If you have spotted Yeni Raki on a bottle and wondered what it tastes like, or why it turns white when water is added, you are discovering one of Türkiye's best-known drinks.
Yeni Raki is a brand of Turkish raki (spelled rakı in Turkish), an anise-flavoured spirit traditionally enjoyed diluted with water alongside food. Its distinctive aroma makes it quite different from whisky, gin or vodka.
For your first bottle, Yeni Raki 45% 700ml is a practical place to start. The classic expression introduces the grape-and-anise character at the heart of the range.
What Is Yeni Raki Made From?
Classic Yeni Raki is made using fresh grapes and raisins, with aniseed added to the grape-derived spirit known as suma. It is bottled at 45% ABV.
Anise gives raki its recognisable liquorice-like aroma. If you enjoy anise-flavoured drinks, this character may feel familiar, although raki has its own production traditions and drinking culture.
It is also worth distinguishing Turkish raki from similarly named spirits elsewhere. A bottle labelled "raki" or "rakija" from another country may be a different style of drink.
Which Yeni Raki Should You Buy in New Zealand?
The Yeni Raki collection at Whiskey Online offers three expressions to explore. Many of our spirits are direct imported and sold at wholesale prices, delivered across New Zealand.
The classic bottle is our suggested starting point if you:
- Want to try Turkish raki for the first time.
- Are looking for the traditional bottle to serve with meze.
- Enjoy anise aromas and want to explore beyond familiar spirits.
| Bottle | Alcohol | What distinguishes it | Suggested choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yeni Raki 700ml | 45% | The classic combination of fresh grapes, raisins and aniseed | Your first bottle |
| Yeni Raki Yeni Seri 700ml | 45% | Uses first-harvest aniseed, with a focus on a smooth flavour | Comparing another expression |
| Yeni Raki ALA 700ml | 47% | A stronger expression rested in oak barrels for a richer, rounder taste | Exploring further into the range |
For most first-time buyers, the classic 45% bottle is our recommendation. Yeni Seri and ALA provide useful comparisons once you know you enjoy the style. If liquorice-like aromas are not usually your preference, expect raki to be a distinctly different experience from a neutral spirit.
We deliver throughout New Zealand. Delivery is included on orders over $250. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol. See our shipping and refund policy for details.
How Do You Drink Yeni Raki?
A traditional approach is simple: raki, chilled water and food.
- Pour a small measured serving into a tall, narrow glass.
- Add chilled still water. Equal parts raki and water make a useful starting point; adjust with more water to suit your taste.
- Add ice afterwards if desired. Water first lets you control the dilution.
- Sip slowly alongside food, keeping a separate glass of drinking water nearby.
The ratio is a preference, not a strict rule. Adding water changes the concentration and texture, but it does not remove the alcohol already poured.
Why Does Raki Turn Milky White?
Raki is clear in the bottle. When water is added, aromatic anise oils become dispersed through the liquid, creating its cloudy appearance.
This effect is known as the louche. It also explains the Turkish nickname aslan sütü, or "lion's milk". The colour change is expected and does not mean the drink has spoiled.
What Food Goes with Yeni Raki?
Raki is closely associated with the meze table: small dishes enjoyed throughout a meal. For an easy spread using ingredients available in New Zealand, try:
- Feta-style white cheese, olives and sliced melon.
- Yoghurt and cucumber dip with warm flatbread.
- Roasted aubergine or grilled mushrooms.
- Grilled fish, prawns or calamari.
- Tomato, cucumber and herb salad.
These are serving suggestions rather than a fixed menu. A few thoughtfully chosen dishes are enough to introduce the food-and-raki pairing.
Find Your First Bottle of Yeni Raki
For a classic introduction, choose Yeni Raki 45% 700ml. Serve it with chilled water and a few meze dishes to discover its distinctive anise character.
Ready to compare expressions? Explore the full Yeni Raki range at Whiskey Online, including Yeni Seri and ALA, or browse our wider spirits range.
FAQs
Where can I buy Yeni Raki in NZ?
You can buy Yeni Raki online at Whiskey Online, an Auckland based online liquor store that delivers throughout New Zealand. Delivery is included on orders over $250.
How strong is Yeni Raki?
Classic Yeni Raki and Yeni Seri are both 45% ABV. Yeni Raki ALA is stronger at 47% ABV.
Is raki the same as ouzo?
Both are anise-flavoured spirits that turn cloudy with water, but they are different drinks. Raki comes from Türkiye and is made with a grape spirit base called suma, while ouzo comes from Greece and has its own production rules and traditions.
Should I add water or ice first?
Add chilled water first, then ice if you like. Water first lets you control the dilution and gives the classic milky white colour.
Please drink responsibly. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol in New Zealand.
