Russia is home to some of the world’s favourite food and beverages, with amazing non-alcoholic and alcoholic Russian drinks to sample. You surely know that the country is famous for vodka, but there’s so many more unique things to drink here.
If you can’t visit here right now, you can still learn more about how the must-try coffee styles, tea, sodas or what cocktails locals are ordering in bars – and maybe even try making some of these authentic tipples at home!
Popular Russian Drinks
1. Yorsh
This mixed beverage made with beer and vodka. The ratio of ingredients varies depending on personal preferences.
After the ingredients have been combined, it is recommended to drink the cocktail quickly, as Yorsh is typically consumed after a toast. Although vodka doesn’t change the flavour of beer that much, it greatly increases the alcohol content in the cocktail!
Recipe is by Easy Cocktail Recipes.
2. Coffee Raf
Coffee Raf consists of an espresso shot, cream, and usually a combination of plain and vanilla sugar. The ingredients are combined and then steamed together to create a creamy delicious coffee drink.
The drink is widely available throughout Russia. Many specialty coffee houses have developed their own variations that often include various syrups and spices.
3. Samogon
Known to locals as Russian moonshine, samogon is a potent drink that can be distilled from anything. The most common ingredients include grains, corn, beets, sugar, potatoes, bread, or various fruits.
The name of this drink roughly translates as ‘self-distilled’. The exact time when samogon first appeared is not known, but it is suggested that it is older than Russian vodka!
4. Kvas
This unique fizzy drink uses ‘black’ rye bread as in ingredient!
This refreshing drink is one of the country’s oldest drinks, mostly enjoyed in summer. Kvas uses rye bread and water as the main ingredients. You can also add herbs and fruit, it contains 1.5% of alcohol but if it stands for a longer time, the concentration can become 2.5% or higher.
Recipe is by Peter’s Food Adventures.
5. Sbiten
Sbiten is a traditional hot beverage of honey, water, jam, and various spices. It dates back to the 12th century, the name sbiten is derived from the Russian sbit, meaning to beat, referring to the act of pounding spices and herbs in a mortar.
You can make this tasty beverage into an alcoholic drink by adding wine, vodka, or brandy.
Recipe is by A Clean Plate.
Image by best.russian.food
6. Ryazhenka
Ryazhenka is a type of fermented dairy drink and has a subtle caramel flavour.
Its packed with a lot of vitamins, which helps to strengthen the immune system and help with digestion. And this super simple recipe is easy to cook at home!
Recipe by Beets and Bones.
7. Medovukha
One of the oldest alcoholic beverages in Russia, the alcohol content ranges from 2 to 12 percent.
Made from honey, yeast, sugar, and water, but you can pretty much add anything you want from berries, spiced herbs to fruit juice. Today, medovukha is a very popular drink to buy in cities within the Golden Ring.
