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    Home » Drinks » Salep Drink (Cinnamon and Warm Milk)

    Published: Jan 15, 2019 · Modified: May 24, 2025 by Zerrin & Yusuf

    Salep Drink (Cinnamon and Warm Milk)

    Jump to Recipe

    Salep or sahlab is a hot creamy drink that warms you up in winter. It is made with milk, sugar and salep powder and topped with cinnamon. It is everyone's all time favorite hot milk drink on a cold winter day in Turkey.

    Salep topped with cinnamon in a cup photographed on a wooden board.

    Just like Turkish coffee, salep is a very popular hot drink in Turkey. It is one of the most fascinating drinks around the world. So rich, creamy and milky that both kids and adults LOVE it like crazy! It is served with cinnamon powder on the top. And everyone loves it at first sip. 

    When we are out on cold days of winter, we love to have either Turkish Boza Drink (a pudding-like Turkish drink made from fermented grains) or salep. Although boza is not served hot, it's a winter treat too. On the other hand, salep warms both your body and your heart. You just fall in love with its aromatic and floral scent.

    The unique flavor and creamy texture of salep drink come from salep powder. It is a rare and precious ingredient, so let's learn more about it before making this hot milk drink recipe.

    Jump to:
    • What Is Salep Powder?
    • How & Where To Buy
    • What Is Salep Drink?
    • How To Make
    • Expert Tips
    • Health Benefits
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other Hot Turkish Drinks
    • 📖 Recipe
    A hand holding a spoon full of salep powder over a pot of milk.

    What Is Salep Powder?

    You might be surprised but salep powder is produced from the bulbs of some species of orchid family. You know that beautiful and fragile flower, right? Have you ever thought that it has other uses in addition to its majestic beauty? 

    Wild orchids which are suitable for salep production are grown in the area of Kahramanmaraş, in the south east of Turkey. These orchids have a unique structure. Their root consists of two bulbs side by side. They are shaped like an egg. The bigger bulb feeds the flower while the smaller one works as the spare bulb which will take the responsibility of feeding the flower the following year. 

    Although salep can be produced from both bulbs, producers pick just the spare ones not to cause the flower to become extinct. When the spare one is picked, the bigger bulb starts to generate a new small bulb. The flower survives this way. Fascinating, isn't it?

    After the orchid tubers (bulbs) are picked, they are washed and boiled in water or milk. Then they are dried in the open air. The bulbs are pounded when they are totally dried. As a result, you have the most amazing ingredient in the world: Salep powder or salep flour. 

    This powder coming from orchid bulbs naturally includes starch and mucilage, which has a sticky characteristic. These together help the milk get thicker while making this Turkish hot milk drink, which is also known as the same name, salep.

    Pure salep powder is not only used in this hot milk cinnamon drink, but it is also used in unique Turkish strechy ice cream dondurma. 

    How & Where To Buy

    You can find it at any spice shop in Turkey. Come visit Turkey to find genuine sahlep powder! Outside Turkey, you can search for it at Middle Eastern markets. Also, it might be found in online shops selling products from Greece and Egypt.

    But it might be a real challenge to find authentic salep powder due to its high price. It is a bit expensive and that's how you can understand that it’s genuine. If a kilo of it is cheaper than 2000 Turkish Lira/ $115 (in the year 2022), it’s not genuine. 

    But don’t worry, you don’t need to buy a kilo. Just 10-20 grams will be enough for you because you’ll use just 1 tablespoon of salep to make this cinnamon and hot milk drink recipe.

    Hands holding a cup of salep garnished with cinnamon, cookies in a box on the side.

    What Is Salep Drink?

    It is a comforting drink made with milk, sugar and ground orchid tubers known as salep powder. It is always served with cinnamon powder on the top. This creamy and rich drink is called salep or sahlep in Turkey and known as sahlab in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is also popular in Greece, Syria, Israel, Lebanon and Bulgaria.

    Salep has been a part of Turkish culture since the 8th century, when most of Turks started to accept Islam as their religion. As alcohol is banned in this religion, they were in search of alternative drinks to keep them warm during winter. This is how salep became popular in Turkish culture.

    Sugar, milk and salep powder on a dark background.

    Authentic salep recipe has to be made with pure salep powder. It is the ingredient that gives this hot milk drink the creamy texture. In Turkey, there are street vendors selling sahlep during winter months and the same vendors sell Turkish ice cream in summer.

    It is easy to make at home, but takes time. So Turks often prefer enjoying sahlep drink at cafes or buying it from vendors on the street.

    You don't feel like making it from scratch? There is also an instant salep drink version that is sold in sachets at markets in Turkey. The most famous brands are Nestle, Dr Oetker and Kahve Dunyasi. Instant salep is easier to find at markets in Turkey. You just pour a sachet in a mug and pour hot water or milk over it. So it is of course easier to make. 

