Because the holiday season is upon us, more and more alcohol will likely be consumed. Given that many people associate vodka with Russian people and culture, it seems like a good idea to say a little bit about it. This is my second blog this week about beer and spirits and it should be noted that I am not advocating drinking or doing it in excess, I am simply presenting some information that I hope will entertain and educate my wonderful readers. It may be worth mentioning that the verdict is still out on which country first produced vodka: Poland or Russia.

There are some myths and interesting facts that I have read about vodka recently. Some of these may be true and others may be a complete fallacy – perhaps you can decide for yourself. The info may surprise you as well.

Vodka is carbon filtered and distilled from water ethanol and fermented potatoes or grains, therefore, it is one of the purest beverages in the world. Some will argue that because it is so clear, you decrease your chances of being hungover should you over indulge.

Vodka can be used to disinfect your razor blades after a shave and can also prevent them from rusting. When vodka was first made in Poland, it was scented and also used as aftershave. One shot for the soul, one shot for the face 🙂 .

Vodka has been used for medicinal purposes in different parts of the world. It has been used to lower blood pressure, as an antitoxin, as a fever reducer if rubbed externally on the body, as an anesthetic, and as a cold remedy. It can reduce the risk of heart attack and blood clots as well. Of course, we are talking about consuming very moderate amounts to achieve these results. It has also been used to help with insomnia and to make spouses look more attractive after many years of marriage.

Should you find yourself at the table with a few Russian friends or new Russian acquaintances, you may wish to educate yourself as to whether the following is fact or fiction. I will provide my opinion but it may not prove true in all situations.

Is it considered rude to not drink vodka with a Russian who sets a bottle of vodka on the table?

In my experience, it is not rude to abstain from drinking, especially if there are others at the table that are willing; however, if you are a man, your pride may be wounded. Some may say that you ought to at least have one shot because the act of drinking shots has been at the foundation of many relationships. Ultimately, it boils down to what type of Russians you are surrounded by: some people are heavy drinkers, while others could care less.

Do you have to finish the entire bottle at one sitting?

It is not necessarily rude to leave vodka in the bottle but more often than not, it will get finished. Should you be drinking with Russian strangers, they may hold you in higher regard if you are part of the team and help empty the bottle. After all, if you are drinking it with Russians they will likely know the proper way to consume it with the least amount of discomfort possible! I am talking about eating certain types of food with it, like pickles, and spacing the shots out a bit.

Can you just pour yourself a shot and drink it when you want to?

Not really. If you want to have a shot, you ought to pour one for everybody and then lead in a toast. Generally, the longer and more sincere the toast, the better. Generally speaking, as the level of vodka in the bottle becomes less and less, the length of the toasts gets longer and longer.

Can you drink a mixed drink with vodka in it or have it over ice?

No and no! Russians will almost always prefer to drink shots of vodka while it is chilled or maybe room temperature. Rarely will a Russian have a vodka and cranberry or any other type of juice/mixer, although I have noticed that mixed drink popularity in Russia is slowly increasing. Ice is also a no-no because it only dilutes the vodka. Generally speaking, shots is the way to go.

Upon visiting my family for the first time, my husband drank shots with my family as often as they wished. He was not as aware of the customs and unofficial rules  – he knew enough to watch and learn. Should you try to “keep up” in drinking with Russians, you may succeed but find yourself looking at your dinner for a second time – as my poor husband did. If you are not Russian, you may be given a “pass” on some things.

In my opinion, you ought to just have a good time, enjoy the company of each other, and do what feels right. Good people, no matter where they come from, will not wish to see you hurt yourself or make yourself sick. Russian people, even though they may appear to take vodka drinking a bit more seriously, are no different. Should you have any stories of your own, I’d love to hear them:-)