Where would we be without stereotypes? And here’s the most famous stereotype about Russian people. RUSSIANS LIKE VODKA. Or don’t they? This is rather a problem, than a national feature. But it’s needed to be discussed and may be revealed on the list of Stuff Russians Like. 

The thing is that contemporary Russians, unfortunately, like drinking. It is not like every Russian is an alcoholic, but the most of them have a habit to drink alcohol regularly. And vodka is just one of the possible options, and not really a favourite one among the Russians under 40 years. But still Russians drink a lot of vodka comparing with other countries. 

Where all of these come from? What is the reason of Russian drinking problem? Actually, it became a problem not earlier than 100 years ago. And before that Russians were pretty much teetotal. Nowadays there are theories of genocide and making Russians to believe that drinking is a national feature. Well, for historical reasons, Russia today is what it is. And, yes, drinking problem is still a problem. 

They like having feasts – these long events with piles of food and infinitive conversations. And conversations are much easier to keep with the little help of my friends, which are alcoholic beverages, you see. 

Why do Russians drink vodka? 

So the reasons are pretty much the same as in the rest of the world. And Russian drinking problem doesn’t set the records (the top three countries are actually Belarus, Andorra and Lithuania). And Russians haven’t invented vodka even, but this is still the national drink of them. 

It’s also worth mentioning Russian vodka glass which differs from other countries’. The traditional one is so-called ‘ryumka’ (like a shotglass). 

In Soviet times faceted glass (or ‘granyonyi stakan’) gained some popularity, as well as tea cup holders. 

So, have a pleasure and go on buying Russian vodka to be joyful and outgoing!