what is raki

Raki, also known as rakı, is an alcoholic drink that is the national drink of Turkey. It is made of twice-distilled grapes and aniseed, and is often served with seafood or meze, a selection of hot and cold appetizers. Raki is also popular in other Balkan countries as an apéritif, as well as in Kazakhstan. The drink is traditionally produced from raisin/grape spirit called suma that is distilled to a maximum of 94.55% abv. Raki is commonly consumed alongside meze, and is often served in a highball glass with chilled water and ice cubes. The drink is about 45% alcohol, so it is usually diluted with water or ice cubes to make the taste more enjoyable and manageable. Raki is a symbol of friendship and nobility, and is a sign of social communication in Crete, where it is known as tsikoudia. The drink is served almost naturally after every meal, and is often offered to tourists and guests. Raki is more than just a drink and has a history that stretches back at least 500 years, or so it is believed. The spirit is distilled two to five times from grapes and then re-distilled with aniseed to give it that unique flavor.