How To Drink Vodka Like A Russian

Vodka is an extremely popular spirit in the “vodka belt” countries (Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Ukraine), and it is often served neat or on the rocks instead of mixed in a cocktail. If you don’t go binge-drinking crazy and pace yourself, vodka is a pleasant accompaniment to a nice local dinner. While visiting Russia, vodka is sure to be offered to you (it was offered to me a lot).

Remember, vodka doesn’t necessarily have to be the prelude to a dreadful hangover (although it can be – I learned the hard way). The Russians have a surefire, yet disgusting, hangover cure: drink a potful of cabbage brine (gross!). The thought of drinking cabbage brine should be enough to keep your vodka consumption in check.

If all else fails, drink more vodka!

To appreciate and consume good vodka the way Russians do, follow these strict vodka-drinking guidelines:

• Drink vodka well chilled and straight, preferably in famous Russian 50-gram shots. No ice or vodka cocktails are allowed, so forget those foo-foo drinks. Do not mix your vodka in a beer or with beer. If any local asks you to do a “50 grams” with them, it is always a large shot of vodka. Be prepared.

• Down the vodka in one gulp. No sipping is allowed. Don't be a pussy.

• Don't drink until someone proposes a toast. (If you're really thirsty and eager to drink the vodka, propose a toast yourself – your new Russian friends will be stunned but impressed by your initiative).

• Always chase the vodka with something to eat, not a beer. Russians prefer to chase their vodka with the country’s rich brown bread, pickles, a clove of garlic, and cheeses. Truthfully, whatever food is on the table will do.

Drinking vodkas in Moscow with my friend, Ivan in October 2015. Technically we broke a golden rule: once the vodka starts the beer stops. Please forgive the shadows, we were in an underground bar!