Drinking Guide
Legal BAC
0.05%
Drinking Age
18+
New Drivers
Zero BAC
Turkey's national drink — anise-flavored spirit that turns milky white when mixed with water ("lion's milk").
Turkey's dominant beer brand, a light lager enjoyed across the country.
Emerging wine scene with indigenous grape varieties. Cappadocia and Thrace are key regions.
Turkey has a complex relationship with alcohol — secular tradition meets Islamic influence. Rakı is the national drink, traditionally sipped slowly with meze (small dishes) at long "rakı sofrası" (rakı tables). Alcohol taxes have increased dramatically, making drinking expensive. Attitudes vary by region.
BAC 0.05%+ (non-commercial drivers): fine TRY 7,000+, license suspended 6 months. BAC 0.02%+ (new/commercial drivers): same penalties. Repeat offense: doubled fines, license revoked 2 years.
Rakı is meant to be sipped slowly with meze — never rushed.
Add cold water to rakı (it turns white) — this is the proper way to drink it.
Alcohol prices have risen dramatically due to high taxes.
Conservative areas may have fewer venues serving alcohol.
Istanbul's Beyoğlu/Taksim and Kadıköy areas have vibrant nightlife.
HowDrunk knows Turkey's local drinks and legal limits. Get your personalized drink limit in seconds.