The stars of Istanbul: Drinking - Raki

The best way to enjoy raki (the Turkish national drink, also known as "Lion's Milk"), is with thin, cylindrical glasses and cold (about 8-10 degrees Celsius).
One can drink it straight or with water, soda, or mineral water.

Although raki, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage strongly, aromatized with anise-seed, can be consumed as a cocktail, more commonly it is preferred with "meze"

The overwhelming favourite among the Turks, to accompany raki, is the combination of melon and feta-cheese.