    On the other hand, although the taste is not too bad, you should know that this instant version is not the real thing. The amount of salep powder in the sachets is too little and it has a mixture of other types of thickeners like cornstarch (or cornflour), glutinous rice flour and milk powder. 

    How To Make

    1. Combine milk, sugar and salep powder in a large saucepan or thick-bottomed pot. Whisk them well.
    Hands whisking milk, sugar and salep powder with a hand whisk in a pan.
    1. Heat it over medium low heat, stirring constantly. Bring it to a boil.
    2. Reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir frequently while it is simmering until it thickens and reaches to a pudding-like consistency. Don't rush. This might take 15- 20 minutes or longer, but it is worth it. 
    Salep in a saucepan and a hand whisk inside it.
    1. Remove from the heat and serve it in cups or mugs with some ground cinnamon on it.
    2. Optionally, you can garnish it with pistachios or other nuts as well. 
    3. You can serve it with buttery melting moments cookies on the side.

    Expert Tips

    • Use full-fat milk for the best result.
    • Cook your salep drink in a thick-bottomed pan. Otherwise, it might burn at the bottom.
    • Don't try to speed up the process. Making salep requires some time (and patience). If you try to cook it over medium or high heat, there will be lumps and you won't get that nice creamy consistency.
    • The thickness of salep is a matter of preference. Traditionally, it is supposed to be as thick as hot chocolate. You know, thick but drinkable. So after 15 minutes, check the consistency. If you are happy with it, remove it from the heat. If you want it thicker, keep cooking. 
    • Be careful when drinking it, it shouldn't be piping hot.
    • For a plant-based alternative, you can use almond milk or coconut milk. 
    • You can add extra flavors like orange blossom water or vanilla right before removing it from the heat.
    Hot milk and cinnamon drink in a cup, cookies in a box on the side.

    Health Benefits

    Besides its yummy taste and magical scent, this unique drink also has several benefits to health. The most well known benefit of it is that it has a curative effect on cough, bronchitis and cold. That’s why it’s mostly consumed in winter. In addition, it is said that it cures constipation and strengthens heart and mental powers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you drink salep?

    As it is a hot drink, be careful and make sure it is not piping hot. It is always served with cinnamon powder on it. You can drink it in the same way you drink hot chocolate. You can stir it with a dessert spoon between a few sips and even have a spoonful of it.

    Is salep illegal?

    It is not an illegal product. The population of wild orchids has declined in Turkey, so it is banned to export the powder of orchid tubers out of the country.

    How do you make Nestle salep?

    As it is an instant salep, no need to cook it. Pour a sachet of Nestle salep in a mug. Pour hot milk over it and give it a good stir until the powder dissolves. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on it and enjoy.

    Other Hot Turkish Drinks

    • Turkish Tea
    • Rosehip Tea
    • Apple Tea
    • Turkish Coffee

    You might also like:

    • Holding a cup of almond milk hot chocolate topped with coconut oil and coconut flakes.
      Almond Milk Hot Chocolate
    • A large rectangular dish of Turkish Güllaç dessert, cut into squares and decorated with crushed pistachios and pomegranate seeds, with pink roses and a dark cloth nearby.
      Gullac Recipe
    • A close shot of Turkish baklava with ground pistachios piled on a plate and a glass of Turkish tea behind these.
      Best Turkish Desserts
    • Rice pudding with a golden top garnished with pistachios in a clay bowl.
      Sutlaç - Turkish Rice Pudding

    As always: If you make this recipe, let us know what you think by rating it and leaving a comment below. And post a pic on Instagram too—tag @give_recipe so we can see!

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    📖 Recipe

    Salep drink topped with cinnamon in a cup on a wooden background.
    4.80 from 5 votes

    Salep Drink (Cinnamon and Warm Milk)

    By Zerrin & Yusuf
    A creamy hot milk drink with an amazing flavor that is wonderfully soothing. It is made with salep powder, sugar and milk. 
    Yields: 4 servings
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    PREP 2 minutes mins
    COOK 20 minutes mins
    TOTAL 22 minutes mins

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1 tablespoon salep powder
    • 1½ tablespoons sugar
    • 1 liter milk
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon for garnish

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Combine milk, sugar and salep powder in a large saucepan or thick-bottomed pot. Whisk them well.
    • Heat it over medium low heat, stirring constantly. 
    • Reduce the heat when the milk starts to boil. Keep stirring while it is simmering until it thickens. Don't rush. This might take 15- 20 minutes or longer, but it is worth it.
    • Remove from the heat and serve it in cups or mugs with some ground cinnamon on it.
    • Optionally, you can garnish it with pistachios or other nuts as well. 
    • Taste and adjust its sweetness. You can add extra sugar if you like it sweeter.
    • You can put the leftovers in a bottle or jar and keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When you crave for salep again, you can re-heat some.

