Traditional Turkish Drinks: 7 Must-Try Beverages in Turkey

If you’re wondering what to drink in Turkey, you’re in for a treat.

From strong coffee and endless cups of tea to refreshing yogurt drinks and traditional spirits, Turkish drinks are a huge part of daily life and culture.

After living in Turkey since 2019, I’ve tried just about everything, and some surprised me more than others.

These are the most popular traditional Turkish drinks you should try and what to expect from each one.

1. Turkish Coffee

What it is:
Turkish coffee is a finely ground coffee brewed in a small pot called a cezve and served unfiltered, which is what sets it apart.

What it tastes like:
It’s strong, thick, and slightly bitter, with grounds settling at the bottom of the cup. Let it sit for a minute before drinking so the grounds settle.

When to drink it:
Usually enjoyed after meals or during social visits.

How to order it:
You’ll be asked how much sugar you want:

• Sade (no sugar)
• Orta şekerli (medium sugar)
• Tatlı (sweet)

It’s typically served with a small glass of water and sometimes Turkish delight.

My experience:
When I first moved to Turkey, I wasn’t a fan because it was so intense, but over time I’ve grown to love it. It’s now one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the moment. I usually order it orta şekerli because it cuts the bitterness without being too sweet.

Fun fact:
Turkish coffee is so culturally important that it was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. The first known “coffee shop”, Kiva Han, opened in Constantinople (Istanbul) in the 1470s.

Making it at home:
If you want to try it yourself, it’s made by simmering finely ground coffee, water, and sugar (if desired) in a cezve until it froths, then pouring it directly into a cup.

2. Salep – best served warm

What it is:
Salep is a traditional Turkish hot drink made from powdered orchid tubers mixed with milk. Just know that many versions today are not made with real salep.

What it tastes like:
It’s thick, creamy, and slightly sweet, often topped with cinnamon. The texture is richer than most drinks, almost like a thin pudding, and somehow even better than it sounds.

When to drink it:
Most commonly enjoyed in winter, especially on cold days.

What to know:
Real salep has become harder to find due to over-harvesting of wild orchids, so many versions today use substitutes or artificial flavoring.

You’ll often see it sold from street carts in winter, especially in cities like Istanbul.

My experience:
The first time I tried salep, I wasn’t expecting how thick it would be, but it quickly became one of my favorite winter drinks. There’s nothing better than walking around Kadıköy on a cold day with a warm cup in hand. I especially love having it on a cold ferry ride across the Bosphorus.

3. Rakı (Turkey’s national alcohol)

What it is:
Rakı is a traditional Turkish alcoholic drink made from twice-distilled grapes and flavored with anise.

What it tastes like:
It has a strong black licorice flavor, which can be polarizing if you’re not used to it. Typically you either love it or hate it.

When to drink it:
Typically enjoyed in the evening with meals, especially alongside fish and mezes.

What to know:
Rakı is usually mixed with cold water, which turns it from clear to a cloudy white color. Because of this, it’s often called “Lion’s Milk.”

It’s rarely drunk on its own and is meant to be enjoyed slowly over a long meal.

You’ll often hear about a “balık ve rakı akşamı,” where people gather for a long dinner of fish, small dishes, and conversation.

My experience:
It wasn’t my favorite at first, especially because of the strong flavor, but I’ve gotten used to it over time. After a few long dinners with friends at Ala Kadıköy, I started to appreciate it more as part of the experience rather than just the drink itself.

If you haven’t thought about gifts yet, a small bottle of raki along with these other 20 ideas for great gifts.

4. Turkish Tea (Çay)

What it is:
Turkish tea, or çay, is a strong black tea that is a central part of daily life in Turkey. Many people drink up to 10–15 small glasses a day.

What it tastes like:
It’s a bold and slightly bitter black tea, usually served plain with sugar on the side. Unlike “chai” in other countries, it is not spiced or mixed with milk.

When to drink it:
All day, every day. It’s common to be offered tea after meals, during conversations, or even while shopping.

What to know:
Turkey has one of the highest tea consumption rates in the world, and you’ll see it everywhere.

