Istanbul is trending, and one of the most iconic palace hotels dating back to the Ottoman Empire, Ciragan Palace Kempinski has the most epic drink selection on the Bosphorus, which I’d love to share with you for consideration.
From your morning coffee to your late-night cocktail, drinks have a way of molding your mood, enhancing your experience and elevating relaxation to the next level. Here are three selections to make your day worthwhile:
Rise and Shine
Nothing gets you going in the morning like a cup of piping hot coffee. But Turkish coffee is unlike any other: prepared using unfiltered, very finely ground coffee beans, it produces a smoother flavor than expresso. Turkish coffee is also very popular method of fortune telling: during a coffee cup reading, the shapes left by the coffee grounds represent the past and future of the imbiber.
For non-coffee drinkers, the traditional Turkish tea (cay) is also a great way to get boost your immune system and get a jump start on your day. Cay is a term referring to all kinds of tea, but most often Turkish black tea. Black tea is known to have a multitude of health benefits including improved gut health and improved focus, so if you are looking for a healthier route, this is a great option. This and maybe some…sherbet? Yes, sherbet.
Not your typical Sherbet
When one thinks sherbet, they are likely referring to the cold, sugary and often fruity ice cream substitute, but Ciragan’s are of a different caliber. A popular non-alcoholic beverage in the Ottoman era, Ottoman Sherbets’ popularity was largely due to limited or forbidden consumption of alcohol. Although there are many sherbet recipes, the basic ingredients include a mix of flower extracts, fruits or herbs with sugar and water. At Ciragan Palace Kempinski, you will find 5 varieties of the popular Ottoman beverage:
- Pomegranate – Benefits the immune system and cardiac anatomy
- Tamarind – Aids in stomach aches, flu and cold symptoms, and muscle aches
- Poppy – Helps prevent coughs and provides a soothing relaxation for respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis
- Hurrem Sultan – Packed full of vitamin C
- Rose – Detoxes the body of toxins to support intestinal health
Happiest Hours
Winding down your day with an exquisitely crafted cocktail is often appreciated by many. With five restaurants available on site at Ciragan Palace Kempinski, there is no shortage of exceptional aperitifs or high quality cocktails.
One of the most expensive and outrageous drinks is The Gilded Sultan’s Elixir, available exclusively at Le Fumoir. Priced at $2,500 USD, the cocktail is made of the rare Hennessy Richard cognac, coconut-infused pineapple juice, fig bitters, a honey syrup and features edible golden leaves, for a true taste of royalty.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski has expanded their drink offerings with the Champagne Pop-Up, partnering with Veuve Clicquot: Rich, available only this summer. It’ll turn you into a mixologist and is designed to be served over ice with an aromatic garnish, but its fruitier style makes it an excellent addition to cocktails, too.
