Discovering Local Drinks in North Cyprus: A Guide to the Best Beers and Spirits

Dec 26, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Mar 11

North Cyprus has a growing drinks industry that includes locally manufactured beers, small-batch brewing, and a wide range of spirits and soft drinks produced under licence. Whether you live on the island or are visiting for the first time, this guide explains which drinks are genuinely local, which ones are bottled here under licence, and how to tell the difference.

🍾 What Counts as “Local” in North Cyprus?

When a bar or shop advertises “local beer” or “local drinks” in North Cyprus, it usually refers to one of the following:

Beer manufactured or bottled in North Cyprus under licence.
Smaller microbrew or seasonal brewing done on the island.
Spirits bottled locally for the domestic market.
Mixers and soft drinks produced in North Cyprus.

Understanding these categories helps you know what you’re actually buying.

🍻 Efes: The Everyday Local Favourite

Efes Pilsen is by far the most widely consumed beer in North Cyprus. The brand is Turkish, but Efes for the North Cyprus market is manufactured and bottled locally under licence, making it the closest thing to an everyday local beer.

Common variants include:

Efes Pilsen
Efes Malt
Occasional seasonal specials depending on supply

Efes is available everywhere: supermarkets, bars, restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels.

🍺 Tuborg: Another Popular Locally Bottled Beer

Tuborg is also a staple on the island and is commonly bottled locally under licence for the North Cyprus market. It is typically available in:

Bottles
Cans
Draught lines in larger venues

Tuborg tends to be slightly lighter and more neutral in flavour, making it popular with visitors.

⚗️ Microbreweries and Small-Batch Beer

While North Cyprus does not yet have a large craft beer scene, small-batch brewing does exist. Most microbrewed beer is:

Kegged for specific bars.
Produced in short runs.
Seasonal or event-based.
Found at festivals, fairs, or pop-up tastings.

If a venue says they have a “local brew,” it is worth asking whether it is brewed on the island or locally bottled under licence.

Styles you may encounter include wheat beers, blonde ales, light lagers, and occasional experimental IPAs in limited quantities.

🍸 Spirits Bottled in North Cyprus

Many of the spirits consumed on the island are either produced locally or bottled locally under licence. These include:

Raki and Anise Spirits

A number of anise-based spirits are bottled locally and sold as house pours in restaurants and taverns.

Vodka and Gin-Style Spirits

The spirits used in mixed drinks at bars are often local-bottling products rather than imports. These offer good value for everyday use and are clearly labelled with North Cyprus bottling information. You’ll usually find these spirits behind most bars on the island, especially in high-volume venues.

Locally Produced Soft Drinks and Mixers

Soft drinks are one of the most genuinely local categories in the country.

Cola Turka

Although a Turkish brand, Cola Turka is widely supplied via local bottling for the North Cyprus market.

Local Lemonades and Sodas

Several producers on the island manufacture:

Lemonade
Tonic water
Soda water
Fruit-flavoured fizzy drinks

These products are used heavily in bars, family restaurants, and beach venues.

📌 How to Tell If a Drink Is Made or Bottled Locally

To identify local or licensed local products, check the back label for:

“Manufactured under licence”
“Bottled in North Cyprus”
A company name and address located within North Cyprus

Bars will also tell you whether a drink is locally produced if you ask.

🍺 Where to Buy Local Beer and Spirits in North Cyprus

You will find North Cyprus–made drinks at:

Supermarkets – best for reading labels before you buy.
Off-licences – often stock seasonal or specialist options.
Bars with draught beer – best place to find small-batch kegs.
Hotels and large restaurants – consistent supply of licensed local beer.
Festivals and events – sometimes feature microbrew or tasting stands.

For listings of nightlife, bars, and events, see: Nightlife in North Cyprus, Pub Quizzes in North Cyprus, Events in North Cyprus.

❓ FAQs About Local Drinks in North Cyprus

Is Efes local?

Efes is manufactured locally under licence for the North Cyprus market and is considered a local staple.

Does North Cyprus have craft beer?

Yes, but on a small and seasonal scale. Most microbreweries operate through limited keg production.

Are locally bottled drinks cheaper than imports?

Generally yes. Local bottling reduces import costs and helps maintain stable availability.

🌸 Summary

Local brewers in North Cyprus: North Cyprus has a distinctive drinks market where internationally recognised brands like Efes and Tuborg are produced or bottled locally under licence, while homegrown soft drinks and mixers dominate everyday consumption. Small-batch brewers exist, though in limited numbers, and most bars rely on the consistent supply of licensed local beer and spirits.

If you want to drink local in North Cyprus, the best advice is simple:

Check the label and ask the venue.

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Additional Insights on North Cyprus Drinks

North Cyprus offers a unique drinking experience. The blend of local and internationally recognised brands creates a vibrant atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

The Importance of Local Ingredients

Many local drinks use ingredients sourced from the island. This not only supports local farmers but also enhances the flavour profile of the beverages.

The Role of Festivals in Promoting Local Drinks

Festivals in North Cyprus often showcase local drinks. These events provide an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of offerings. They also help raise awareness about local breweries and distilleries.

The Future of the Drinks Industry in North Cyprus

As the demand for craft beverages grows, more microbreweries are likely to emerge. This could lead to an exciting evolution in the local drinks scene.

In conclusion, North Cyprus is not just a beautiful destination; it is also a place where you can enjoy a rich variety of local drinks. Whether you prefer a cold beer or a refreshing soft drink, there is something for everyone.