We will start from vodka, because a lot of people in the world know it as Russian alcoholic beverage Number 1.
Russian vodka consists of 40 degrees of alcohol. It is strong, so it is recommended for men. But in Russia women drink vodka too. There are a lot of traditions in Russia connected with vodka. Commissioned policeman must make party for their colleagues and celebrations starts only when this policeman standing on foot will drink a glass of vodka in one gulp, will not take any snack and introduce himself (for example): Captain Ivanov!
Wine is quite popular too. It is the choice of women and some men, who like the process of drinking and prefer soft taste of wine.
Champagne in Russia is the beverage of the New Year celebration. Russians usually don’t drink champagne in everyday life. They use it during New Year party, wedding, etc. Russian people only start with champagne their celebrations, and after that continue to drink other kinds of alcohol.
Beer – the most widespread alcoholic beverage in Russian. People like it and drink everywhere – at home, in the cinema, take it to picnics… And those who use car drink non-alcoholic bear.
Notice, Russians prefer not to mix different alcoholic beverages during one party. This rule is absolute if one started to drink strong beverage like vodka, for example.
But if you started from wine or beer you can drink beverages that are stronger later. Russians name it – to rise the degree. If you will rise degree, there will not be headache next morning.
Russians don’t like cocktails and seldom mix different beverages as people in Europe like.
Russian people prefer to feel natural taste of every beverage, even if it is alcoholic and very strong.