The drink warning specifically applies to Istanbul and Ankara.
More than 100 people have died from poisoning by bootleg alcohol in Ankara and Istanbul this year, according to Reuters.
“There have been several recent deaths reported in Istanbul and Ankara from methanol in counterfeit drinks,” the Smartraveller warning said.
“Stick to reputable venues and be wary of suspiciously cheap alcohol.”
Methanol is a clear liquid chemical used in thousands of everyday products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics, and fuels.
It’s often deliberately and illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol.
The pair were on a backpacking with friends in Laos at the time.
