Different alcoholic drinks have been welcomed in Russia since the earliest times. After the baptism of the Russ (the 9th century), wine was introduced as Christ’s blood and played an important role in religious rituals. The Orthodox church never denounced wine, but condemned drunkards heavily.
Russian vodka has undergone repression and persecution of the au¬thorities over these years, but it has never bent its head down to gin, whisky, schnapps, sake, rum or even Mexican tequila. Nobody can say for sure where the national Russian drink comes from. Some believe that alcohol appeared in Russia when a distiller was brought here from the East.
Russians drink Vodka with toasts which constitute a separate subject. If more than two people get together to have a drink of vodka, prior to swilling the next glass someone needs to say a short toast. After that the drinkers clink their glasses, knock down their drinks, take a bite at their snacks and refill the glasses. As the Russian saying goes “the first glass comes like a stick in your throat, the second flies in like a falcon, the others just dive like small birdies”. The toast is a truly Russian art form. In Russia a host usually gives the first toast which is traditionally a long funny story or anecdote. You probably will be called upon to make a toast at some point, and “Cheers” or “Bottoms up” will not cut it. Have a toast prepared which thanks your hosts for their hospitality. If you can, learn a traditional Russian toast: “Na zdorovie!“.
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