Raki - a Turkish Drink

Raki (Arabic word meaning sweat) is Turkey's unofficial national drink. The literal meaning could also be referred to the way that the drink is made during distillation or when one drinks too much, one sweats. It is a non-sweet anise flavored drink that has been twice distilled much like Greek Tsipouro or Spanish Orujo.

It was created during the nineteenth century in the Ottoman Empire. Meyhanes (restaurant or bar) were generally run by Turks; however, Muslims frequently took their meals there and because of Islamic restricts, Raki because the favored drink and by the end of the century, Raki had found a permanent home. (www.turkishcook.com)

This clear liquor, when mixed with water, turns milky and because of same has earned the name "Aslan Sutu" which means "Lion's Milk", thus it is the milk of the brave. There are various forms of this twice distilled drink and the people at Bon Appetit have broken down the variations as follows: (1) Duz Raki - no anise has been added during the distillation process; (2) Sakiz Rakisi or Mastika - is made with gum mastic which is a small evergreen bush in which its aromatic resin is used; (3) Yeni Raki - often referred to as the new Raki, it is made with sugar beet alcohol which has been reduced to molasses. It gives a bitter taste, but still makes it quite popular; and (4) Incir Raki which is distilled from figs.

According to the people at Epicurious (www.epicurious.com), Raki is served with appetizers. The more popular appetizers include white cheeses, melons and fish. When the Raki is served it is mixed with cold water, although ice cubes may be added. Much like the French Pastis, the drink turns milky. A unique property to Raki is that the anise could crystallize if left undiluted in a glass. Further, it is customary to drink Raki with either water or Salgam (which is made from the juice of black carrot pickles and salted, spiced fermented fish. Also, Raki in any form can also be served with Ayran which is made from yogurt, water and salt as well as cucumber juice (sometimes flavored with garlic) which can replace all or some of the water used.

No matter how it is served it is enjoyed in the Indian countries and can be cooling during the summer heat. A unique drink that deserves a chance to be tried and savored in the states during an Indian meal.