A day with Turkish beverages

What Do People Drink in Turkiye? – A Day with Turkish Beverages

In Turkiye, drinks are more than just flavor. They are stories. Moments shared. Memories sealed in small glasses, cups, and mugs. From the morning’s first tea, through the cooling ayran at noon, to a glass of rakı at dusk — every sip tells a tale of life, place, and people. And in between? Colorful juices - straight from street fridges and bazaar stalls. Pomegranate, sour cherry, apricot, carrot with lemon - each one a different taste of Turkiye and... a natural remedy.

Morning with Tea — Hospitality in Liquid Form

In the olive-lined corners of Alanya, the day doesn’t begin with espresso — it starts with the first sip of tea (çay). Usually from the Aydın region, its aroma is earthy and deep. In mountain homes, wild herb infusions are more common: thyme, mint, sage — gathered by local women in the Taurus mountains, carrying the stillness of dawn and whispers of mountain winds. Tea is served in small tulip-shaped glasses — without milk, without lemon, sometimes with a cube of sugar. Because in Turkiye, hospitality begins with tea.

Noon — Ayran, Foam, and Relief

By midday, the scent of grilled meat fills the air in Alanya, blending with the salty breeze from the sea. That’s when ayran tastes best — a lightly salted yogurt drink, hand-whisked and served in chilled copper mugs. Often crowned with a thick, foamy top that spills gently over the rim — a sure sign of freshness and care. Ayran isn’t something to chug — it’s to be savored. Sip by sip. With a smile.

Tip: Ask for “köpüklü ayran” — the foamy kind. It's a point of pride for local makers. 

Colorful Juices — Health and Flavor, Fridge-Fresh

Turkiye is also a land of juices. The ones from bazaars and corner shops are often freshly squeezed, natural, with no added sugar. And each has its own... power:

• Pomegranate juice – For the heart and circulation, rich in antioxidants.

• Sour cherry juice – A natural source of melatonin, helpful for sleep and recovery.

• Apricot juice – A gentle aid for digestion, slightly sweet and filling.

• Carrot with lemon – Boosts immunity and cleanses, often sipped after meals.

Şalgam — Sour Cleanse After a Meaty Feast

Sour, spicy, intense — şalgam is a fermented juice made from turnips and black carrots, somewhat reminiscent of Eastern European beet kvass. Found at bazaars, it’s served cold in tall plastic cups with ice — often with a grin and the vendor’s assurance: “Good for digestion and post-party mornings.” Feeling brave? Try it with rakı. Locals joke: “A full soul reset!". 

Mırra, Menengiç, Hardaliye — Southern Treasures 

Mırra – Bitter, strong coffee from southern Turkiye. One sip, and the spirit of southern Turkiye enters you.

Menengiç kahvesi – A caffeine-free, nutty infusion made from wild pistachios. Aromatic and gentle.

Hardaliye – A slightly fermented, sparkling grape juice with mustard leaves. Refreshing with a subtle tang.

Turkish Coffee — A Ritual with a Prophecy

Coffee in Turkiye is not just for a caffeine fix. It's a pause, a conversation, a ritual. Served in a small porcelain cup, with foam on top, thick and slowly brewed in a copper cezve. And after the last sip... comes the reading.

Coffee Ground Fortune Telling — Magic Between Sip and Silence

How it works:

1. Drink your coffee, leaving the grounds.

2. Cover the cup with the saucer and flip it upside down.

3. Wait a moment for the grounds to settle.

4. Lift the cup and begin reading.

What might you see?

• Flowers – New love or positive change.

• Birds – Good news is coming.

• Snake – A false friend; be cautious.

• Heart – Emotions, romance; someone’s thinking of you.

• Mountains – Challenges, but ones you can overcome.

• Eye – Someone is watching or feeling envy.

• Fish – Wealth, luck, or a fortunate event.

Coffee reading isn’t just fun — it’s a way to be together. A ritual that brings people closer, especially women. Sometimes, a professional falcı (coffee reader) is invited, who peers into the cup and whispers: "You'll see... in three months, it will all come true.".

Evening — Rakı and Boza

As the sun sets and meze dishes fill the table, rakı arrives — a strong, anise-flavored spirit diluted with water, turning it milky white. Called “the lion’s milk,” rakı isn’t meant to be rushed. You sip it slowly, thoughtfully. Because rakı is not a drink — it’s a conversation.

And when the cold creeps into Istanbul’s streets, the call rings out: “Boozaaa!” Boza is a thick, fermented drink made from wheat or millet, served warm with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas. Warming, nostalgic, and full of winter charm.

Mini Quiz: Which Turkish Drink Are You?

I love warmth and long conversations → Çay

I value tradition and bold flavor → Turkish coffee

I'm refreshing and natural → Ayran

I'm sweet and romantic → Şerbet

I have a secret and an old-fashioned charm → Boza

I come alive in the evening → Rakı

In Turkiye, drinks are not just tastes — they’re togetherness. Each has its own time, meaning, and story. Because here, even the simplest sip can turn into a tale.