Efe Raki Green

Efe Raki Green is a 750mL Turkish raki bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) — the "Fresh Grapes" expression from Efe, made by ELDA, the house that became Turkey's first private-sector raki producer when the state monopoly ended in 2004. Where traditional raki is made mainly from raisins, Green is defined by fresh Aegean grapes: triple-distilled grape alcohol re-distilled in pot stills with Aegean aniseed. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.

• ABV: 45% (90 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Origin: Turkey — Aegean region grapes and aniseed
• Base: Fresh grapes (not raisins) and anise seed
• Distillation: Triple-distilled grape alcohol, re-distilled in pot stills with anise
• Style: Unsweetened Turkish raki, served diluted

The Fresh-Grape Break With Tradition

For most of the 20th century, Turkish raki meant one producer — the Tekel state monopoly — and one raw material: raisins. When the monopoly ended in 2004, Efe was the first private house through the door, and it arrived with ideas the category had never tried, fresh-grape distillation among them. Green is that idea in a bottle: fresh grapes ripening on the Aegean coast, anise seed from the same shoreline, and a profile the producer positions as the smoother, premium counterpart to its classic Blue. Pour it the raki way — it is built for the long table, not the shot glass. Browse the house on the Efe Raki vendor page and in our spirits collection.

Tasting Notes

Producer copy promises a distinct taste and aroma from the selected Aegean grapes and anise seed, smoother than the Classic Blue; retailer Total Wine's summary of the expression adds a sweet and slightly sour twist against the usually more bitter standard raki profile. No more specific producer notes exist — the glass is anise-led and grape-fresh, and that is as far as sourced copy honestly goes.

How to Enjoy

With chilled water and ice, added water-first, until it turns milky white — the louche Turks call lion's milk. The classic raki table pairs it with melon and white cheese, seafood, and a spread of meze over a long evening. More anise spirits are in our spirits collection and our liqueurs collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Efe Green different from regular raki?
Its base. Traditional raki is distilled mainly from raisins; Efe Green is the house's Fresh Grapes expression, made from fresh Aegean grapes — the innovation Efe built its name on after 2004.

How many times is Efe Green distilled?
Per the producer's copy, the grape alcohol is triple-distilled and then re-distilled in pot stills with anise seed. It is not a single-distillation raki.

Why does raki turn white with water?
The louche: anise oils dissolved in the spirit come out of solution when water is added, turning the drink milky white — the reason raki's nickname is aslan sutu, "lion's milk."

Fresh grapes, Aegean anise and a milky louche — order Efe Raki Green online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.