Modern Serve
Rakı Tonic
Istanbul's new-wave answer to the gin and tonic.
Glass Copa or large wine glass
Garnish Grapefruit or lemon peel, a sprig of fresh dill for the brave
The Story
For most of its history rakı has been drunk one way — with water, mezze, and time. But in recent years Istanbul's new-wave meyhanes and cocktail bars have started treating the anise spirit the way the world treats gin: over ice, lengthened with good tonic, brightened with citrus.
The bitterness of the quinine plays against the sweetness of the aniseed, and the drink stays cloudy and cool to the last sip. Triple-distilled Yeni Rakı Ala, made entirely from raisins, keeps the serve clean and polished.
The Recipe
How to Make It
Ingredients
- 50ml Yeni Rakı Ala
- 150ml Premium tonic water, well chilled
- — Cubed ice
Method
- 01 Fill a large wine glass or copa with ice.
- 02 Pour the rakı over the ice and stir briefly.
- 03 Top slowly with tonic and give a single gentle stir.
- 04 Express the citrus peel over the glass before dropping it in.
