Alcohol in Turkey

Turkey is usually associated with conservative Muslim country where people don’t drink alcohol and it is prohibited by religious and governmental laws. However it is not more than just a superstition.

Where to buy?

Nowadays you can find alcohol in any restaurant and any supermarket.

There are also special markets where you can buy alcohol and small items for every need 24 hours.

There are big liquor stores in Antalya called Bacus where you can find large selection of local and imported wines, beer, liquor and spirits of all kinds. Luckily one is located around the corner from our place. There are wineries in Antalya and I’m looking forward to go for tasting there in fall.

• You should know that the Turkish wine is generally high in alcohol (14 degrees) and contain SO2. Some people sensitive to sulfites and may experience side effects like headaches, hives, swelling, stomach pain, and diarrhea. In those with asthma, these compounds can also irritate the respiratory tract.

Popular drinks

The most popular drink among locals is beer and Turks know how to do good draft beer. Efes beer is must try, you can find it everywhere. If you’re looking for craft beers you’ll be slightly disappointed. The closest you can get to it is to look for Bomonti IPA or Frederic brewery by Tuborg.

Rakı is considered Turkish national alcohol, it is aniseed-flavored alcohol of 40-45 degrees. However during my whole time in Antalya I haven’t seen any people around me in the restaurants drinking it. I would consider it as old-fashion drinks which can be on very traditional Turkish family table. But that’s just my point of view.

Laws and regulations

It is illegal to sell and consume alcohol bfor people younger 18 years old.

Officially it is prohibited to sell alcohol after 22:00, but you can buy it in any restaurant or 24/7 market.

It is not prohibited to drink alcohol in public places like beaches and parks (at least in Antalya), you can find a lot of locals sitting on a bench, drinking Efes Malt and looking at the sea around midnight. However it is strictly prohibited to get drunk and make noise, listen to music and disturb other people. Police is checking the areas very often for such cases.

Prices

Talking about prices, 0,5L of Efes beer in the supermarket costs 12tl, in the restaurant starting from 23tl and more. Bottle of cheapest local wine 0,75L costs 25tl, bottle of imported wine starting from 50tl. Consumption of alcohol is regulated by the government and it tries to keep the prices and taxes very high. So the average price for good imported wine will be around 150tl.

If you have any questions regarding this topic please write in the comments below.