​As we know, Yeni Rakı is the product of 500 years of culture and tradition. While embracing its' roots, Yeni Rakı follows the day's trends and adapts to the new ages. We are delighted to welcome Uluç Ülgen​ as he shares the story behind his experimental delicacy: Yeni Rakı Tasted Turkish Delights. We thought all Yeni Rakı Lovers should know about his Lion's Milk Turkish Delights too. ​

"My name is Uluç Ülgen and I am the host of The Turkish Coffee Therapy. To date, over 3,000 guests have shown up to my apartment to witness my comedic brand of Turkish coffee fortune telling. These readings have been conducted everywhere from Princeton University, Facebook HQ, and even in the home of musician Philip Glass. Inspired both by my father's coffee readings, as well as my time hitchhiking in rural Turkey - I set forth to start a podcast that would encompass everything that I loved about Turkish culture and hospitality.

Turkish Hospitality Began On The Streets of New York

So in 2013, I began posting street flyers in New York with an open invitation - for anyone to show up at my apartment for an impromptu conversation, coffee fortune telling, and rakı drinking.

Guests began showing up by the dozens and I could barely handle the demand (nor the eviction notices coming from my landlords). But in spirit of the "everyone-is-welcome" attitude -- so commonly witnessed in Eastern Turkish hospitality -- I continued. Along the way - both my podcast "Mürmur", and comedic fortune telling sessions "The Turkish Coffee Therapy" have been featured on publications such as CNN, Forbes, National Public Radio, The New York Post, Sabah, The Paris Review and Sirius XM.

I consider myself the prime ambassador of Turkish hospitality in New York City

Recently, I've begun expanding with my own home-made Turkish Delights - "Uluç's Turkish Delights" that are completely vegan, organic, and gluten-free. This art of candy making requires an amazing degree of patience, precision, and love. There is a reason why no one makes it at home in Turkey! To perfect my recipe, I apprenticed for many weeks under some of the most respected candy masters in Istanbul.

Turkish Delight With A Twist: Yeni Rakı-Lion's Milk

My soon to be announced line of Turkish Delights in the month of July will feature flavors such as "Wolf's Hibiscus", "Ethiopian Coffee", and of course, "Yeni Rakı : Lion's Milk"

I chose YENİ RAKI to pay homage to the most indigenous flavor of Turkey that has never been created as a "Lokum" before by anyone. This is first of its kind. Flavors burning with sweet anise and touch of Mediterranean sea salt, it is guaranteed to be a huge hit amongst both the Turks and Americans who love black licorice! I look forward to sharing my sweets with the world thanks to the help of Yeni Rakı!"​