Please note!
The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English.

Therefore do not pronounce
Russian words
how to you like represent
sounds in English.

For example:
The Latin letter U
should not be pronounced
as the English word you.
U = YOU = OO

Besides, in Russian, as in many other languages, words are pronounced differently than they are spelled. Our transliterated text does always matches the correct pronunciation!

If you doubt the correct pronunciation, click on the live audio link in Russian
Link to sound

Beverages & Drinks in Russia
How to choose and buy

LEARN RUSSIAN & VISIT RUSSIA

Online phrasebook & helper for travelers

Good to know
INTRODUCTION
DEAR FRIENDS !

We want your trip to Russia to be the best and unforgettable! Therefore, we try to provide you with as much useful information as possible about our hospitable country.

Perhaps, the biggest problem for foreign visitors in Russia is the Russian language. You most likely learned something different at school, and Russians do not always know at least a couple of words in English.

The difficulty is added by the fact that the Russian language does not use the Latin script, but the Cyrillic one. And if in almost any other country you can guess what you are buying by reading the label or menu in a cafe, in Russia this is rarely possible.

If you have ever been to Greece, then maybe you are familiar with the situation when you thought that you bought a pack of milk and a bottle of beer, but in fact there was some kind of substance with a sour taste in the first bottle, and pine juice in the second?

To prevent this from happening again with you in Russia, we have made this website for you where we have combined an online phrasebook and an unusual guidebook in one. Now you can be sure that..

1) you will find the right store, supermarket or fair
2) not to go, for example, to 'Blue Oyster' instead of a good fish restaurant!
Don't like seafood? We will show you how to find a bar, cafe, restaurant and, generally speaking, all what you need and how to get there. You can be always sure, that find a great place, both for family holidays, and for crazy parties!
3) the staff will understand you and you will understand the staff
4) you yourself correctly identify any goods

In addition, we will tell you what are the restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, how to identify a fake and how to choose the best vodka!
Want to know more about Russian cuisine? Click here
Do you need to find a good place to party? It's here

Welcome!
Drinks and beverages in Russia. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic, traditional. Where to buy and how to choose. Rules and restrictions. Vocabulary and phrasebook.
So, how to say, ask or understand something correctly in Russian, if you don`t know a single word in Russian? There is an exit!

First of all, we have collected everything you need in English and translated into Russian. Therefore, even if you still have not bought milk, then find and click the word 'MILK', find out how it is spelled and sounds in Russian, incl by Latin letters, and look for a pack with this word on the shelf. It's that simple!

Pay attention to the rules of pronunciation. Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Besides, in Russian, as in many other languages, words are pronounced differently than they are spelled. For example, the French PEUGEOT is actually pronounced as PEZHO. And Russian Moscow (in Russian - Москва / Moskva) is actually pronounced as MAskva. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word.

Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation! If you doubt the correct pronunciation, click on the live audio link in Russian
Link to sound
You will be presented with a short slide show with the correct pronunciation from a native speaker, and in some cases, even a small fragment from a film

Well now...

How will it be in Russian?

OUR YOUR PHRASEBOOK
BAR - CAFE - RESTAURANT
basic vocabulary
HOT LINKS
NON-ALCO I ALCOHOL I TOASTS I Q&A
Click on a word or phrase to see a full description and translation into Russian, as well as links to short movies with live sound from a native speaker
Please do not forget the pronunciation rules

Go fast to: Requests I Menu I Tableware I Payment
Hello !
(formal)
[ ZDRASTVUITE ! ]

Здравствуйте!

Link to sound
Hi ! / Hey !
Hello (informal)
[ PRIVET ! ]

Привет!

Link to sound
Goog morning / good afternoon / good evening!
[ DOBRAYE UTRA / DOBRYI DEN / DOBRYI VECHER ! ]

Доброе утро / добрый день / добрый вечер!

Link to sound
How to address to the unfamiliar guy / girl
any situation / on the street / to the staff..
[ MALADOY CHELAVEK ! ] - to guy

[ DEVUSHKA ! ] - to girl

Молодой человек! / Девушка!

Miss, what's your name?
DEVUSHKA, KAK VAS ZAVUT ?
Девушка, как вас зовут?

Mister, bring a glass of water!
MALADOY CHELAVEK, PRINESITE STAKAN VADY !
Молодой человек, принесите стакан воды!

Link to sound
What is your name ? (formal / informal)
[ KAK VAS ZAVUT ? ] (formal)

[ KAK TEBYA ZAVUT ? ] (informal)


Как Вас зовут? / Как тебя зовут?

Link to sound
I don't speak Russian
[ YA NE GAVARYU PA-RUSSKI ]

Я не говорю по русски

Link to sound
Do you speak English?
[ VY GAVARITE PA-ANGLIYSKI ? ]

Вы говорите по английски?

Link to sound
Please,..
[ PAZHALUSTA ]

or

[ BUDTE DABRY ]


Пожалуйста,.. / Будьте добры,..

