Başak Milk Salep Drink Mix – 130 g

When the temperature drops in Istanbul, street vendors and cafés start serving steaming cups of salep drink, thick, creamy and dusted with cinnamon. This 130g pack from Başak is a ready-to-mix version made for milk, so you can enjoy that comforting Turkish winter tradition at home in just a few minutes.

What Is Salep?

Salep, also written sahlep, is a traditional hot drink that has been enjoyed in Turkey since Ottoman times. The original recipe uses a flour made from the dried tubers of wild orchids, which thickens hot milk into a silky, almost velvety drink with a delicate floral sweetness. Because true orchid flour is rare and expensive, most everyday mixes like this one recreate the classic texture and flavour in an easy powder form.

The result is a drink somewhere between hot chocolate and a thin custard: smooth, gently sweet and wonderfully soothing. One sip and it is easy to see why it has stayed popular for so many generations.

A Turkish Winter Tradition

In Turkey, a hot salep drink is as much a part of winter as roasted chestnuts and boza. Ferries crossing the Bosphorus serve it on cold mornings, and families make it at home on snowy evenings. As a winter warmer, it is hard to beat, especially when you come in from the cold and want something warm to hold in both hands. Old Istanbul cafés still keep large copper pots of it simmering behind the counter from November onwards, and the sweet, spicy smell drifting into the street is enough to draw people inside.

How to Prepare It

Always follow the instructions on the pack for the right quantities, but the general method is simple.

1. Pour milk into a small pan and stir in the powder while the milk is still cold, so no lumps form.
2. Heat gently, stirring continuously, until the drink thickens and just comes to the boil.
3. Pour into cups or mugs.
4. Dust generously with ground cinnamon and serve straight away.

Ways to Finish It

• Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or walnuts for crunch.
• Stir in a little rose water for a floral note.
• Serve with simit, biscuits or a slice of cake.

Who Will Enjoy It?

If you enjoy hot chocolate, chai lattes or warm milk with honey, this salep drink will quickly become a favourite. It is a gentle, comforting hot milk drink that children tend to love, and it makes a lovely alternative to coffee in the evening. Many people also enjoy it as a light dessert after dinner, served in small glasses, and it is a welcoming drink to offer guests on a chilly afternoon.

Storage and Allergens

Keep the pack sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Once prepared with milk, the drink contains milk. Please check the label for the full ingredient list, nutritional information and allergen details.

Order Online From Robin Food

Robin Food delivers Turkish drinks and pantry favourites across the UK, with same-day delivery available in many London areas. For more cosy winter treats, try our boza drink, winter tea and pistachio halva.