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There is a wide range of drinks available in Istanbul,
whether it is hot or cold. Some of them are alcoholic while others
are non-alcoholic. Some of the non-alcoholic drinks include coffee,
tea, boza, Ayran and other drinks. Turkey offers exceptional tea and
coffee to its residing people. Apart from the traditional drinks,
boza and Ayran are also famous beverages in the state. Though, they
are new to many people, but it is worth giving a try when you visit
Turkey. In terms of Alcoholic drinks, raki, beer and wine are
utilized by people.
Ayran and boza are locally made drinks. Both these drinks are
served fresh and chilled so it is unwise to keep them for long. In
summers, these are widely used to shield from the hot weather. Thus,
people associated with these drinks earn a lot in summer days.
Though, when it comes to drinking, alcoholic drinks are preferred.
In social events, parties and celebrations, alcohol containing
drinks are frequently utilized. Raki is widely accepted as the
national drink of Turkey. Similar to French pastis and Greek ouzo,
Raki is a strong, deep and clear drink. By adding ice cubes and cold
water to it, a chalky white look appears which is quite tasty. This
drink is usually taken while eating fish and mezes (a renowned
Turkish dish).
Turkish people love to take beer and wine. In bars and
parties, beer is used in different sizes. The most widely used ones
are 50cl and 33cl. Efes Pilson is probably the best quality beer
present in today’s world. It is available in Istanbul. The
manufacturers of Efes also produce Gusta, a wheat bear. Beside the
locally manufactured beers, some companies import beer from
neighboring states. The names of some of these are Becks, Heineken
and Corona. These are available to the people of Istanbul.
Coming towards Turkish wine, there is a greater variety. This
mainly, due to the revival of wine industry in Istanbul that has led
to frequent availability of this drink in the local markets. Unlike
the wine produced in France, those manufactured in Istanbul are way
ahead in quality. Several new wineries are making excellent quality
wine. The only negative aspect of wines in Istanbul is its price. TO
drink excellent wine, one must have money. Though, some local
companies are making reds and whites which are good in terms of
price and quality.
Though, the topic restricts us to talk about alcoholic
drinks, but the fact is that traditional drinks like raki and Ayran
have become the first choice for many residents of Istanbul. It is
because of the frequent availability of them in the state; people do
not have to travel vast distances to buy one bottle of wine or beer.
The concerned people of drinks have also recognized this fact, and
now new brands have stepped into this field to provide good quality
drinks to people.
Raki is still the first choice of people when they
have fish and mezes for lunch or dinner. Adding ice or cold water in
raki is a disgrace to the tradition, but it does not matter as long
as satisfactory taste is provided. Besides raki, Ayran is also
widely utilized, especially with kebab because it is made of salted
yogurt, which is very, dear to people of Istanbul.
Thus, drinks are a vital aspect of Istanbul.
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