Link to sound
I'm sorry / Excuse me
[ IZVINITE ]

Извините

Link to sound
Help me (please)
[ PAMAGITE MNE (pazhalusta) ]

Помогите мне (пожалуйста)

Link to sound
Where is ..?
[ GDE ..? ]

or

[ GDE NAKHODITSA ..? ]

Где..? / Где находится..?

Link to sound
.. Shop / Supermarket / Market ?
(where is..)
gde.. (gde nakhoditsa...) +

[ .. MAGAZIN ? ] - shop/store (+name of )


[ .. SUPERMARKET ? ] - supermarket (+name of )

[ .. RYNAK ? ] - market (+name of )


где.. (где находится..)
.. Mагазин / Cупермаркет / Рынок?

Link to chapter "Shopping"

Link to sound
.. Bar / Cafe / Restaurant ?
(where is..)
gde.. (gde nakhoditsa...) +

[ .. BAR ? ] - bar (+name of )

[ .. KAFE ? ] - cafe (+name of )


[ .. RESTARAN ? ] - restaurant (+name of )

где.. (где находится..)
.. Бар / Кафе / Ресторан?

Link to sound
.. Entrance?
(where is..)
gde.. (gde nakhoditsa...) +

[ .. VKHOD ? ]

где.. (где находится..)
.. Вход ?

Link to sound
.. Exit?
(where is..)
gde.. (gde nakhoditsa...) +

[ .. VYKHAD ? ]

где.. (где находится..)
.. Выход ?

Link to sound
.. Toilet / WC ?
(where is..)
gde.. (gde nakhoditsa...) +

[ .. TUALET ? ]


где.. (где находится..)
.. Туалет ?

Link to sound
.. Smoking Area ?
(where is..)
gde.. (gde nakhoditsa...) +

[ .. MESTA DLYA KURYENIA ? ]


где.. (где находится..)
.. Место для курения ?

Link to sound
.. Cashbox / Payment Terminal / ATM ?
(where is..)
gde.. (gde nakhoditsa...) +

[ .. KASSA ? ] - cashbox


[ .. PLATYOZHNY TERMINAL? ] - payment terminal

[ .. BANKAMAT ? ] - ATM


где.. (где находится..)
.. Касса / Платёжный терминал / Банкомат ?

Link to chapter
"Money and payments in Russia"


Link to sound
The Menu
give me (please)
[ DAYTE MENYU ] + (pazhalusta)

Дайте меню (пожалуйста)

Link to sound
a Kids Menu
(do you have..?)
(u vas yest`..)

[ DETSKAYE MENYU (?) ]

у вас есть..
Детское меню (?)

Link to sound
Wine List
(do you have..?)
(u vas yest`..)

[ KARTA VIN (?) ]

у вас есть..
Карта вин (?)

Link to sound
Do you have (a menu) in English?
[ U VAS YEST` ( MENYU ) NA ANGLIYSKAM ? ]

У вас есть (меню) на английском?

Link to sound
Want a drink? Let`s have a drink!
[ KHOCHESH VYPIT`? ] or [ VYP`YEM ? ]
(interrogative form)

[ DAVAY VYP`YEM ! ] or [ VYP`YEM ! ]
(let`s do it)

Link to names of drinks in Russian

Хочешь выпить! / Выпьем?
Давай выпьем! / Выпьем!

Link to sound
What would you like to drink?
[ SHTO BUDESH PIT` ? ]

Link to names of drinks in Russian

Что будешь пить?

Link to sound
May I have.. / Give, please ..
[ DAYTE PAZHALUSTA .. ]
May I have .. = Give, please ..

Дайте пожалуйста ...

Link to sound
I want.. / I need..
[ YA KHACHU .. ] - I want ..

[ MNE NUZHNA .. ] - I need ..

Я хочу / Мне нужно

Link to sound
Bottle / Can / Pack
(type of capacity)
[ BUTYLKA ] - bottle

[ BANKA ] - can

[ PACHKA ] - pack

Бутылка / Банка / Пачка

Link to sound
Liter / Half liter / 0.33 / Pint
(capacity value)
[ LITR ] - liter

[ POL - LITRA ] or [ NOL`-PYAT` ] - half liter

[ NOL`- TRI ] - 0.33 L

[ NOL`- DVA ] - 0.2 L


Литр / Пол-литра (ноль-пять) / Ноль-три / Ноль-два

Link to sound

Attention! In Russia, a metric system is used. Therefore, if you need a pint of beer, order a half liter of the drink.

British pint ≈ 0.57 L
American pint ≈ 0.47 L
Half liter = 0.50 L


Beer cup / Glass / Shot
Coffee cup / Paper cup (tableware)
[ KRUZHKA ] - beer cup / mug

[ BAKAL ] - glass

[ RYUMKA ] - drink / shot *

[ CHASHKA ] - coffee / tea cup

[ STAKANCHIK ] - paper cup

Кружка / Бокал / Рюмка / Чашка / Стаканчик

Link to sound

* Note! Shot sizes in Russia
In everyday life, Russians equate volume less than 500ml/O,5L to weight. For example, if you need 100 ml of vodka, need to say - [ STO GRAM VODKI, PAZHALUSTA ] (one hundred grams of vodka, please).

Typical shots

Small / Single - 50 ml
[ PET`DESYAT GRAM ] - fifty ml

Double - 100 ml
[ STO GRAM ] - one hundred ml

Numbers in Russian

Link to sound
Big / Small
[ BAL`SHOY ] - big

[ MALENKIY ] - small

Большой / Маленький

Link to sound
With / Without (+ Sugar / Ice)
[ S - .. ] - with something
[ BES - .. ] - without something
С .. / Без ..

[ S - SAKHAROM ] - with sugar
[ BES - SAKHARA ] - without sugar
С сахаром / Без сахара

[ S - L`DOM ] - with ice
[ BES - L`DA ] - without ice
С льдом / Без льда


Link to sound
With / Without (+ Milk / Cream)
[ S - .. ] - with something
[ BES - .. ] - without something
С .. / Без ..

[ S - MALAKOM / SLIVKAMI ] - with milk/cream
[ BES - MALAKA / SLIVAK ] - without milk/cream
С молоком (сливками) / Без молока (сливок)

Link to sound
With / Without (cocktails)
[ S - .. ] - with something
[ BES - .. ] - without something
С .. / Без ..
______________________________

[ S - L`DOM ] - with ice
[ BES - L`DA ] - without ice
С льдом / Без льда

[ S - SOKAM ] - with juice
[ BES - SOKA ] - without juice
С соком / Без сока

[ S - KOLAI / TONIKAM ] - with cola / tonic
[ BES - KOLY / TONIKA ] - without cola / tonic
С колой (тоником) / Без колы (тоника)

[ S - VODKAI / MARTINI ] - with vodka / martini
[ BES - VODKI / MARTINI ] - without vodka / martini
С водкой (мартини) / Без водки (мартини)

[ S - KON-YAKOM / BRENDI ] - with cognac / brandy
[ BES - KON-YAKA / BRENDI ] - without cognac / brandy
С коньяком (бренди) / Без коньяка (бренди)

[ S - LIKYORAM / TEKILAY ] - with liquor / tequila
[ BES - LIKYORA / TEKILY ] - without liquor / tequila
С ликёром (текилой) / Без ликёра (текилы)
______________________________

LINK TO SOUND
Cold / Not cold / Warm / Hot
[ KHALODNYI ] - cold

[ NE KHALODNYI ] - not cold

[ TYOPLYI ] - warm

[ GARYACHIY ] - hot

Холодный / Не холодный / Тёплый / Горячий

Link to sound
Plate / Spoon / Fork / Knife
[ TARELKA ] - plate

[ LOZHKA ] - spoon

[ VILKA ] - fork

[ NOZH ] - knife

Тарелка / Ложка / Вилка / Нож

Link to sound
Serviette / Toothpick
[ SALFETKA ] - serviette

[ ZUBACHISTKA ] - toothpick

Салфетка / Зубочистка

Link to sound
Clear a table!
(please)
( pazhalusta ) +
[ MOZHNA UBRAT` ]

(пожалуйста)
Можно убрать

Link to sound
What will you recommend?
[ SHTO VY REKAMENDUYETE ? ]

Что вы рекомендуете?

Link to sound
What's this?
[ SHTO ETA TAKOYE ? ]

Что это такое..?

Link to sound
How do you say it in.. (Russian)?
[ KAK ETA BUDET PA... RUSSKI ? ]

Как это будет по..(русски)?

Link to sound
How much it this?
[ SKOLKA ETA STOIT ? ]

Сколько это стоит?

Figures are here, and the currency converter is here

Link to sound
Repeat, please
[ PAVTARITE PAZHALUSTA ] - Повторите, пожалуйста

Link to sound
I don't understand
[ YA NE PANIMAYU ]

Я не понимаю

Link to sound
Yes / No
[ DA / NET ]

Да / нет

Link to sound
Ok! / Good!
[ O`KEY ] / [ KHARASHO ]

Окей / Хорошо

Link to sound
Nothing more
[ BOLSHE NICHEVO ]

Больше ничего

Link to sound
Cheers !
(drinking toasts)
Russian analogue of english 'cheers' is
'TO YOUR HEALTH !
'

[ ZA TVAYO ZDAROV`YE ! ]
(addressing one person)

[ BUDEM ZDAROVY ! ]
(addressing several person)

За твоё здоровье! / Будем здоровы!

Link to sound

LEARN ALL RUSSIAN DRINKING TOASTS

Bon appetit! / Have a nice meal!
[ PRIYATNAVA APPETITA ! ]

Приятного аппетита!

Link to sound
Check, please
May we have the bill?
[ SH-CHOT PAZHALUSTA ! ]

Счёт, пожалуйста

Link to sound
Do you accept credit cards?
[ VY PRINIMAYETE KARTOCHKI ? ]

Вы принимаете карточки?

Link to sound
I will pay -
in cash / by credit card / by phone
YA ZAPLACHU -

NALICHNYMI / KARTAY / TELEFONAM


Я заплачу -
наличными / картой / телефоном

Link to sound
Thank you (very much) !
[ (Balshoye) SPASIBA ! ]

(Большое) спасибо!

Link to sound
You are welcome
[ PAZHALUSTA ]

Пожалуйста

Link to sound
Goodbye!
[ DASVIDANIYA ! ]

До свидания!

Link to sound
Bye (bye-bye) / So long !
[ PAKA (paka-paka) ! ]

Пока (пока-пока)!

Link to sound
DRINKS IN SUPERMARKET
basic vocabulary
HOT LINKS
NON-ALCO I ALCOHOL I TOASTS I Q&A

DEAR FRIENDS !


--------------------------------------------

This section is currently under reconstruction.
We apologize!


--------------------------------------------
NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
juices - soft - hot - milk
Click on a word or phrase to see a full description and translation into Russian, as well as links to short movies with live sound from a native speaker
Please do not forget the pronunciation rules

Go fast to: Hot drinks I Soft & Juice I Milk I Traditional
Beer cup / Glass / Shot
Coffee cup / Paper cup (tableware)
[ KRUZHKA ] - beer cup / mug

[ BAKAL ] - glass

[ RYUMKA ] - drink / shot *

[ CHASHKA ] - coffee / tea cup

[ STAKANCHIK ] - paper cup

Кружка / Бокал / Рюмка / Чашка / Стаканчик

Link to sound
Bottle / Can / Pack
(type of capacity)
[ BUTYLKA ] - bottle

[ BANKA ] - can

[ PACHKA ] - pack

Бутылка / Банка / Пачка

Link to sound
Liter / Half liter / 0.33 / Pint
(capacity value)
[ LITR ] - liter

[ POL - LITRA ] or [ NOL`- PYAT` ] - half liter

[ NOL`- TRI ] - 0.33 L

[ NOL`- DVA ] - 0.2 L


Литр / Пол-литра (ноль-пять) / Ноль-три / Ноль-два

Link to sound

Attention! In Russia, a metric system is used. Therefore, if you need a pint of beer, order a half liter of the drink.

British pint ≈ 0.57 L
American pint ≈ 0.47 L
Half liter = 0.50 L


Water / Mineral water
[ VADA ] - water

[ MINERALNAYA VADA ] - mineral water

Вода / Минеральная вода

Link to sound

Attention! Unfortunately, quality of tap water in Russia is not always good! Therefore, we do not recommend drinking tap water without additional filtration and boiling.
If you get some water in your mouth while showering or brushing teeth, this isn't a reason to rush to the hospital. But for drinking water use bottled water.
Carbonated / Not carbonated
[ S GAZAM ] - carbonated

[ BES GAZA ] - not carbonated


С газом / Без газа

Link to sound
Cold / Not cold / Warm / Hot
[ KHALODNYI ] - cold

[ NE KHALODNYI ] - not cold

[ TYOPLYI ] - warm

[ GARYACHIY ] - hot

Холодный / Не холодный / Тёплый / Горячий

Link to sound
With / Without (+ Sugar / Ice)
[ S - .. ] - with something
[ BES - .. ] - without something
С .. / Без ..

[ S - SAKHAROM ] - with sugar
[ BES - SAKHARA ] - without sugar
С сахаром / Без сахара

[ S - L`DOM ] - with ice
[ BES - L`DA ] - without ice
С льдом / Без льда


Link to sound
With / Without (+ Milk / Cream)
[ S - .. ] - with something
[ BES - .. ] - without something
С .. / Без ..

[ S - MALAKOM / SLIVKAMI ] - with milk/cream
[ BES - MALAKA / SLIVAK ] - without milk/cream
С молоком (сливками) / Без молока (сливок)

Link to sound
Coffee / Instant coffee / Three in one
[ KOFE ] - instant coffee

[ RASTVARIMYI KOFE ] - instant coffee

[ TRI V ADNOM ] - three in one

Кофе / Растворимый кофе / Три в одном

Link to sound
Americano / Espresso / Cappuccino / Latte
[ AMERIKANO ] - Americano

[ ESPRESSO ] - Espresso

[ KAPUCHINO ] - Cappuccino

[ LATE ] - Latte

Американо / Эспрессо / Капучино / Латте

Link to sound
Hot chocolate
[ GARYACHIY SHAKALAT ]

Горячий шоколад

Link to sound
Tea bag / Loose tea
[ CHAY F PAKETIKE ] - Tea bag

[ RASSYPNOY CHAY ] - Loose tea

Чай в пакетике / Рассыпной чай

Link to sound
Black tea / Green tea
[ CHORNYI CHAY ] - black tea

[ ZELYONYI CHAY ] - green tea

Чёрный чай / Зелёный чай

Link to sound
Soft drinks (Cola and others)

Translator is not needed here! In Russia there are all well-known brands of beverages (e.g. Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, etc). Just say the brand!

We also recommend you to try unique Russian drink Baikal (in Russian - БАЙКАЛ). Some people call it "Russian cola", although this is not entirely true, because the composition includes natural Russian herb extracts. Learn more

Note! Exclusive rights to the drink of Baikal belong to the company Aqualife - the trademark "Drinks from Chernogolovka" (see the logo). Baikal with any other logo is counterfeit!


Juice / Fresh juice / Types of
Juice - [ SOK ]
Fresh juice - [ FRESH ]

Сок / Фреш

Link to sound
Orange juice
[ APELSINAVY SOK ]

Апельсиновый сок

Link to sound
Grapefruit juice
[ GREIPFRUTAVY SOK ]

Грейпфрутовый сок

Link to sound
Apple juice
[ YABLACHNYI SOK ]

Яблочный сок

Link to sound
Peach juice
[ PERSIKAVY SOK ]

Персиковый сок

Link to sound
Pineapple juice
[ ANANASAVY SOK ]

Ананасовый сок

Link to sound
Grape juice
[ VINAGRADNY SOK ]

Виноградный сок

Link to sound
Pomegranate juice
[ GRANATAVY SOK ]

Гранатовый сок

Link to sound
Multifruit juice
[ MULTIFRUT ]

Мультифрут

Link to sound
Tomato juice
[ TAMATNY SOK ]

Томатный сок

Link to sound
Carrot juice
[ MARKOVNY SOK ]

Морковный сок

Link to sound
Vegetable juice (mix)
[ AVASHCHNOY MIX ]

Овощной микс

Link to sound
Birch sap / water
(Russian traditional drink)
[ BERYOZAVYI SOK ] - Birch sap / water
Russian traditional drink. What's this?

Берёзовый сок

Link to sound
Kompot
- traditional drink -
[ KAMPOT ] - Kompot

Компот

Kompot is a non-carbonated sweet drink prepared from apples and (or) various berries. It's made by boiling fruits and berries (incl dried) with sugar and subsequent cooling.

[ YABLACHNYI KAMPOT ] - apple kompot

[ KLUBNICHNYI KAMPOT ] - strawberry kompot

[ VISHNYOVYI KAMPOT ] - cherry kompot

Link to sound
Mors
- traditional drink -
[ MORS ] - Mors

Морс

True Russian Mors is a non-carbonated fruit drink prepared from berries, mainly from lingonberry, cranberry, sometimes blueberry. It's made by mixing pure juice with sweetened water.

[ KLYUKVENNYI MORS ] - cranberry mors

[ BRUSNICHNYI MORS ] - lingonberry mors

[ CHERNICHNYI MORS ] - blueberry mors

Link to sound
Kvass
- traditional drink -
[ KVAS ] - Kvass

Квас

Kvass is a non-alcohol or low-alcohol beverage (0.5–2.0%). True Kvass is made by the natural fermentation of bread. Most often using rye, wheat and barley with the addition of sugar and a yeast culture. As a flavor is used raisins. Learn More

Link to sound
Milk / Lactose-Free Milk
[ MALAKO ] - Milk

[ BESLAKTOZNAYE MALAKO ] -
Lactose-Free Milk


Молоко / Безлактозное молоко

Link to sound
Cream
[ SLIFKI ] - Cream

Сливки

Link to sound
Milkshake
[ MALOCHNYI KAKTEIL` ] -
Milkshake

Молочный коктейль

Link to sound
Kefir
[ KIFIR ]

Кефир

Link to sound
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
strong - wines - beer - cocktails
By continuing to read, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old. Otherwise, leave this section immediately!

Click on a word or phrase to see a full description and translation into Russian, as well as links to short movies with live sound from a native speaker
Please do not forget the pronunciation rules

In addition, please, read the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia. Also, learn how to identify a fake and how to choose the best vodka!

GO FAST ► Strong Alcohol I Wines I Cocktails I Beer
Bottle / Can / Pack
(type of capacity)
[ BUTYLKA ] - bottle

[ BANKA ] - can

[ PACHKA ] - pack

Бутылка / Банка / Пачка

Link to sound
Beer cup / Glass / Shot
Coffee cup / Paper cup (tableware)
[ KRUZHKA ] - beer cup / mug

[ BAKAL ] - glass

[ RYUMKA ] - drink / shot *

[ CHASHKA ] - coffee / tea cup

[ STAKANCHIK ] - paper cup

Кружка / Бокал / Рюмка / Чашка / Стаканчик

Link to sound

* Note! Shot sizes in Russia
In everyday life, Russians equate volume less than 500ml/O,5L to weight. For example, if you need 100 ml of vodka, need to say - [ STO GRAM VODKI, PAZHALUSTA ] (one hundred grams of vodka, please).

Typical shots

Small / Single - 50 ml
[ PET`DESYAT GRAM ] - fifty ml

Double - 100 ml
[ STO GRAM ] - one hundred ml

Numbers in Russian

Link to sound
Liter / Half liter / 0.33 / Pint
(capacity value)
[ LITR ] - liter

[ POL - LITRA ] or [ NOL`-PYAT` ] - half liter

[ NOL`- TRI ] - 0.33 L

[ NOL`- DVA ] - 0.2 L


Литр / Пол-литра (ноль-пять) / Ноль-три / Ноль-два

Link to sound

Attention! In Russia, a metric system is used. Therefore, if you need a pint of beer, order a half liter of the drink.

British pint ≈ 0.57 L
American pint ≈ 0.47 L
Half liter = 0.50 L


With / Without (cocktails)
[ S - .. ] - with something
[ BES - .. ] - without something
С .. / Без ..
______________________________

[ S - L`DOM ] - with ice
[ BES - L`DA ] - without ice
С льдом / Без льда

[ S - SOKAM ] - with juice
[ BES - SOKA ] - without juice
С соком / Без сока

[ S - KOLAI / TONIKAM ] - with cola / tonic
[ BES - KOLY / TONIKA ] - without cola / tonic
С колой (тоником) / Без колы (тоника)

[ S - VODKAI / MARTINI ] - with vodka / martini
[ BES - VODKI / MARTINI ] - without vodka / martini
С водкой (мартини) / Без водки (мартини)

[ S - KON-YAKOM / BRENDI ] - with cognac / brandy
[ BES - KON-YAKA / BRENDI ] - without cognac / brandy
С коньяком (бренди) / Без коньяка (бренди)

[ S - LIKYORAM / TEKILAY ] - with liquor / tequila
[ BES - LIKYORA / TEKILY ] - without liquor / tequila
С ликёром (текилой) / Без ликёра (текилы)
______________________________

LINK TO SOUND
VODKA incl fruit-flavored
(+ 5 top shots with vodka)
NOTE! This information is intended for Russian-speaking staff to correctly understand your question or request, as well as for self-identification of goods in a store or in the menu (wine list) of a bar or restaurant.

Pay attention to the rules of pronunciation. In Russian language words often are pronounced differently than they are spelled.

Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation! If in doubt about the correct pronunciation or spelling of a Russian word in Cyrillic, click on the 'Link to sound'. You will be presented with a short slide show with the correct pronunciation from a native speaker.

There are world famous vodka brands in Russian bars and supermarkets. There are not so many of them and you will identify them without prompts.
Russian brands, often of very high quality and not so expensive, can be found on the shelves and on the menu in much larger quantities. But text on the bottle or in the wine list will not always be duplicated in English, so you should look for the Russian word
ВОДКА.
Look at the pictures

A guide on how to choose a good quality product, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here
Types of packs, shots, cocktails, etc see here

Vodka -
[ VOTKA ]
ВОДКА

Lemon / Citron Vodka -
[ LIMONNAYA VOTKA ]
ЛИМОННАЯ ВОДКА

Lime Vodka -
[ VOTKA - LAIM ]
ВОДКА ЛАЙМ

Vanilla Vodka -
[ VANIL`NAYA VOTKA ]
ВАНИЛЬНАЯ ВОДКА

Raspberry Vodka -
[ MALINAVAYA VOTKA ]
МАЛИНОВАЯ ВОДКА

LINK TO SOUND
________________________________

Vodka with Orange Juice
[ VOTKA S-APLELSINAVYM SOKAM ] or
[ ATVYORTKA ] - 'Screwdriver' cocktail
ВОДКА С АПЕЛЬСИНОВЫМ СОКОМ or
ОТВЁРТКА

Vodka with Tomato Juice
[ VOTKA S-TAMATNYM SOKAM ] or
[ KRAVAVAYA MERI ] - 'Bloody Mary' cocktail
ВОДКА С ТОМАТНЫМ СОКОМ or
КРОВАВАЯ МЕРИ

Martini with Vodka (cocktail)
[ MARTINI S-VOTKAI ]
МАРТИНИ С ВОДКОЙ

Black Russian (cocktail)
Vodka with coffee liqueur
[ CHORNYI RUSSKIY ] or
[ VOTKA S-KAFEINYM LIKYORAM ]
ЧЁРНЫЙ РУССКИЙ

Vodka with ICE
[ VOTKA SA-LDOM ]
ВОДКА СО ЛЬДОМ

LINK TO SOUND
Pepper Vodka / Herb-infused vodka
Pertsovka / Zubrowka
Bitter Herb-infused Vodka -
[ GOR`KAYA NASTOYKA ]
ГОРЬКАЯ НАСТОЙКА

Pepper Vodka -
[ PERTSOVKA ]
ПЕРЦОВКА

Bison Grass Vodka -
[ ZUBROFKA ]
ЗУБРОВКА

LINK TO SOUND
_________________________

PAY ATTENTION!
Unlike fruit-flavored vodkas, bitter type of vodkas infused with pepper and also herb-infused vodkas, in Russia have their own name - Настойка / Nastoyka.
Almost all over the world such drinks are called vodka with an indication of the flavor, for example, 'Chili Pepper Vodka', but on bottle labels on the shelves of Russian supermarkets and in the menu of restaurants, in this case, you should look for two words - НАСТОЙКА ГОРЬКАЯ

Why two words? It is important not to be mistaken, because the word НАСТОЙКА / NASTOYKA in Russia also refers to medium-strong sweet alcoholic drinks, analogs of so-called 'Ratafia Liqueurs'. See details

Why so? The fact is that in both cases, the production technology consists in maceration and (or) the addition of various ingredients to alcohol.

However, Russian medium-strong (~ 18-25%) liqueur drinks are almost always sweet and made on the basis of natural fruits and berries with added sugar. But strong, usually herb (spice) flavored, drinks (~ 35-45%) are always bitter. ГОРЬКАЯ НАСТОЙКА literally translates as BITTER TINCTURE, but, of course, in this case it is not intended for medical purposes.

However, the word Настойка in Russian really also denotes medicinal preparations based on ethyl alcohol, what in English is designated as Tincture.

You don't have to worry too much about whether you can correctly identify this or that type of 'Nastoyka'. There are many types of bitter vodkas in Russia, but only two types of such an alcoholic drink are most popular and you are most likely familiar with them.

Firstly, this is the same pepper vodka. A typical Russian counterpart differs from the export one by the inscription on the bottle of ГОРЬКАЯ НАСТОЙКА (not vodka), as well as by its amber-caramel color, light or dark, depending on the manufacturer. Almost always this product will be called ПЕРЦОВКА / PERTSOVKA and have the image of chili peppers on the label

And, of course, this is the world famous bison grass vodka - ZUBROWKA

Interestingly, in Russia for Russians, 'Zubrowka' is not only a well-known Polish brand, but also the name of the entire type of bison grass infused vodkas. Several types of vodkas are produced under the ZUBROWKA brand, but if you order Zubrowka in a bar or look for this product in a store, then 9 out of 10 Russians will understand that you need not just a brand, but particular bison grass vodka.

In addition, in Russian stores and restaurants you can find both Zubrowka made in Poland and Russian made. Moreover, with absolutely the same bottle design and the same content. This is not a fake. Maybe you didn't know, but now the Zubrowka brand belongs to a Russian company, the owner of the 'Stolichnaya' and 'Russian Standard' brands.

Want to drink Zubrowka? Look for a bottle with a pale amber color which contains a leaf of real bison grass!
____________________

Bitter Herb-infused Vodka -
[ GOR`KAYA NASTOYKA ]
ГОРЬКАЯ НАСТОЙКА

Pepper Vodka -
[ PERTSOVKA ]
ПЕРЦОВКА

Bison Grass Vodka -
[ ZUBROFKA ]
ЗУБРОВКА

LINK TO SOUND
SAMOGON (Russian Moonshine)
home made vodka
- traditional drink -
'Samogon' - a Russian home made vodka or
'Russian Moonshine'

[ SAMAGON ]
САМОГОН

Pay attention to the rules of correct pronunciation. In fact, the Russians pronounce 'Samogon' as SAMAGON (letter A in the second syllable). However, the emphasis is on the third syllable (the letter O). Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. In Russian, as in many other languages, words are pronounced differently than they are spelled. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word. Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation!

LINK TO LIVE SOUND

Samogon (in Russian - САМОГОН, a Russian traditional strong alcoholic beverage) is a homemade vodka obtained by distillation in the simplest distillation evaporation stills. Russians use vegetables and (or) fruits as basic raw materials. Potatoes, beets, apples and also legumes, usually peas. In the southern regions grapes (CHACHA / ЧАЧА - homemade grappa/rakia) and apricots. Cereals are practically not used in the production of homemade vodka.

Unlike the industrial production of ethanol, there is no fractionation stage in distillation columns (towers) during the preparation of home vodka (Samogon). Accordingly, in Samogon, in addition to ethyl alcohol, a certain amount of impurities remains, usually fusel oils, remains, which gives the finished product a specific taste and smell.

That is why Samogon is consumed only straight and is not good for making cocktails. It is highly discouraged to drink 'Russian Moonshine' along with other alcoholic beverages. As a snack, Russians usually use salted bacon or herring, onion, salted or fresh cucumbers, cabbage, mushrooms, boiled and fried potatoes.

Although laboratory studies prove that that any 'Samogon' is not as high quality as a vodka from a supermarket, in reality, for their own consumption, villagers produce sufficiently high-quality alcoholic beverages and prefer to drink homemade vodka.

Therefore, if you are visiting a Russian family and you are offered to drink Samogon, do not worry about your health the next morning. Of course, if you do not abuse the amount of alcohol consumed, which is true of any spirit beverage.

Be careful! Do not drink or buy Samogon / Russian Moonshine in random places!

Since 'Samogon' is super popular in Russia, vodka factories began to produce this product in an industrial way. However, in the production, wheat or rye (sometimes other cereals as well as grapes) is mainly used as raw material, and the degree of purification from fusel oils and other harmful impurities is much higher.

In the production and sale of SAMOGON / САМОГОН, marketers try to make it as similar as possible to homemade moonshine, so very simple and cheap bottles with almost handwritten labels are used as containers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff

Now you can be sure that..
1) you will find the right shop or cafe
2) the staff will understand you and you will understand the staff
3) you yourself correctly identify any goods

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts

SMALL MOVIE
BAIJIU
(Chinese Vodka)
Baijiu (Chinese vodka)
[ BAITS-ZYU ]
БАЙЦЗЮ

Link to sound

Pay attention to the rules of correct pronunciation. Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English.
Besides, in Russian, as in many other languages, words are pronounced differently than they are spelled. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word. Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation!
______________________________

Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

Now you can be sure that..
1) you will find the right shop or cafe
2) the staff will understand you and you will understand the staff
3) you yourself correctly identify any goods

Most likely, you will not find Baijiu on the shelves of supermarkets, with the possible exceptions of special alcohol stores. But it fill definitely be waiting for you in the many Chinese restaurants.
We show you how it`s spelled in Russian in order to find an item on the bar menu. And also how it`s pronounced by a real Russian.

