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Raki is a national alcoholic drink of Turkey which is made of grapes and raisins using the twice-distilling technique, flavored with anise and served with flat cylindrical glasses. If you like liqueur and anise, you will definitely love the taste of Raki. Because of the high alcohol (%45) in it and its color change when adding water, Turks call Raki ‘lion’s milk’ as you have to be strong as a lion to dare to drink it.
Raki hasn’t got a color, it is just like water. But when you mix it with ice or water for drinking it changes color and turns into milky white. It can be drink sec with chilled water on the side, or mixed with water according to preference. Tekirdag which is located on the North West part of Turkey is the main production centre of Raki, so among many brands Tekirdag Raki is the best but there are other popular brands such as Yeni Raki, Efe Raki, Burgaz Raki, Mey Raki, Kulup Raki. Raki is similar to some alcoholic beverages from Mediterranean, Middle East and Colombia, such as Arak, Ouzo or Pastis.
Turks really love to drink Raki especially with sea foods. You can taste Raki with different type of mezes (a selection of appetizers or small dishes) or sea foods, because in Turkey traditional Raki table supposed to have dozens of meze. Especially when you are eating fish, there is a saying that if you do not send the raki afterwards the fish on your stomach, the fish would cry :)
While sipping Raki, people in Turkey love to make conversations about everything so you should taste Raki when you are together with your friends. Before drinking Raki, don’t forget to say Serefe (sheh-rehf-ee) which means in your honour or cheers.
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