Turkish Ayran Yogurt Drink with Mint

In Turkey, ayran plays the role milk plays at many European tables: a drink that simply belongs next to the food, from street snacks to restaurant meals. In the glass the texture stands out first. A fine, almost white foam sits on top, with the creamy, lightly tart base of full-fat yogurt thinned with cold water beneath. The first sip brings the cool tartness of the yogurt, then the salt that stays in the background but rounds everything out. Fresh mint only comes forward once you swallow: cool, herbal, almost green in flavour. The pairing with spicy food is no accident – the fresh, lightly salted yogurt works as a calming moment between two bites of lahmacun or kebab and gives the palate a chance to catch its breath. Served well chilled, ideally in a large glass with ice, ayran settles into its natural place in warm weather, at a hearty meal or during a long summer evening.