Rakı
Rakı [ rakɯ ] is a Turkish National beverage from grapes or raisins fired Anisée with aniseed for flavoring. The fruits are harvested when ripe, dried, fermented and distilled. Then anise is added and it is distilled again. The clear schnapps has an alcohol content of 40 to 50 % by volume , the taste is similar to licorice . The best-known varieties are Yeni Rakı and the particularly aromatic Tekirdağ Rakısı from the traditional wine-growing region of the Tekirdağ region . Since the abolition of the state monopoly (Turkish: “ Tekel ” and at the same time the name of the state manufacturing company that produces cigarettes in addition to alcohol) for tobacco and alcoholic luxury goods in Turkey, more and more new brands have come onto the market. Other well-known brands are İzmir , Altınbaş , Kulüp , Burgaz , Mercan , Efe , Sari Zeybek and Beylerbeyi . With the arrival of many other brands and varieties, the production methods were also refined. Two or even three times distilled rakı are not uncommon, and even storage in oak barrels is now used.
history
The name of the drink is believed to be derived from the Arabic word araq ( Arabic عرق, DMG ʿaraq, "sweat", cf. Arak and Arrak ). Rakı has been mentioned since the 15th century. Starting from its origin in Asia Minor , it was distilled by both the Greek and Turkish population in the Ottoman Empire and then spread in the Mediterranean region. From the Greek ouzo to the Balkans to the French pastis , variants of rakı are still popular today.
Since the Erdoğan government came to power in 2003, the price of the drink rose by 500 percent by 2018; two thirds of the price are taxes . Consumption fell.
Serve
Rakı is usually diluted with water or / and drunk on ice as an aperitif . When mixed with water or by strong cooling, the drink gets its typical milky-cloudy appearance due to the louche effect , which is why it is also called "aslan sütü" (lion's milk) by locals.
Rakı is mostly offered in (often frosted) so-called rakı glasses, which are similar to slim tall long drink glasses. It is most common to first pour the schnapps two to three fingers wide, then add just as much water (not the other way around!) And finally add some ice if necessary. Drinking it pure (without water or ice) is an alternative option in Turkey, but it is rather uncommon. In the trendy bars in Turkey in particular, Rakı has now established itself as a base for long drinks and cocktails. Classics such as caipirinha or mojito are given an aniseed note by adding rakı.
Drinking rakı alone is a sign of loneliness in Turkey. Rather, people usually drink together, with the oldest man at the table filling the glasses. A special experience is the participation in a traditional rakı sofrası , a mostly festive rakı table , at which countless cold and warm starters ( mezes ) are available for common service on the table and where people eat, drink and chat for hours, often accompanied by Turkish folk or art music .
pronunciation
In the German-speaking world, Rakı is often pronounced with a light i (like "Igel"). The “ı” not contained in the German alphabet is pronounced in Turkish as an unrounded closed back vowel ; see also Turkish alphabet .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Ayran instead of Raki, that's what I advise you in the NZZ on February 8, 2018