It's a drink that has the power to gather people, is rarely drunk alone and drinking just one glass is simply not an option. It's almost always poured in front of guests and consumed at any time of the day. One does not drink atay fast, this is a slow and enjoyable experience - savouring both the taste and the moment.

The ingredients are simple; gunpowder green tea, fresh mint leaves, sugar and water. Some keep strict measurements, and some use the reliable scientific method: 3inek mizanek / عـيـنـك مـيـزانـك (your eyes are the scale). The steps in preparing and pouring the atay (as high as you can) and the tools used is what gives the atay its superb qualitea.