Travel Russia Today

Those who enjoy good vodka will always have a fabulous time in Russia. On my latest trip, we were able to enjoy a vodka tasting during our cruise on the Volga Dream. And it was worth a shot - no pun intended! I found the vodka tasting particularly interesting because we were learning some basic vodka facts, and then trying it.

First, we learned a few “ground rules”. Number one: Bottoms up. Russians drink vodka all in one shot – no sipping! Also, Russians never drink vodka without food - they do the shot, and then eat a salty snack (caviar and blinis go quite well). With this information, we were ready for our first shot of typical Russian vodka.

Also, Russians never drink alone - you have to have at least a couple of people to drink with you. As we had a fabulous group, we were ready for our second shot: some yellow-looking vodka that, as it turns out, was pepper-flavored. Yowza!

I was still recovering from the pepper taste when I learned that Russians do not consider any vodka that is less than 40% to be “real” vodka. We then had our third shot, a kind that is considered to be “ladies’ vodka” (as it is only 35%): Plum vodka. Interesting.

I also found out that the reason why we think that the Russian vodka tastes different is simply because it does! While many types of vodka are made from potatoes, Russian vodka is made from grains.

And finally, we cannot forget about another Russian tradition: You must always toast. Na zdorovje! (To your health), followed by the grand finale: Lime-flavored vodka.