4 Authentic Russian alcoholic beverages to try your hands on!

1. Kvass (or Kvas)

Ask Russians their favorite drink and they’ll name Kvas, a refreshing and summery drink. It’s difficult to call Kvas an alcoholic drink because of the 0.5%-1% alcohol content in it, still, it’s a sweet drink similar to sparkling cider. This oldest drink is made from rye bread and water, herbs and fruit may be added. It is a healthier and cooler alternative to alcoholic drinks. The drink is also called ‘black bread’ among Russians because it is made by fermenting grain.

2. Medovukha

Medovukha is a popular and one of the oldest alcoholic drink in Russia. The alcohol content in it is low i.e. between 5-10% and is made from honey, yeast, sugar, and water and other substances depending on the recipe. Herbs and fruits may also be added. The drink was left to ferment in wooden casks for 15-50 years and has now regained popularity in many cities.

3. Nastoiki

This dry and sweet beverage is homemade liqueurs, usually flavored vodkas. The ingredients of the sweet nastoiki are a blend of alcoholic infusions made from fruit juices, alcohol, sugar syrup, citric acid, and softened water. The dry nastoiki is made from a blend of alcoholic infusions made from herbs, roots, citrus fruit, flavored alcohol, essential oils, and softened water. The nastoiki drink has a variety of flavors like cedar nut, raspberry, cherry, horseradish, and lemon.

4. Russian Standard Vodka (RS)

RS is produced in St. Petersburg and it’s a classic affordable one. This drink is made from a base of winter wheat and blended down with glacial spring water. RS is known as ‘the benchmark of excellence’ and is the second-largest vodka brand in the UK. It’s a bit harsh on a nose but tastes smooth and great when chilled. It mixes well with other drinks like Bloody Mary. The brand includes Russian Standard Vodka, Russian Standard Gold, and Russian Standard Platinum.