Beverages

Çay (Tea)

Turkey has the highest per capita tea consumption in the world — over 3 kg per person per year, more than the UK. Çay is black tea, served in tulip-shaped glasses, strongly brewed using a double kettle (Çaydanlık). Without milk, with sugar as desired. Price: 15–30 ₺ in a Çay Bahçesi (tea garden), often offered for free.

Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi)

Boiled in an Ibrik (Cezve) on sand or flame — strong, thick, with grounds. Order it "sade" (without sugar), "orta" (medium sweet), or "şekerli" (sweet). UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013. Always served with a glass of water. Price: 60–120 ₺.

Ayran

Salted drinking yogurt — THE refreshing drink with meals, especially with kebab. Homemade (Süzme Ayran) is a hundred times better than the supermarket version.

Rakı

The national drink — anise-flavored spirit (45%), mixed 1:1 with cold water (turns milky white: "lion's milk"/Aslan Sütü). Traditionally consumed with meze and fish. Yeni Rakı is the standard brand, Efe Rakı the premium alternative. Price in restaurants: 150–400 ₺ per glass. Drinking rakı is a social ritual — never alone, always slowly, always with food.

Beer & Wine

Efes Pilsen is the ubiquitous Turkish beer (similar to a German lager). There is also a craft beer scene in Istanbul (Gara Guzu, Felicita). Turkish wine is surprising: regions like Cappadocia (Ürgüp), Thrace, and the Aegean produce excellent wines. Kavaklıdere (Angora, Yakut), Kayra (Vintage), and Vinkara are recommended.

Şalgam

Fermented turnip juice — salty, sour, deep purple. The Adana accompaniment to spicy kebab. An acquired taste, but authentic.