Russians do not drink too much Vodka as you might have been heard before. Even in the northern (coldest) parts of Russia, I know it pretty sure as I have been living there for about 12 years. It’s not popular to drink much vodka nowadays, it usually means if you drink it – you must be a poor village citizen or you are not a successful person. Many young people prefer to drink beer, cocktails, rum, whiskey, brandy etc. instead of vodka. But when foreigner comes to visit Russia all things change. It’s a tradition to give a guest to drink! Don’t even try to deny, it’s almost impossible. To drink as much vodka as possible with foreigner means treat him well. And also show that Russian could drink much more than you, my advice is do not even try to bet, in 99% Russian wins.
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In my experience I have found that many Russians in my hometown in California can drink as much vodka as put infront of them. It also is a bit of a nostalgic type drink for them. And the comradery displayed by those sharing it together definitely warms the heart.
For me the type of drink doesn’t represent economic status or lifestyle, I also love drinking vodka and I think I am exceptional from my friends who loves drinking beers or wines. But still we are having a jolly good time together whenever we have a drink, cheers for everyone!!
Hi, well I don’t know where you lived but I lived in Moscow for 6 years and people pretty much loveeeeeee their vodka there. But I won’t generalize on vodka, they love booze. That explains why the most common diseases in Moscow (I work in the medical field) are liver cirrhosis, acute gastritis, pancreatic cancer and other alcohol related diseases.
Is that true? Drinking vodka means that you must be a poor village citizen or you are not a successful person? Isn’t it that drinking something, aside from champange, is like a celebration? Does Russians have different drinks with different meanings and occasions?
Actually Russians drink too much beer, more than vodka. But we also love whiskey, rum, etc. etc
Hello Lelik, Really I heard before that Russians are great fan of Vodka. I never knew that our concept was wrong. While drink Vodka and I hang out with my friends, I says vodka rises body temperature and my friends says that’s why Russians (Cold place) drinks Vodka a lot . I really liked your blogs since it reveals the real culture, people, food, activities and everything about Russia.
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Every Russian probably obtains the ‘this-guy-is-an-alcoholic’ label when he tries to show his drinking talents off abroad:) Except for Finland, obviously
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I don’t mind the russians drinking, but when they want to make it a contest, I always decline. I rather enjoy soups like borstj instead for drinking and eating.
I do think that a lot of it comes to what you are brought up on. I know a lot of Russians and Eastern Europeans that can drink the hard liquors far better than any aussies. I put it down to what you are brought up on … for us thats beer!