How do I choose good Arak/Yeni Raki?

Question

What does it taste like and why do some people like it more than let's say vodka? How do you drink it? I heard you have to mix it with cold water and it has to become a certain color.

Answer 1

Mid-Eastern Arak is like liquorice vodka.

Indonesian Arak is from Bali. The best is made by the thousands of small stores and restaurants, warungs, and purchased directly from them. The commercial stuff's not that great.

Kind of like Balinese Tequila. Or Grappa!, but it's distilled from palm flowers. It has a wild flavor, a little sour, and if you order an 'Arak Attack' or 'Arakarita' in a local place they'll bring you a glass of ice, Arak, Medu (Honey) and lemon.

Make your own!

Unfortunately, I've searched every large and small liquor store in the US and can't even find it for sale on the Internet!

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Answer 2

The home of Raki is Turkey - they drink it (as you mentioned) with water - 1/2 Raki & 1/2 tap water.  It turns instantly white.  You could probably also fronk it straight (chilled), because it's basically the same thing as Ouzo (national schnaps from Greece).

I believe that Yeni is the brand name - and when I was in Turkey many years ago, it was the most popular brand.