The only large Turkish owned beer brand, Efes’ headquarters are located in Izmir and the brewery has a large export market to the east as well as Russia.
It also owns the largest basketball team, which bears its name, in Turkey.
Raki:
An alcoholic drink, flavoured with aniseed, that is best compared to Ouzo or Pernod. Raki is clear but turns milky white when it is mixed with water. It has the nickname lion's milk. According to the Turks, Raki is the best medicine for preventing illness and so is drunk on a large scale – in spite of the fact that the Koran indirectly forbids the consumption of alcohol. This is a question of interpretation and many people avoid the drinking of Raki only the day before the holy day, Friday.
Ayran:
Yogurt, diluted with water, that contains extra salt.
Tourists often drink ayran for a bad stomach or to maintain fluid and salt levels.
Salgam:
Beetroot syrup that is often drunk together with Raki.
