Yeni Raki

Yeni Rakı was introduced by the Turkish state monopoly during the Second World War, and the producer still shows a bottle from 1944; Mey|Diageo makes it today. Rakı rules require Turkish grapes and anise: the grape spirit, called suma, is distilled a second time with aniseed in copper stills of 5,000 liters or less.

Neat it is strong and sharply anise. With cold water it turns milky white, which is why Turks call it lion's milk, and softens into sweet anise with a clean, dry finish.

If you are setting a meze table, this is the bottle. For a Greek anise spirit to compare, try Ouzo 12; for French pastis, Ricard.

Serve it in a tall, narrow glass topped with chilled water, adding ice only after the water, alongside meze, grilled fish or melon and white cheese.

Browse the rest of our liqueurs and cordials. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery in Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens.