The most common drink in Istanbul is tea (gay), which is normally served black in small, tulip-shaped glasses. It is offered to you wherever you go: in shops and bazaars, and even in banks and offices. Breakfast is usually accompanied by tea, whereas small cups of strong Turkish coffee (kahve) are drunk mid-morning and also at the end of meals. Cold drinks include a variety of fresh fruit juices, such as orange and cherry, and refreshing syrup-based sherbets. Although Turkey does produce its own wine and beer, the most popular alcoholic drink in Istanbul is raki, which is usually served to accompany mezes.

SOFT DRINKS

Bottled mineral water (su) is sold in corner shops and served in restaurants everywhere. If you are feeling adventurous, you may like to try a glass of ayran, salty liquid yoghurt. Boza, made from bulgur wheat, is another local drink to sample. There is always a variety of refreshing fruit and vegetable juices available. They include cherry juice (vişne suyu), turnip juice (şalgam suyu) and şıra, a juice made from fermented grapes.

COFFEE AND TEA

Turkish coffee (kahve) is dark and strong and is ordered according to the amount of sugar required: az (little), orta (medium), or çok şekerli (a lot). You may have to ask for it especially, as some restaurants may give you instant coffee. The ubiquitous drink is tea (çay). It is served with sugar but without milk, and in a small, tulip-shaped glass. Apple (elma), is the most popular — flavour, but there's are also linden (ıhlamur), rosehip (kuşhurn. and mint (nane) teas.

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

The national alcoholic drink in Turkey is raki - "lion's milk" - a clear, anise-flavoured spirit, which turns cloudy when water is added. It is drunk with fish and mezes. The Turkish wine industry produces some good reds and whites, served in many restaurants. Doluca and Kavaklıdere arc two of the leading brands. Foreign and imported wines are widely available at high prices. Turkey's own Efes Pilsen beer is widely sold. Note that alcohol is not served in some of the cheaper restaurants and kebab houses.

Ayran (eye-rahn) is a common beverage made of yogurt diluted with water and seasoned with a pinch of salt. This refreshing drink pairs well with many local dishes. You'll even see it on the menu at McDonald's and Burger King.
Rakı (rah-kuh) is the alcoholic drink in Turkey. It's made of distilled grape juice and anise—giving it a strong licorice taste. Turks dilute it with water or ice, which turns the drink a cloudy white color. Rakı is an acquired taste. Try only a small amount at first. It's particularly good with a light meal, meat, fish, or mezes. And if you're drinking a lot of rakı, you'd better stay away from too much bread, pasta, or a big dessert. Otherwise, you're likely to wake up with a severe headache the next morning—provided you survive the night.
Turkish coffee is unfiltered coffee, with the grounds mixed right in. It's typically drunk as a digestive after dinner, and sometimes after lunch—but never at breakfast
Tea {çay; pronounced "chai",) is actually a more common drink among Turks than coffee. Tea is grown locally along the Black Sea coastline. Regular Turkish tea tastes like English breakfast tea, but some varieties are closer to Earl Grey. Asking for milk for your tea might surprise Turkish waiters—Turks never put milk in their tea—but they'll honor your request. Herbal tea and similar drinks are quite common in Turkey. Adaçayı (ah-dah-chah-yuh; sage), ıhlamur (uh-lah-moor; linden), and kuşburnu (koosh-boor-noo; rosehip) are a few popular flavors. When you ask for herbal tea, unless you're in a specialty café, you'll be given a teabag and a cup of hot water. In the Old Town, you'll likely be offered apple tea made with granulated apple and sugar. The real thing is made from dried and boiled apple skin. You can find dried apple skin in the Spice Market . Make it tastier by adding honey or cinnamon.