By Adam Aslan

A little bit of Raki goes a long way. Add a couple ice cubes or water and suddenly its a glory of cloud liquid called "Aslan Sütü", meaning "Lion’s Milk". It still has that strong anise taste which is said to inspire power and bravery. All of these things add up to make it a great digestif or first drink. Raki is also a symbol of Turkish culture and hospitality, often served with meze and enjoyed in a similar way of sharing a bottle of wine with friends.

Turkish Grill in Sunnyside Queens is a great place to enjoy Raki. It costs only 12 dollars and comes with this elegant and efficient set up. You can also order delicious Turkish dishes, such as kebabs, manti, lahmacun, and baklava, to pair with your drink. The restaurant has a fun and cozy and atmosphere, with attentive staff and authentic decor. Turkish Grill is open every day from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm (11:00 pm on weekends), and you can order online or make a reservation.

Turkish Grill is located at 4203 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside, NY 11104

Raki is the modern drink of choice in Turkey, but the nation has a long history with spirits. Raki has been written about since 1630 with its first mention by Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi. There is evidence of fermented beverages dating back to 10,000 BC in Turkey. Distillation techology was notably improved in the middle east by the legendary scientist Jabir ibn Hayyan in the 8th century.

Learn more about the history of raki here.

Checkout Turkish Grill's website here.