The History, Production, and Varieties of Rakı: The Unmissable Flavor of the Table
- Fatih Uğur
- Oct 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 19, 2025
As one of Turkey’s cultural treasures, Rakı is not just a drink; it is a symbol of friendship, sharing, and a heritage spanning centuries. This culture, brewed in the lands of Anatolia, continues to thrive today through a modern "Meyhane" (tavern) experience at venues like Kepos Balık Evi in Çayyolu, Ankara. Would you like to explore the deep-rooted history, production process, and varieties of Rakı?
The Deep History of Rakı: From the Abbasids to the Present
The journey of Rakı dates back much further than many realize, reaching distillation techniques in the 5th-century Byzantine Empire and the use of the "al-ambic" during the 8th-century Abbasid period. However, the "Lion’s Milk" culture as we know it took shape during the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the 16th century.
The Era of Evliya Çelebi: In the 17th century, the famous traveler Evliya Çelebi mentioned "Arakçiyan" (Rakı producers) in his Book of Travels (Seyahatname). At that time, Rakı was consumed either plain or with mastic.
19th Century & Tavern Culture: Following the Tanzimat reforms, Rakı took center stage in the taverns of Galata and Pera. During the Republican era, it reached modern standards with the establishment of specialized facilities, entering the global gastronomic literature as Turkey’s national drink.
How is Rakı Made? (The Art of Distillation)
Rakı is essentially the alchemy of grapes and aniseed. First, grapes are fermented to obtain alcohol (known as suma). Then, this suma is re-distilled in traditional copper alembics together with aniseed.
Why does Rakı turn white? The anise oil in Rakı dissolves in alcohol, but when water is added, the oil droplets are released, creating its characteristic milky white color. Some premium varieties are aged in oak barrels, gaining a much smoother and woody finish.
"A classic evening at Kepos. Peace in the glass, flavor on the table. 🥂 You are at the right address for fresh mezes and deep conversations. We are waiting for you tonight!"
Most Popular Rakı Types and Flavor Profiles
Here are some of the Rakı varieties catering to every palate, which you can find in the rich cellar of Kepos Balık Evi:
Yeni Rakı: A world-renowned classic with a balanced aroma of anise and grape.
Yeni Seri & Uzun Demleme: Fresher, lighter options obtained through slow distillation (up to 72 hours) for a smooth drinking experience.
Altın Seri & Efe Gold: Sophisticated flavors produced from 100% fresh grapes and aged in oak barrels, offering amber tones.
Beylerbeyi Göbek: A favorite for those seeking a smooth finish, distilled three times using only the "belly" (the purest part) of the spirit.
Sarı Zeybek: A variety that offers woody notes due to its aging period in oak, pairing perfectly with hearty mezes.
Kulüp Rakı: Known as the favorite of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic; it has a nostalgic character with a balanced yet high alcohol content.
The "Kepos" Experience at the Rakı Table
Rakı is a companion. it is a complete experience when paired with white cheese, melon, olive oil mezes, and fresh seafood. At Kepos Balık Evi, this tradition meets modern amenities:
Live Music Spirit: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, your Rakı table turns into a feast with 90s Pop and Turkish Classical Music (TSM) performed on the Qanun and Guitar.
Corporate Business Dinners: With our spacious lounge and large-screen TV infrastructure, we offer the most refreshing environment in Çayyolu for business dinners, team-building events, and corporate organizations. On weekdays and Sundays, we host the business world with special fixe-menu options for groups.
Conclusion: The Art of Socializing
Whichever variety you choose, this ancient drink always opens the door to sincere conversation. At Kepos Balık Evi, we bring this culture to life in Ankara with our daily fresh fish, signature mezes, and live music that speaks to every soul.
📞 Reservation & Info: +90 312 235 67 31 📍 Address: Mutlukent Mah. Angora Bulvarı No: 66, Çayyolu/Ankara 📱 Follow Us: Instagram @keposbalikevi
