink in Türkiye and is often found in traditional taverns.
9. Türk Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee )
Turkish coffee, or Türk Kahvesi, has been an integral part of Turkish culture since the Ottoman era. Made from very finely ground coffee beans, it is brewed in a special way in a copper pot called a cezve. It is very strong and tends to be bitter, usually served with a little sugar.
The tradition of drinking coffee in Turkey is not only about the taste, but also about a deep social moment, where people gather and talk. Turkish Coffee is often served with Lokum, a type of candy, to balance the bitterness of the coffee.
10. Lemon
refreshing lemon drink that is very popular in Turkey, especially during the summer. What sets Turkish Limonata apart from other versions is the use of lemon peels boiled with sugar and water to create a more complex and refreshing flavor.
The process of making Limonata is quite easy and can be done at home, just by mixing lemon juice, lemon peels, sugar, and water. This drink is very refreshing and gives a refreshing cold sensation, perfect to enjoy in hot weather.
Turkey is not only rich in history and culture, but also offers a variety of traditional drinks that will tempt your taste buds. From strong and rich teas to refreshing sweet drinks, each Turkish drink brings a unique taste and experience.
Each sip of these drinks not only provides a delicious taste but also brings you closer to the rich Turkish culture and traditions.
If you are planning to visit Turkey or want to experience the taste of Turkey at home, be sure to try some of the 10 traditional Turkish drinks mentioned above.
These beverages also make for Typical Turkish Souvenirs, allowing you to take a piece of Turkish hospitality and tradition back with you. You will have an unforgettable culinary experience that reflects the warmth and hospitality of Turkey.
