Raki (alcoholic beverage)
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SAK_Rakilar_Small.jpg
- The title of this article is incorrect because of technical limitations. The correct title is rakı.
Rakı, pronounced rah-kuh, is a Turkish anise-flavored liqueur that is similar to several kinds of alcoholic beverages available in Mediterranean and parts of Balkans.
The standard rakı is a grape product, though it may also be produced from various fruits, especially fig.
In Turkey where rakı is the unofficial national drink and companion to meze, it is generally drunk mixed with an equal part of water. When the water is added, the mixture turns a whitish colour, which is where the drink gets its alternative name, Lion's Milk. In addition to mixing rakı with water in its own glass, it is customary to drink rakı with a separate but complementary beverage. For the casual rakı drinker, a glass of cold water is suitable. For the serious connoisseur of rakı with kebab, a glass of turnip juice stands as the best accompaniment to Lion's Milk.
The most well known brands are Yeni Rakı and Tekirdag Rakısı from the region of Tekirdag, which is famous for its superior flavour. While Yeni Rakı has an alcohol content of 45 percent and 1.5 grams of anise per liter, Tekirdag Rakısı has 0.2 grams more anise in it. Additionally, Tekirdag Rakısı is unique, since it is made from fresh raisins and contains 100 percent raisin suma.
In Albania raki is an apéritif and is usually drunk in very small amounts at social gatherings. See: Raki in Albania.
Similar drinks
It can be considered similar (in various degrees though) to pastis, sambuca, arak, ouzo, tsikoudia, tsipouro, and mastica.
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External links
- Raki - Greece (http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/raki.html)
- Raki - Turkey (http://www.allaboutturkey.com/icecekler.htm)