Top 9 Traditional Turkish Drinks to Try While in Turkey

Turkey, a culinary wonderland, is not just about its food. It's also about its drinks, each one a unique journey through the country's history and geography. From the fragrant teas that whisper tales of the East to the unusual fermented drinks that hint at ancient traditions, Turkish culture offers a diverse array of traditional beverages. In this post, we'll delve into the top 9 traditional Turkish drinks that residents and visitors adore. Get ready to embark on a compelling adventure through the world of popular Turkish drinks, each with its own intriguing story and flavor profile.

Experience in traditional Turkish drinks for travelers

Explore the top 9 popular Turkish drinks for travelers

For centuries, Turkey has been a crossroads of cultures. This cultural blend permeates many elements of Turkish society, including local drinks. During your stay, sample some traditional Turkish drinks for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore this profound and lovely culture via your taste buds.

After all, eating different meals and drinks is one of the many benefits of travel and one of the finest ways to learn about other cultures. 

1. Turkish Tea (Çay)

Çay is one of the most popular Turkish drinks 

No exploration of Turkish drinks would be complete without mentioning çay, the national beverage of Turkey. Served in small tulip-shaped glasses, Turkish tea symbolizes more than just a beverage- it's a gateway to Turkish hospitality and socializing. Black tea leaves are brewed in a stacked teapot known as a çaydanlık, where hot water simmers in the lower pot while the tea steeps in the upper pot. The result is a strong, fragrant, and comforting tea often enjoyed with sugar cubes or a squeeze of fresh lemon. You can't visit Turkey without trying çay, even if it's given everywhere you go!

2. Salep (Sahlep)

Salep is a pleasant and fragrant hot beverage popular in Turkey during winter. It is produced by powdering the root of an orchid flower, mixing it with hot milk and sugar, and sometimes adding cinnamon. Salep has a creamy texture and a lovely flower perfume that is relaxing and delicious. It's a popular winter dessert, sometimes served with a dusting of ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg. 

Salep is the ideal beverage for those rare snowy days in Istanbul when drunk hot. While salep is historically a Turkish winter beverage, its rising popularity has made it more widely available throughout the year.

3. Ayran

Ayran yogurt drink – a hit with kids and adults

Ayran is a delicious and nutritious traditional Turkish yogurt-based beverage. It combines yogurt, water, and a dash of salt to create a refreshing, tangy beverage that pairs well with spicy or rich foods. Ayran is a favorite condiment for kebabs and other grilled meats, refreshingly contrasting the tastes. It is highly valued for its probiotic benefits and is a popular Turkish drink during the hot summer.

It's trendy among children and an excellent drink to order while visiting Turkey with kids.

4. Şalgam

This drink, also known as şalgam suyu, has an earthy, salty flavor with a hint of pickle. It is a popular beverage among those wanting to enhance their health since it is claimed to promote digestion and boost energy levels.

Şalgam suyu, or turnip juice, is a distinctive and slightly acquired flavor popular in southeastern Turkey, especially in Adana. This beautiful purple-red drink is created with fermented turnips, spices, and carrot juice. Despite its name, şalgam suyu is not too sweet but flavorful and acidic. It is frequently served alongside classic Adana kebabs, bringing a unique twist to the eating experience.

5. Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi)

Turkish coffee served alongside traditional locum

Turkish coffee has a unique position in Turkish culture and is an essential component of traditional coffeehouse rituals. Turkish coffee is brewed using a centuries-old tradition started by Ottoman sultans. 

Finely ground coffee beans are cooked in a cezve (a tiny, long-handled kettle) with water and sugar to produce a thick and powerful beverage. The coffee is served unfiltered so the grinds can settle at the bottom of the little cup. Sipping Turkish coffee is not just a taste; it's a sensory experience that immerses you in the richness and depth of Turkish culture. And fortune-telling with coffee grounds is a beloved practice that adds a touch of mystique to this traditional ritual.

Turkish coffee is never drunk with food but rather enjoyed in the afternoons while socializing with friends.

6. Şherbet 

Şherbet is a traditional sweet beverage that traces back to the Ottoman Empire. It is made by dissolving sugar or honey in water and infusing the mixture with various flavors such as rose, lemon, or orange blossom. Şherbet is typically served cold and is popular during festive occasions and celebrations. Its refreshing nature and wide range of flavors make it a delightful drink to quench your thirst on a hot day. Sherbet is now commonly consumed by Muslims breaking their fast during Ramadan. 

7. Boza

Boza is a unique fermented drink with a centuries-old history. It is made from fermented bulgur, sugar, and water, resulting in a thick, slightly tangy, and mildly alcoholic beverage. Boza has a distinctive consistency, often described as a cross between a drink and a pudding. It is garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sometimes served with roasted chickpeas. Boza is especially popular in winter and is cherished as a nostalgic and traditional Turkish drink.

8. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate Juice is one of the best Turkish drinks

Pomegranates represent fertility and abundance; plenty of merchants sell fresh pomegranate juice in Turkey! Pomegranate juice can be found nationwide; we even stumbled across some on a distant walk in Cappadocia.

Pomegranate juice is sour yet somewhat sweet, making it another delightful drink to enjoy on hot days. Some fruit dealers may combine the pomegranate with fresh orange juice, a delightful combination that lends a touch of sweetness to this sour classic.

9. Şarap (Turkish Wine)

You might be surprised to learn that Turkey boasts one of the world's oldest winemaking traditions, dating back over 4,000 years. Historians believe that the Hittites were the first to make wine routinely, possibly as early as 1600 BCE.

Turkish wines are now produced throughout the country, with the majority of production concentrated in Thrace and Izmir. With over 1200 native grape varieties, Turkish wine is rich and diverse and a pleasure to sample when visiting the country.

Some of the most popular Turkish wines are Öküzgözü, a red wine cultivated in eastern Anatolia, and Narince, the most prevalent Turkish white wine from the Black Sea region.

Planning your trip to taste traditional Turkish drinks by applying Turkey e-visa

Applying for a Turkey e-visa makes planning a vacation to experience the exquisite assortment of traditional Turkish beverages simple and quick. The advent of the e-visa system allows passengers to conveniently receive their travel permission online, saving time and effort. 

Access the official Turkey e-visa website and complete the application form with the essential personal and travel details. Once filed, the processing period is usually brief, and you will get your e-visa electronically via email. 

Armed with your Turkey e-visa, you may go on a delectable adventure through traditional Turkish beverages that will excite your taste senses. Sipping aromatic Turkish tea in bustling tea rooms and indulging in rich Turkish coffee rituals will allow you to appreciate the cultural significance of these beverages firsthand. You may also try other traditional beverages, including ayran, şalgam suyu, and boza, each with flavor and cultural significance. Plan your schedule to include stops at local cafés, bazaars, and street sellers to immerse yourself in Turkey's lively beverage culture. With the Turkey e-visa, you may appreciate the flavors, embrace the traditions, and make unforgettable memories while exploring traditional Turkish beverages.