Raki is an unsweetened, anise-flavored Turkish alcoholic drink that is popular in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkic countries, and in the Balkan countries as an apéritif. It is often served with seafood or meze. It is similar to several other alcoholic beverages available around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, e.g. pastis, ouzo, sambuca, arak, Aragh Sagi and aguardiente. It is considered as the national alcoholic beverage of Turkey