🇹🇷 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
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
Dishes across the world that share Licorice Root Sherbet (Meyan Şerbeti)'s core ingredients.
