Rakı

Aromatic, festive, and steeped in Mediterranean ritual, rakı is the undisputed national spirit of Turkey. Distilled from fresh or dried grapes and redistilled with fragrant aniseed in traditional copper stills, rakı offers an exquisite balance of floral grape sweetness and warm herbal spice. Famous for its milky opalescent transformation—known affectionately as "Lion’s Milk" (Aslan Sütü)—when cut with ice-cold water, rakı is built for slow, shared moments. From crisp, classic suma distillates to aged, oak-rested expressions, our collection brings authentic Mediterranean heritage to your table. Discover hand-selected bottles perfect for traditional meze pairings, outdoor feasts, and celebratory toasts.

About Rakı

Rakı is an unsweetened, anise-flavoured grape spirit with centuries of cultural tradition across Anatolia. What sets premium Turkish rakı apart on your home bar cart is its raw spirit base: high-quality grape distillate (suma). Unlike neutral grain-based anise spirits, authentic rakı relies on fresh or sun-dried grapes distilled alongside native aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), delivering a rich, silky texture and a naturally sweet, aromatic finish.

Flavour & Style Guide

Understanding the core production styles of rakı makes selecting your bottle simple:

— Classic Rakı (Dried Grape / Raisin Suma): The traditional benchmark. Distilled using dried grapes (raisins), yielding a robust, rich spirit with deep anise spice and subtle dried-fruit warmth.

— Yaş Üzüm Rakısı (Fresh Grape Rakı): Crafted exclusively from 100% fresh, un-dried grapes. Exceptionally smooth, bright, and fruit-forward with crisp notes of white grape, green apple, and sweet floral anise.

— Göbek Rakısı ("Belly" Cut): Distilled using only the prized middle cut (the "belly") of the run, discarding the harsh heads and tails. Silky, incredibly pure, and refined with minimal spirit bite.

— Meşe Fıçısı (Oak-Aged / Golden Rakı): Rested or aged in oak barrels for several months. Takes on a soft straw tint with gentle nuances of vanilla, toasted oak, and wood spice rounding out the bold anise core.

How to Choose the Right Rakı for You

— The Traditional Ritual (Çilingir Sofrası): Pour 50 ml of rakı into a tall, slim glass (kadeh), add an equal measure of chilled still water, and finish with one or two ice cubes.

— For Meze & Seafood Pairings: Enjoy chilled rakı alongside salty white cheeses, honeydew melon, grilled octopus, and fresh Mediterranean dips.

— For Modern Highballs: Serve a Fresh Grape (Yaş Üzüm) Rakı over ice, topped with sparkling water and a fresh mint sprig for a crisp, herbal summer long drink.