Raki - Turkish national drink

Raki — also called "lion's milk" — is a distilled alcoholic beverage, clear in colour and strongly aromatized with anise which gives it a sweet liquorice flavour. Raki can be drunk straight or mixed with cold water, which turns it grayish white and cloudy — like ouzo or pastis.

4 cl raki
8 - 12 cl cold water
ice cubes

If drunk straight, you may chill raki in refrigerator (about 8 - 10 °C). Chill water by mixing in ice cubes (about 4 °C). Pour raki in a thin, cylindrical glass. Add chilled, strained water to taste.

Raki is usually enjoyed with meze — Turkish appetizers — but also with other cold dishes, vegetables, fish and snacks. For example, try serving raki accompanied by melon and feta cheese. ?erefe!