Turkish Summer Drinks: Ayran, Mint Lemonade and Beypazarı

When Belgrade tops 35°C everyone reaches for fizzy sodas. Turkey, where summers get even harsher, spent centuries perfecting drinks that actually cool you down — less sugar, more minerals, no headache after. Here are five to adopt before August.

1. Ayran

Yogurt + cold water (half and half) + a pinch of salt, shaken until foamy. The salt replaces minerals lost to sweat — there is a reason Turkish construction crews drink it instead of energy drinks. Unbeatable next to a barbecue.

2. Mint lemonade

Per pitcher: 200 ml lemon juice, a litre of cold water, sugar to taste, and a teaspoon of dried mint steeped in a splash of hot water and strained in. Plenty of ice. The mint delivers that cooling that keeps going after the sip.

3. Beypazarı — a 135-year-old spring

Turkey's most beloved natural sparkling mineral water, bottled near Ankara — naturally carbonated and rich in calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates. Turks drink it with meals and after sport. Two packs: 24 x 200 ml for stocking up, 6 x 200 ml to try it. Full story: Beypazarı guide.

4. Beetroot juice

Turkey's street classic şalgam (fermented turnip juice) has a close cousin: beetroot juice 1 l — earthy, lightly sweet, brilliant from the fridge with ice and a squeeze of lemon. It cuts through grilled meat just like şalgam does with kebab.

5. Cold-brew Turkish tea

Turkish tea works cold too: two tablespoons of Çaykur Tiryaki in a litre of cold water, overnight in the fridge, strain. Clean, naturally sweet, zero bitterness. For the classic hot ritual: Turkish tea guide.

What to eat with them?

Light summer food — sumac salads, bulgur, cold mezes: 5 Turkish summer salads.

Lemon juice, dried mint, Beypazarı, beetroot juice, Çaykur — all in the Eksendoo catalogue, delivered across Serbia. Contact us any time.