Yeni Raki

In the Ottoman Empire, due to the Islamic restriction, until 19th century meyhanes generally run by Greeks, but sometimes also by Albanians Armenians, or Jews would mainly serve wine Muslims among meyhane attendants, sharia authorities could, at time, persecute them. With the relatively liberal atmosphere of Tanzimat Turkey, meyhane attendance among Muslims rose considerably. However, belivers would still approach wine with a certain suspicion. Raki became a favourite among myhane goers. By the end of the century, raki took its current standard form and its consumption surpassed that of wine.In Turkey, raki is consumed with meze; it is especially popular with white chees and melon or fish. Raki is generally drunk mixed with cold water. Ice cubes may be added, preferably to diluted raki, since its anise may otherwise crystallize. When the water is added, the mixture turns a whitish color, similar to the louche of absinthe. In addition to mixing raki with water in its own glass, it is customary to drink raki with a separate but complementary beverage. For the casual raki drinker, a glass of cold water is suitable. For the serious stands as the best accompaniment to Lion’s Milk. Sometimes raki is drunk with ayran, which is said to prevent hangover.