Raki  —  also called "lion's milk"  —  is a distilled alcoholic beverage, clear in colour and strongly aromatized with anise which gives it a sweet liquorice-like flavour.

Raki can be drunk straight or mixed with cold water, which turns it grayish white and cloudy  —  like ouzo or pastis.

4 cl raki (eg "Yeni Rakı")
8 - 12 cl cold water
ice cubes

If drunk straight, you may chill raki in refrigerator to about 8 - 10 °C. Chill the water to about 4 °C by mixing in ice cubes. Pour raki in a thin, cylindrical glass. Add chilled, strained water to taste.

Raki is usually enjoyed with meze  —  Turkish appetizers  —  but also with other cold dishes, vegetables, fish and snacks. For example, try serving raki accompanied by fresh, sweet melon and feta cheese. Şerefe!
Serves 1.

Recipe source: traditional Turkish recipe.