Turkey’s refreshing secret to beating the summer heat: A drink made with just water, salt, and yogurt

Ayran is the national drink of Turkey and the ideal thirst-quenching beverage to cool down and re-hydrate on hot summer days. It’s a frothy, refreshing, cold drink made with just three ingredients: water, salt and yogurt, topped with a sprig of fresh mint.

Apart from cooling you down when temperatures rise, this popular Turkish drink is packed with nutrients and probiotics as it is a source of protein, vitamins A and B, carbohydrates, as well as minerals such as calcium and sodium.

It is served everywhere, all year round in Turkey, accompanying kebabs and traditional desserts such as baklava.

Turkish drink that dates back a thousand years

It is believed that the Göktürks - Turkic people living in medieval Central Asia, discovered ayran. The term ayran first appears in the 11th Century in Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk by Mahmud al-Kashgari, where it’s defined as “churned milk”—a fermented dairy product derived from yogurt or milk.

How to make ayran

Ayran is very simple to make. Pour the three ingredients: equal amounts of natural, unsweetened yogurt and water (200ml + 200ml) together with a pinch of salt into a food processor or blender and whisk until frothy. Served chilled or add ice cubes. The drink has a slightly sour, salty taste and a liquid consistency.

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