The Ultimate Guide to Russian Drinks

Drinking culture in Russia has evolved significantly since Soviet times, which were dominated by a couple of brands of vodka and a limited selection of soft drinks. Following the collapse of the USSR and the advent of a market economy, Russia experienced a remarkable increase in the production of both soft and alcoholic beverages. This guide introduces you to some of the best Russian drinks and where you can sample them.

Vodka

Vodka is a staple drink in Russia, available in nearly every establishment that serves spirits. It is important to note that Russians never drink vodka with ice; instead, they always accompany it with food or a chaser. Vodka is typically served in shot glasses. Premium brands include Beluga and Kauffman, while Russian Standard and Nemiroff also provide excellent options. For an authentic experience, visit Ryumka Vodki, a themed bar in Moscow, featuring an extensive selection of vodkas and infusions.

Samogon and polugar

Samogon, a home-brewed liquor, is created through the fermentation of sugar syrup, potatoes, beets, fruits, or other ingredients. Initially, it has a strong aroma, often masked with various additives like herbs, citrus, honey, berries, oak bark, tea, or coffee.

This drink gained popularity during the 1980s prohibition in the USSR as an affordable alternative to vodka and remains a vital part of provincial drinking culture. Although not sold in stores, you can find it in restaurants offering creative Russian cuisines, such as LavkaLavka in Moscow. Polugar, also known as “bread wine,” is similar but is made from rye distillate.

Craft Beer

Russia has a rich brewing heritage spanning centuries, now flourishing with a vibrant craft beer movement in cities like Moscow, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Tula. The craft beer scene offers diverse options such as porters, stouts, and IPAs, with the trendy milkshake IPAs gaining popularity recently. Notable stout varieties include Imperial Russian Stout (with an alcohol content of approximately 10–12%) and pryanik (pastry stout). You will find numerous microbreweries, tap rooms, and these craft beers at a variety of bars.

Infusions

Infusions consist of vodka flavored with various fruits, seeds, spices, and aromatic herbs. Their alcohol content typically ranges from 25% to 40%. Infusions are usually sweet but can also be savory or spicy. The cranberry vodka infusion is the most prevalent and can be located in supermarkets. For more innovative options like tangerine or horseradish infusion, seek out restaurants or bars. Popular spots like the Russian dumpling chain Varenichnaya and Ryumka Vodki offer extensive selections of infusions.

Medovukha

Medovukha, a honey ale, is composed of water, honey, and yeast, creating a sweet, light, and aromatic alternative to beer, typically with an alcohol content of around 5%. It can be enhanced with ingredients like juniper, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, red pepper, and rose hips. You will find medovukha in many supermarkets, at the well-known pancake chain Teremok, and various Russian cuisine restaurants. This unique drink is a must-try for any visitor to Russia, with the most authentic versions available in Suzdal, a historic town along the Golden Ring route, where brewing traditions date back centuries.

Kvas

After vodka, kvas is another iconic Russian beverage. This carbonated drink has an alcohol content of approximately 1% and is produced through the fermentation of flour and malt or dry rye bread, sometimes enhanced with herbs and honey. Kvas is particularly popular during the summer and is commonly used as an ingredient in cold soups like okroshka. You can find it in any Russian restaurant (for a delightful experience, try Chekhov in St Petersburg) or at supermarkets, with the Vkusvill chain offering the best selection.

Mors

Mors is one of the most favored non-carbonated soft drinks in Russia. This beverage is crafted with berry juice or boiled berries, diluted with water and sweetened with sugar or honey. Cranberry, lingonberry, and sea buckthorn are the most popular varieties of mors. You will be able to find it at almost any supermarket and in countless bistros or cafes across Russia.

Tarkhun

Tarkhun is a distinctive lemonade made using tarragon. Don’t let its vibrant emerald color deter you; it’s considered one of the best soda drinks in Russia. You can purchase tarragon extract lemonade at supermarkets; however, for a fresher taste, order homemade tarkhun in restaurants, where it is typically less sweet and prepared with fresh herbs. A delightful spot to try it is at Saperavi, a well-known Georgian restaurant chain in Moscow.

Sbiten

Sbiten is a traditional sweet, non-alcoholic drink composed of water, honey, and spices, alongside medicinal herbs. In winter, Russians savor hot sbiten, while in the summer and at Russian baths, it’s offered cold. You can enjoy sbiten at Teremok or buy a bottle at any Vkusvill supermarket.

Birch Juice (Sap)

Birch sap flows from the trunks and branches of birch trees during spring and is enriched with vitamins B6 and B12, making it beneficial for health. A single birch tree can yield 2–3 liters of sap daily. The sap has a subtly sweet flavor and lacks a pronounced taste, so herbs are frequently added for flavor enhancement. Look for this refreshing drink at Vkusvill supermarkets.

Kompot and vzvar

Russian kompot (fruit squash) differs from the European compote in that it is not a sauce or dessert; it is a refreshing beverage made from boiled fruits and berries, either fresh or dried, and is served hot or cold. You can find this delightful drink at various restaurants, bistros, and supermarkets. Additionally, a more traditional variation known as vzvar is available at LavkaLavka.

Kisel

Kisel is a thick, sweet berry drink made with starch, transforming it into a jelly-like consistency. You can purchase it already prepared at supermarkets or create it at home from concentrated forms. However, it is not commonly offered in restaurants.

Ivan-chay

Ivan-chay is a traditional herbal tea made from the rosebay plant. It has a pleasant, slightly sour taste and a fragrant aroma. This tea gained popularity in Russia prior to the revolution, coinciding with the introduction of Chinese tea. Although it wasn’t widespread during Soviet times, ivan-chay is currently undergoing a renaissance. Look for teabags or loose leaf options at Vkusvill supermarkets.