Wherever I go, I try the booze.  It’s only fitting.  So naturally I didn’t object when I was given a cloudy glass of the national alcoholic beverage of Turkey: Rakı. It’s a completely unsweetened drink that reeks and tastes very prominently of anise, hence the addition of half a glass of water.  If your like black licorice, you’re in luck with this drink.  I hate black licorice, but it’s rude to not drink it. What’s worse is that it’s expected that you sip rakı, either before or after a meal rather than shooting and chasing it like a shot.  You’re a “real man” if you drink it, but I recommend having a massive plate of food handy.

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