    NOTES

    1. Use full-fat milk for the best result.
    2. Cook your salep drink in a thick-bottomed pan. Otherwise, it might burn at the bottom.
    3. Don't try to speed up the process. Making salep requires some time (and patience). If you try to cook it over medium or high heat, there will be lumps and you won't get that nice creamy consistency.
    4. The thickness of salep is a matter of preference. Traditionally, it is supposed to be as thick as hot chocolate. You know, thick but drinkable. So after 15 minutes, check the consistency. If you are happy with it, remove it from the heat. If you want it thicker, keep cooking. 
    5. Be careful when drinking it, it shouldn't be piping hot.
    6. For a plant-based alternative, you can use almond milk or coconut milk. 
    7. You can add extra flavors like orange blossom water or vanilla right before removing it from the heat.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 98mgPotassium: 389mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 419IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 322mgIron: 0.05mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    ADDITIONAL INFO

    Course Drink
    Cuisine Turkish
    Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.80 from 5 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. stru says

      March 14, 2009 at 5:39 pm

      http://www.turkmarket.com.au/product.php?productid=290

      13.50 each box. After shipping 2 boxes cost 73.00. You can only find it places like Turkey and Iran. Or find a supplier and bid on bulk sizes.

      May after saving enough money, if I dont find it else where, I just might invest in some boxes, I dont know, LOL

      Reply
    2. Gera @ SweetsFoods says

      March 14, 2009 at 1:58 pm

      Zerrin looks very good this sweet drink thanks for the recipe. To try when the cold begins 🙂

      Reply
    3. ÖZGÜL says

      March 14, 2009 at 1:08 pm

      Salep nefisss gorunuyor, burada kar yagiyor sicak sicak icmesine kadar nefis olurdu:)

      ellerine saglik canim.

      SEVGİLER

      Reply
    4. Sara says

      March 14, 2009 at 9:56 am

      This looks really unique, I'm sure it tastes great too.

      Reply
    5. Zerrin says

      March 14, 2009 at 7:13 am

      Nila Rosa, Oyster Culture - I hope you can find it. It's really wonderful.
      Reeni - I hope you're fine now. I'm glad you love them.

      Lauren, lisaiscooking - Glad you like it. It tastes yummy.

      Tangled Noodle - Well, its flavor is in between floral and spicy. When it mixes with cinnamon and vanilla, I can say its like a sweet spice.

      Daily Spud, Sophie - I hope you can find it there. Perfect for Winter days.

      Vrinda - I never tried edible orchids, but this drink is so popular here.

      Comestiblog - Glad you like my reply here 🙂

      Reply
    6. Comestiblog says

      March 14, 2009 at 6:23 am

      Hi Zerrin,

      I'm glad my question to you resulted in such an interesting post!

      Reply
    7. vrinda says

      March 14, 2009 at 6:05 am

      I know some orchid flowers r edible but never heard of this drink...sounds delicious with cinnamon and vanilla...

      Reply
    8. Sophie says

      March 14, 2009 at 3:18 am

      MMMMM...this looks so good!! i will have to look for salep!! Thanks again, Zerrin!!

      Reply
    9. Daily Spud says

      March 14, 2009 at 3:06 am

      This is also another new one for me. I'll have to see if it's available in any speciality shops here - I hope so!

      Reply
    10. Tangled Noodle says

      March 13, 2009 at 7:47 pm

      Oooh! What is the flavor like - floral or spicy or something else? It looks deliciously rich and what a wonderful, self-sustaining ingredient. I haven't heard of it before but will look out for it as I search for grape molasses as well. Thank you for once again introducing us to something new!

      Reply
    11. lisaiscooking says

      March 13, 2009 at 7:43 pm

      Very interesting. Thanks for the info! It looks delicious in your photo.

      Reply
    12. Lauren says

      March 13, 2009 at 6:51 pm

      looks yummy! I love your posts!

      Reply
    13. OysterCulture says

      March 13, 2009 at 5:30 pm

      This drink sounds amazing, I will not stop looking until I can find all the ingredients!

      Reply
    14. Nila Rosa says

      March 13, 2009 at 5:21 pm

      I will have to look for salep in the specialty stores once I move closer to detroit. I've never heard of this, but it sounds wonderful.

      Reply
    15. Reeni says

      March 13, 2009 at 5:53 pm

      I've never heard of it, it sounds delicious. I wish I had some a week back-I had a bad cold. I'm learning about so many new foods from you!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

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    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

    More about us→

    POPULAR RECIPES

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