Efe Raki 750ML

Efe Raki 750ML is a triple-distilled Turkish anise spirit made from 100% Anatolian grapes, bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2015 Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition and a Silver Medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, placing it among the most decorated raki brands available internationally.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45%  |  Origin: Anatolia, Turkey  |  Triple-Distilled Anise Spirit  |  Producer: ELDA

Production & Heritage

Efe Raki is produced by ELDA, one of Turkey's respected raki producers. The spirit begins with a base of 100% grape alcohol sourced from Anatolian vineyards, which undergoes triple distillation in traditional copper pot stills alongside anise seeds — a process that distinguishes it from many single- or double-distilled competitors. Spring water drawn from the Bozdag mountain range in western Turkey is used during production, contributing to the spirit's notably clean character and smooth mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with refined licorice and soft fennel, followed by subtle hints of grape must. There is a gentle sweetness underneath, suggesting the quality of the Anatolian grape base.

Taste: On entry, the palate is exceptionally clean with a delicate herbal sweetness that avoids the harsh bite found in lesser anise spirits. Mid-palate, a creamy anise texture develops, coating the tongue with a silky, almost velvety weight. At its peak, the licorice character intensifies but remains balanced, never crossing into bitterness.

Finish: The finish is medium-long and smooth, with lingering anise and a faint trace of dried grape. The triple distillation keeps the close polished and free of any rough alcohol burn.

How to Drink Efe Raki

The traditional Turkish serve is the most rewarding: pour Efe Raki into a tall, narrow glass, then add an equal measure of chilled water, which transforms the clear spirit into the characteristic milky white known as "lion's milk." A single ice cube can be added after dilution to maintain temperature. Beyond the classic serve, Efe works in a Raki Highball, where the anise pairs naturally with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing warm-weather drink. It also performs well in a Mediterranean Mule, substituting for vodka and adding aromatic depth against ginger beer and lime. A White Negroni variation using Efe Raki in place of gin brings an anise-forward twist to the bitter-sweet template.

Best For

• Hosting a Turkish meze dinner with friends and family
• Introducing someone to the world of anise spirits beyond ouzo and pastis
• Gifting a well-traveled spirits enthusiast who appreciates regional traditions
• Building a comprehensive home bar with global spirit representation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Efe Raki taste like? Efe Raki delivers a clean, creamy licorice and anise profile with delicate herbal sweetness and underlying grape-must notes. The triple distillation gives it a notably smooth, polished character compared to many raki brands.

How does Efe Raki compare to Greek ouzo? Both are anise-flavored spirits that turn milky white when diluted, but Efe Raki is distilled from 100% grape alcohol and undergoes triple distillation, while most ouzos use a grain or mixed-base spirit and are typically distilled fewer times. The result is that Efe tends to taste cleaner and creamier, with less aggressive sweetness than the average ouzo.

Is Efe Raki good for sipping neat? While it can be sipped neat in small measures, the traditional and most enjoyable method is diluting it with cold water at roughly a 1:1 ratio, which opens the aromatics and softens the 45% ABV intensity.

Where is Efe Raki made? Efe Raki is produced in Turkey by ELDA, using grapes grown in the Anatolian region and spring water sourced from the Bozdag mountain range in western Turkey.

What foods pair well with Efe Raki? White cheese and honeydew melon — a classic Turkish raki accompaniment where the salt and sweetness play against the anise. Grilled octopus or calamari, whose charred notes complement the licorice character. Hummus and warm flatbread, which provide a neutral canvas that lets the spirit's flavor shine. Lamb köfte, where the spiced meat stands up to the bold anise. Roasted eggplant dishes like baba ghanoush, whose smoky creaminess mirrors the spirit's texture.

What sizes does Efe Raki come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format in international markets.

Is Efe Raki worth the price? Efe Raki positions as a premium expression within the raki category, justified by its triple-distillation process, 100% grape-alcohol base, and multiple international competition medals including a Gold at Catavinum 2015. For drinkers exploring anise spirits, it represents strong value relative to its quality.

Why Efe Raki?

The triple distillation in traditional copper pot stills is the defining production choice here — most raki undergoes only one or two distillation passes, meaning Efe achieves a level of refinement that is immediately noticeable on the palate. The exclusive use of Anatolian grape alcohol rather than a cheaper grain base adds aromatic complexity and a rounder mouthfeel. Competition judges have validated this approach, awarding Efe a Gold Medal at Catavinum in 2015 and a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017. For anyone seeking an authentic, award-winning raki that represents the best of Turkish distilling tradition, Efe stands as one of the most credible options available outside Turkey.