Ayran, drink from Turkey: what it is and how it is eaten

Ayran is a cold, savory drink made by blending yogurt, water, and salt. Originating with Turkic peoples in Central Asia, it is now found across Turkey, Iran, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Often served with grilled meats or bread, it may include herbs like mint or be carbonated in some regions.

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Made by mixing yogurt, water, and salt
National drink of Turkey
Served cold, sometimes with mint or cucumber
Consumed for about 1,000 years by Turkic peoples
Some versions are carbonated or frothy

What is Ayran?

Ayran is a savory drink made by mixing yogurt with water and salt, sometimes with added herbs such as mint. The result is a cool, slightly tangy beverage, usually served cold and often with a frothy head. Some versions are carbonated, and diced cucumber or lime juice may be added for extra flavor and texture. Its appearance is milky and opaque, and it is typically poured into a glass or cup.

Where does Ayran come from?

Ayran has roots among Turkic peoples of Central Asia, where it has been consumed for about a thousand years. The earliest known mention is in an 11th-century Turkic dictionary, which described it as a drink made from milk. The word 'ayran' is linked to the Old Turkic root meaning 'to separate', relating to the process of separating butter from milk. Over time, ayran spread across the Middle East, the Balkans, and beyond, becoming a staple in many regional cuisines.

How is Ayran made?

To make ayran, yogurt is blended with chilled or iced water and a pinch of salt. In some traditions, especially in Iran and Afghanistan, yogurt is poured into a waterskin and shaken vigorously to separate butter, leaving a liquid called doogh, which is then consumed. Herbs like mint or black pepper can be added, and some modern versions are carbonated. In Turkey, special techniques create a frothy texture, such as pouring the mixture from a height or churning.

Ayran, a traditional salty yogurt drink in Turkey, McDonald's, Istanbul.. Photo: User: (WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How and when is Ayran eaten?

Ayran is most often enjoyed cold, especially in hot weather. It is commonly served alongside grilled meats, rice, or bread, and is a popular choice at lunch or dinner. In the Balkans, people often drink it with pastries at breakfast or lunch. In Afghanistan, it is a summer drink paired with flatbreads and picnic foods. The drink is valued for its refreshing quality and ability to complement savory dishes.

Kinds of Ayran

Regional versions of ayran include the addition of mint, black pepper, dried herbs, lime juice, or diced cucumber. Some types are carbonated. In Turkey, Susurluk Ayranı is known for its thick foam, while Yayık Ayranı is especially frothy. Malatya Spicy Ayran includes spices and has official recognition. In Albania, dhallë is made only with yogurt, water, and salt. Cyprus uses sour sheep yogurt and mint. Related drinks like doogh and kefir share similarities but differ in preparation and taste.

What Ayran means

Ayran is considered the national drink of Turkey and is widely promoted as a symbol of Turkish identity. It is commonly available in restaurants and homes, especially during summer. Despite its cultural status, its popularity has faced competition from other beverages. Ayran is also part of daily life in Iran, Afghanistan, and the Balkans, often associated with hospitality and refreshment. Some regional varieties have received official recognition or protected status.

Questions people ask about Ayran

What is ayran made of?

Ayran is made by blending yogurt with water and salt. Some versions include herbs like mint, and a few are carbonated or have added cucumber or lime.

Where does ayran come from?

Ayran originated with Turkic peoples in Central Asia and is now popular in Turkey, Iran, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

How is ayran served?

It is usually served cold, often with a frothy head, and can be enjoyed on its own or with savory foods like grilled meats, bread, or rice.

Are there different types of ayran?

Yes, regional versions may include mint, black pepper, lime, or cucumber. Some are carbonated, and Turkish varieties like Susurluk Ayranı are known for their foam.

Is ayran vegetarian?

Yes, ayran is vegetarian as it is made from yogurt, water, and salt, with no meat or fish ingredients.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ayran", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Ayran