Have You Been Drinking Vodka The Wrong Way All This While? Here's How The Russians Do It
There is no dearth of love for vodka in Russia. The name of the spirit is heartwarming — voda means 'water' in Russian and vodka means 'little water'. But this drink has become extremely popular across the world. Mixologists swear by its versatility. They love its flavourless, odourless, neutral taste. It is a favourite spirit to drink neat or to make cocktails with. But did you know, the world has been drinking vodka the wrong way?
Traditional Russian Way To Consume Vodka
In Russia, drinking vodka is a serious business. There are social etiquettes about its consumption. Vodka is typically served as a shot and the drink is followed by sniffing the bread! Drinking vodka is also a social activity rather than a solitary affair. The culture around vodka came to be due to socio-economic and political situations, especially when Russia was a part of the USSR. Below are the social rules regarding drinking vodka.
Vodka is a firm part of Russia's social culture. Drinking is a group activity and not merely a private one. The snacks, called zakuski, must be shared and the guests must help themselves, and not wait for the host or server to serve them. The vodka should be served cold. Russians do not sip and savour vodka, they drink it down in a shot. Hence, the serving glass should be tiny. For Russians, it is more about the effect of the liquor than tasting and indulging in the subtle flavours of the drink. A chilled vodka is easier down the throat and more comfortable to gulp. The drink should be followed by something salty or rye bread. It's almost sacrilegious to not follow up with a salty snack or bread after having a vodka shot.
Eating or sniffing bread after the shot conveys to other guests that you are not consuming vodka just to get inebriated. Hence, it is always good to chase the vodka with a piece of salty bread or herring, or even caviar. Follow this up with sniffing. However, the tradition of the sniffing of bread started when the local populace faced poverty. Since there was a limited supply of bread, fish and other food essentials, people would follow their shot of vodka with the sniff of the food and then pass the food around, so that each of the guests could smell it. And if you had nothing to sniff, you could sniff your sleeve. Also, when you drink, you need to toast and say something. You can sit silently and drink your liquor alone.
As a tribute to Russian culture, here's a cocktail that honours the country's favourite spirit - the vodka.
With Love From Russia
Ingredients
50 ml Vodka
20ml Elderflower cordial
Ginger beer
1 lime
Crushed ice
1 lime wedge for garnish
Method
Take the lime and cut it into two halves. Use one half to squeeze out the juice and cut the other into quarters. Take a tall glass and fill half of it with crushed ice. Add vodka, cordial, lime juice and stir well. Add the lime quarters, and top up with more ice and ginger beer.
While learning about spirits and cocktails and enjoying them is normal, it is key to consume alcohol moderately. It is essential that one serves and drinks responsibly to maintain health and to stay out of any harm's way. If you know anyone who finds it difficult to control their alcohol consumption, please refer them to a professional.
