How To Drink Vodka Like A Traditional Russian

If you're traveling through the massive, historically rich country of Russia, prepare to drink vodka. After all, one of the secrets about vodka is that it's derived from the Russian word for water. In fact, the country claims to be the origin point of modern-day vodka (though Poland begs to differ), and citizens there use the beloved liquor to make friends, and to treat everything from a hangover to the common cold. Whether you're planning a visit to Mother Russia or hoping to infuse the Russian tradition into your local gathering at home, there are ways to channel the spirit of the culture. Start with the basic vodka rule traditional Russians live by: never turn down the drink when it's offered.

While some travelers report that turning down vodka in Russia is the ultimate faux pas (and in some cases a signal of disrespect), Russian Life Magazine writes that most native Russians won't be terribly offended by the refusal, however; it might lead to trouble developing camaraderie. " ... be mindful that sharing a drink of vodka is a gesture of hospitality, part of the act of becoming friends. Thus, by refusing to drink you could be considered to be refusing friendship." Often vodka is introduced between two people or in a group through a toast. "And toasts generally get longer and more sentimental as the evening wears on and more vodka is consumed." But while drinking vodka might earn you friendships with the Russian locals, it likely won't score you  points with the president. Our dive into what Vladimir Putin really eats uncovered he's not a fan.

While saying yes to every shot offered can start you on the path to drinking vodka like a traditional Russian, there are regional customs to be aware if you're planning a trip across the massive expanse (it is the largest country in the world, after all). In Moscow, for example, vodka is typically consumed with an appetizer or finger food (pickles, bread, or dried meats); while residents of Vladivostok (a seaport city in the southeast) typically drink theirs with seafood dishes. 

In Siberia, citizens pair their vodka with the region's traditional dumplings called Vareniki, which are stuffed with savory filling (like mushrooms or potatoes) and often topped with onions and melted butter. And according to a Redditor, vodka served on the trans Siberian train system is served with a slice of tomato or bread to chase. And according to the poster, some of the other riders were eager to start the party. "The problem was when you wake up [from a nap] they will want you to start drinking with them straight away," they said. Which could make for a fun train ride, but we'll let you decide.

Though pairings vary throughout the country, the majority of traditional Russians agree that it's best to consume vodka with some type of food — usually something salty. As Natasha Ward, a half-Russian and half-English former United Nations interpreter told BBC, "There's no point in drinking vodka and following it with an éclair, it doesn't work. Or, God forbid, following it with nothing!"