Mırra

Mırra, frequently consumed in Türkiye’s southeast, is a strong coffee. The coffee becomes bitter as it is boiled for for a very long time and thus concentrated. It can be kept cold, and reheated before being served. Mırra is a special drink, becuase it is very difficult to make. Approximately 4 liters of Mırra coffee is obtained from 1 kilogram of coffee beans. Since Mırra is a type of coffee that requires skills to make, it has preserved its traditional features and rituals until our day.

The Mırra preparation ritual begins with roasting the coffee. No special beans are required for this; any quality coffee beans are suitable. Raw (green) coffee beans are roasted over the fire in a pot similar to a long handle pan. After roasting, it is beaten in large mortars made of wood. Ground coffee beans are foamed in water for a long time and boiled until its grounds are separated. A thick liquid form on the coffee grounds, called sorbet. This liquid is poured into a vessel called “Mutbak” and boiled again. Plenty of crushed coffee and water is added, and then boiled for a long time. The sorbet is drained again, and poured into another vessel. This process is repeated for 5 or 6 times. Preparation of the Mırra may take 6-7 hours. At the end, a bitter drink with a thick viscosity, leaving its color on the side of the cup is obtained.

Presentation of Mırra is another ritual. Before serving the coffee, it is heated in copper distillers and served in cups without handles. Mirra coffee does not contain sugar, but it can be sweetened with cardamom. A single cup is used when serving. It is served in order from the oldest to the youngest. The most important thing to be aware of while drinking Mırra is not to put the cup on the table after drinking Mırra, but to return it to the person who served it. Putting the cup on the table is perceived as disrespectful to the host. According to rumors, those who make this mistake had to marry the person who served the Mırra or fill the cup with gold in order to correct their mistake. If you make this mistake today, you are expected to tip the person who serves the Mırra, which is usually a young man.