How to Drink Rakı: Tradition, Water and Pairing With Fish

Rakı, also known as Turkey's "lion's milk", is an aniseed spirit that gives a table its own rhythm when enjoyed the right way. So how do you drink rakı?

The right ratio and order

• Fill about one-third rakı and two-thirds water.
• Clear rakı turns milky white when it meets water; that is normal.
• Always add ice last. Ice before water can dull the aroma.

Rakı and fish

Rakı is loved most with seafood: grilled fish, calamari, prawns and meze. The coolness of aniseed balances the salty freshness of the sea.

Meyhane etiquette

Rakı is sipped slowly, over conversation. Clinking glasses, sharing meze and slowing down time are the heart of the tradition.

Types of rakı

Fresh-grape, black-grape or triple-distilled rakı each offer different intensities, so do not be afraid to explore.

A rakı table at Salonika 1881

With a wide rakı selection and fresh meze, Salonika 1881 opens the door to a true meyhane evening in Kalkan.

Book a rakı table.