It’s traditionally brewed in a çaydanlık, a two-tiered teapot that allows you to adjust the strength of your tea. When ordering, you can ask for:

• Koyu (strong)
• Açık (light)

Tea is served in small, tulip-shaped glasses, which is why people can drink so many cups throughout the day.

My experience:
I’m not a huge tea drinker, but over time it became a daily habit. It’s less about the drink itself and more about the moment. Sitting down for a quick tea break, whether with friends or even strangers, is something you experience constantly in Turkey.

One moment that always stuck with me was when I’d head to the airport and stop outside my friend Taner’s shop, Sever Börek, across the street. He would always hand me a glass of tea while I waited. It would have felt rude to refuse, so I never did.

5. Ayran

What it is:
Ayran is a traditional Turkish drink made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. You’ll sometimes also see versions with mint or basil added.

What it tastes like:
It’s cold, slightly salty, and refreshing. The flavor can be surprising at first, especially if you’re expecting something sweet.

When to drink it:
Anytime, but especially with meals or on hot days when you need something refreshing.

What to know:
You’ll find ayran everywhere in Turkey, either bottled (kapalı) or freshly made (açık).

It’s commonly served alongside dishes like döner or kebabs and is often considered a staple part of the meal.

My experience:
The first time I tried ayran in 2018, I honestly wasn’t a fan. The salty taste caught me off guard. But over time, it really grew on me, and now I genuinely enjoy it, especially with a good döner.

I’ve even found a bottled version I really like, but fresh is still my favorite.

One thing I noticed is that yogurt in Turkey tastes very different from what I was used to in the U.S., which made a big difference. Once I got used to that, ayran started to make a lot more sense.

The best ayran I’ve had was on a trip to Gaziantep. It was incredibly frothy, and the saltiness was perfectly balanced. It was so good I ended up ordering a second one.

6. Turkish Sherbet

What it is:
Turkish sherbet is a traditional non-alcoholic drink made from fruits, herbs, and spices, dating back to the Ottoman Empire.

What it tastes like:
It’s sweet, refreshing, and often lightly spiced, depending on the ingredients used.

When to drink it:
Most commonly enjoyed in the summer or during special occasions and gatherings.

What to know:
Sherbet is often homemade using ingredients like cherries, plums, or grapes, combined with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and lemon.

It has a long history in Turkish culture and was traditionally served as a sign of hospitality.

While it’s typically non-alcoholic, it’s easy to see how it could pair well with something like gin if you wanted to experiment at home.

Historically, sherbet was also believed to have health benefits, such as supporting digestion or helping with blood pressure, though today it’s mostly enjoyed simply as a refreshing drink.

My experience:
Sherbet isn’t as commonly found as some of the other drinks on this list, but when you do come across it, it feels like something special. It’s one of those drinks that connects you more to the history and traditions of Turkey.

7. Şalgam

What it is:
Şalgam is a traditional Turkish drink made from fermented turnips, carrots, and spices. You can get it normal or spicy.

What it tastes like:
It’s salty, tangy, and slightly sour with a strong, distinct flavor that’s definitely not for everyone.

When to drink it:
Often enjoyed with meals, especially alongside kebabs, fish, or spicy dishes.

What to know:
It’s especially popular in southern Turkey, particularly around Adana, and is sometimes served with a bit of heat from added spices.

My experience:
I’ll be honest, this one is definitely an acquired taste, but I’ve come around to it. Not long ago, while I was back in the States, I found myself missing the flavor. I ended up ordering it at a Turkish restaurant in Edmond, OK, and when it arrived in the same bottle I’d seen all over Turkey, it just felt right and hit the spot.

Traditional Drinks in Turkey You Have to Try

So, what’s the most popular drink in Turkey?

If you guessed tea, you’re right.

Çay is everywhere. Whether you’ve just finished a meal, stepped into a shop, or are simply passing time with friends, you’ll almost always be offered a glass. It’s less about the drink itself and more about the culture around it.

After living in Turkey, I’ve realized that drinks here aren’t just about taste. They’re about slowing down, connecting with people, and experiencing everyday life in a different way.

From strong Turkish coffee to salty ayran and even the bold flavor of şalgam, each one tells you something about the culture.

If you try anything while you’re here, try the drinks. They’re one of the easiest and most authentic ways to experience Turkey.