Turkey is famous for its delicious food, rich culture, and unique traditions. Among its many cultural treasures, Turkish food and drinks hold a special place. Whether hot or cold, sweet or strong, Turkish beverages are full of history and flavor. If you ever visit a Turkish Restaurant or want to try something new at home, here are the top five Turkish drinks you must try.
1. Turkish Tea (Çay)
Çay is the most popular Turkish drink .It is more than just a beverage it is a daily tradition. Turkish people always have tea at home, work, or social gatherings. It is served in small tulip-shaped glasses and enjoyed throughout the day.
How is Turkish Tea Made?
Turkish tea is made using a çaydanlık, a special two-tiered teapot. The bottom pot is filled with water and brought to a boil, while the top pot holds loose black tea leaves. Once the water boils, some is poured over the tea leaves to create a strong, concentrated brew.
The remaining hot water is then used to dilute the tea to the desired strength. Turkish tea is traditionally served plain, without milk, though sugar can be added for sweetness. Its deep red color and rich flavor make it a beloved daily drink in Turkey.
Why is Turkish Tea Special?
- It is a symbol of hospitality. Guests are always offered tea.
- It has a deep red color and a rich taste.
- It is an essential part of Turkish daily life.
If you ever visit Turkey or any Turkish restaurant, you will see tea served everywhere from busy markets to quiet mountain villages.
2. Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi)
Turkish coffee is famous worldwide for its strong flavor and special brewing method. It is not just a drink but also an experience. Unlike other types of coffee, Turkish coffee is unfiltered, which means the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup.
How is Turkish Coffee Made?
Turkish coffee is traditionally brewed in a small copper pot called a cezve. Finely ground coffee is mixed with cold water in the cezve, and sugar can be added based on preference. The mixture is then slowly heated over low heat until a thick foam forms.
Once ready, the coffee is carefully poured into a small cup without stirring, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom. Known for its rich aroma and strong flavor, Turkish coffee is an important part of Turkish culture and is often enjoyed with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight.
Why is Turkish Coffee Special?
- It has a rich and strong flavor with a thick texture.
- It is often served with a piece of Turkish delight or a glass of water.
- The coffee grounds left in the cup are sometimes used for fortune telling (a fun tradition where people “read” the patterns left by the coffee grounds).
Turkish coffee is an essential part of Turkish culture and is even recognized by UNESCO as an important cultural tradition.
3. Salep
Salep is a delicious and creamy hot drink made from the powdered roots of wild orchids. It is especially popular in winter because of its warm and comforting taste. Salep has been enjoyed for centuries and is often sold by street vendors during cold months.
How is Salep Made?
Salep is prepared by mixing salep powder with milk and sugar. The mixture is slowly heated until it becomes thick and creamy. It is usually served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Why is Salep Special?
- It has a smooth and creamy texture that makes it perfect for winter.
- It has a unique, slightly floral taste due to the orchid root.
- It is often linked to nostalgia and childhood memories in Turkey.
However, because wild orchids are rare and protected, real salep is hard to find outside Turkey. Many modern versions use substitutes, but the original salep remains a treasured Turkish drink.
4. Kuşburnu (Rosehip Tea)
Kuşburnuc tea is made from rose hips, the fruit of the wild rose plant. It is known for its bright red color and slightly tangy, sweet flavor. This tea is delicious and very healthy, as it is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
How is Kuşburnu Tea Made?
Making rose hip tea (Kuşburnu Çayı) is a simple process. Dried rose hips are boiled in water and left to steep until the tea becomes deep red. This flavorful and vitamin-rich tea can be enjoyed hot in winter for warmth and comfort or served cold in the summer as a refreshing drink. Its naturally tart taste can be balanced with honey or sugar, depending on preference.
Why is Kuşburnu Tea Special?
- It is one of the healthiest Turkish drinks known to boost immunity.
- It has a pleasant, slightly fruity taste.
- It is a natural remedy for colds and flu.
Many Turkish households keep Kuşburnu tea, especially in the winter, as a natural way to stay healthy.
5. Boza
Boza is a thick, fermented drink made from grains like millet, wheat, or barley. It has a slightly sour yet sweet taste and a dense, porridge-like consistency. Boza has been enjoyed in Turkey for over a thousand years and is most popular in winter.
How is Boza Made?
Boza is a traditional Turkish drink from fermented grains, sugar, and water. The grains are cooked and left to ferment for a few days, allowing the drink to develop its signature thick texture and sour-sweet flavor.
Once ready, boza is served cold and traditionally topped with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas, adding an extra layer of warmth and crunch to its creamy consistency. This nutritious and filling beverage is especially popular during the winter months.
Why is Boza Special?
- It is one of the oldest drinks in Turkey, dating back to ancient times.
- It has a rich, unique texture that is different from most drinks.
- It is very nutritious and highly energetic, making it a favorite during cold months.
Boza is often sold by street vendors who walk around neighborhoods calling out “Bozaa!” to attract customers. This is a nostalgic sound for many Turkish people.
Conclusion
Turkey offers a wonderful variety of drinks with special taste and history. Whether you enjoy the strong and bold flavor of Turkish coffee, the comforting warmth of salep, or the tangy sweetness of rosehip tea, there is something for everyone.If you ever visit a Turkish restaurant, try these drinks to experience the country’s rich culture and traditions. And if you can’t travel, you can still make these drinks at home to enjoy a taste of Turkey wherever you are.