🇹🇷 Turkey · Drinks
Licorice Root Sherbet (Meyan Şerbeti)
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇹🇷 TRA unique and incredibly refreshing traditional Turkish drink, Meyan Şerbeti is particularly popular in the Southeast. Made from dried licorice root, it offers a distinct, earthy sweetness and a cooling sensation, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by placing 50 grams of dried, shredded licorice root into a large bowl. Pour 2 liters of cold water over the root, ensuring it is fully submerged. Let it soak for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to slowly infuse.
- 2
After soaking, transfer the licorice root and its soaking water into a large saucepan. Add one cinnamon stick and 3-4 whole cloves to the mixture for subtle aromatic notes.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. This gentle heat helps to extract more flavor from the licorice root.
- 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sherbet cool completely to room temperature. This slow cooling further allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- 5
Once cooled, strain the mixture thoroughly through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean pitcher or bottle, pressing firmly on the licorice root to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
- 6
Taste the sherbet. Traditionally, Meyan Şerbeti is unsweetened, benefiting from the licorice's natural sweetness. If you prefer a touch of extra sweetness, dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste) into a small amount of warm sherbet, then stir it back into the main batch.
- 7
Chill the sherbet thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Serve ice cold in glasses, optionally garnished with a slice of lemon or a fresh mint sprig for added freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meyan Şerbeti?+
Meyan Şerbeti is a traditional Turkish beverage made by steeping licorice root, cinnamon, and cloves in water with sugar. Often consumed cold, it is particularly popular during summer months and the holy month of Ramadan for its refreshing properties.
Where can I find dried licorice root for this sherbet?+
Dried, shredded licorice root can typically be found at specialized spice shops, herbal stores, or Middle Eastern markets. Ensure it's food-grade licorice, not for tobacco.
Is Meyan Şerbeti naturally sweet?+
Yes, licorice root possesses a distinct natural sweetness, so traditionally, no additional sugar is added, making it a naturally sweet and refreshing drink.
How long can I store Meyan Şerbeti?+
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Meyan Şerbeti can be kept fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
Can I add other spices to the sherbet?+
While the traditional recipe focuses on licorice and subtle warmth from cinnamon and clove, you can experiment with a tiny piece of star anise or a hint of ginger, but be careful not to overpower the distinct licorice flavor.
🇹🇷 TRMundo Match
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