Can you ask bartenders in Turkey to make cocktails without lemon juice?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 13 days ago
TL;DR
Most bars in Turkey add lemon juice generously to nearly every cocktail. You can try asking the bartender to skip it, but results may vary. Champagne or wine on ice is a safe alternative.
What the community said
If cocktails turn out too sour, it's easier to order simple mixed drinks like whiskey-cola or gin-sprite (lime is usually unavailable, so lemon is used) — less juice, less sourness.
13 days ago Whiskey-cola / gin-sprite (no lime)
If you don't specify the recipe, some bartenders will make their own 'signature' cocktail based on their taste — sometimes it turns out delicious, without excess sourness.
16 days ago Bartender's 'signature' cocktail
The Lynchburg Lemonade cocktail is worth trying, but order it with a double shot of whiskey and without sugar syrup — a single shot makes it too weak, and the syrup makes it overly sweet.
13 days ago Lynchburg Lemonade (double whiskey, no sugar syrup)
Lemon juice is currently added to virtually every cocktail in Turkish bars, and in large amounts — drinks end up very sour. This seems to be a consistent trend across local venues.
13 days ago
Asking the bartender to go easy on the lemon juice is worth trying — just mention it clearly when ordering.
13 days ago
If cocktails are too sour and you can't negotiate with the bartender, champagne served on ice is a reliable and pleasant alternative.
13 days ago Champagne on ice