Ottoman sherbets have an important place in Ottoman culinary culture. Sherbet, which is essentially a traditional beverage form of Turkish cuisine, had many rich varieties during the Seljuk period and later during the Ottoman period. In addition to its culture carrying the characteristics of a nomadic society, it also includes different cultures.

Origin and History

Sherbet, which comes to our language from the Arabic root şrb, means drink. It is thought that the word syrup derives from the same root. The journey of this Middle Eastern beverage to the West was through our country. We see that sherbet is called scherbett in German and sorbet in French. Although it has not found general use in the West, many countries have shaped sherbet-like drinks according to their own culture.

Istanbul The purpose of Ottoman sherbets was beyond being a delicious drink accompanying the meal. Different sherbets would be carefully paired with the dishes of that day and contribute to the overall taste of the table. Istanbul Ottoman sherbets, which could be preferred cool in summer and warm in winter, were also a source of healing with the herb and spice extracts they contained.

Serbethane, which takes its name from the ancient sherbet culture of the Ottoman Empire, continues to feast its visitors with Ottoman sherbets accompanying its unique tastes.