SMALL MOVIE

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
GRAPPA / RAKIA / CHACHA
(grape vodka)
Hello! Today you are in luck, because the names of these drinks in Russian sound almost the same as in the whole world. Nevertheless, pay attention to the rules of correct pronunciation. Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word.

Grappa
[ GRAPPA ]
ГРАППА

Rakia
[ RAKIYA ]
РАКИЯ

Link to sound

In Russia grape vodka is not a very popular alcoholic drink. Therefore, it is most likely that you will not be able to find classic Grappa or Rakia on the shelves of ordinary supermarkets. But there is a chance to find it in some specialty alco-stores. If you would like to find these drinks on the bar menu, then you should go to one of the restaurants serving national cuisine. For example, Italian, Balkan.

However, in Russia, especially in the southern regions, there is a fairly popular analogue of Grappa (Rakia). The name is very simple and you can easily remember it - CHACHA. This is a kind of homemade vodka or Russian Moonshine, called SAMOGON in Russia (see above). Since this strong drink is quite popular, they began to make it in vodka factories.

Want to try Russian Grappa? Look for the word ЧАЧА / CHACHA on labels and on the bar menu. The highest chance you will have in Georgian / Caucasus cuisine national restaurants.

Chacha (traditional beverage)
[ CHACHA ]
ЧАЧА

Link to sound

As we have already said, Russian grape vodka (Chacha) also has a common name for this type of drink - САМОГОН / SAMOGON. In this case, be sure to pay attention to the second word on the label. You should find a bottle labeled САМОГОН ВИНОГРАДНЫЙ (САМОГОН = moonshine ; ВИНОГРАДНЫЙ = GRAPE)
______________________________

Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
TEQUILA
(& tequila-based cocktails)
Tequila
[ TEKILA ]
ТЕКИЛА

Link to sound

NOTE! This information is intended for Russian-speaking staff to correctly understand your question or request, as well as for self-identification of goods in a store or in the menu (wine list) of a bar or restaurant.

Pay attention to the rules of pronunciation. In Russian language words often are pronounced differently than they are spelled.

Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation! If in doubt about the correct pronunciation or spelling of a Russian word in Cyrillic, click on the 'Link to sound'. You will be presented with a short slide show with the correct pronunciation from a native speaker.

Russia does not produce Tequila. It saves you the problem of choice, because you will find all well-known brands on the shelves of the store and bar. And if you don't find what you need right away, ask the staff. In this case you can speak even in English - everyone will understand it!

It is one of the most popular drinks. Tequila is consumed straight, and also as a base for cocktails. Therefore, here are the names of the most famous tequila-based cocktails in Russian language!

in English
[ in RUSSIAN - Transliterated by Latin ]

IN RUSSIAN

'Tequila Bum-Bum' / Tequila & Sprite
[ TEKILA i SPRAIT ] /
[ KAKTEIL TEKILA BUM-BUM ]

ТЕКИЛА И СПРАЙТ /
КОКТЕЙЛЬ ТЕКИЛА БУМ-БУМ

'Paloma' cocktail / Tequila + Lime juice + Grapefruit Soda
[ KAKTEIL PALOMA ] /
[ TEKILA - LAIM - GREIPFRUT - LIMANAD ]

КОКТЕЙЛЬ ПАЛОМА /
ТЕКИЛА - ЛАЙМ - ГРЕЙПФРУТ - ЛИМОНАД

'Margarita' Cocktail
[ KAKTEIL MARGARITA ]

КОКТЕЙЛЬ МАРГАРИТА

'Sunrise' cocktail / Tequila + Orange juice + Grenadine syrup
[ KAKTEIL SANRAIS ] / [ VASKHADYASH-CHEYE SOLN-TSE ]
/ [ TEKILA - APELSINAVYI SOK - SIROP GRENADINA ]

КОКТЕЙЛЬ САНРАЙЗ / ВОСХОДЯЩЕЕ СОЛНЦЕ
ТЕКИЛА - АПЕЛЬСИНОВЫЙ СОК - СИРОП ГРЕНАДИНА

'Matador' cocktail / Tequila + Pineapple juice + Lime juice
[ KAKTEIL MATADOR ] /
[ TEKILA - ANANASAVYI SOK - SOK LAIMA ]

КОКТЕЙЛЬ МАТАДОР /
ТЕКИЛА - АПЕЛЬСИНОВЫЙ СОК - СОК ЛАЙМА

LINK TO SOUND

More cocktails

A guide on how to choose a good quality product, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here
Types of packs, shots, cocktails, etc see here
GIN
(& gin-based cocktails)
Gin
[ DZHIN ]
ДЖИН

Link to sound

NOTE! This information is intended for Russian-speaking staff to correctly understand your question or request, as well as for self-identification of goods in a store or in the menu (wine list) of a bar or restaurant.

Pay attention to the rules of pronunciation. In Russian language words often are pronounced differently than they are spelled.

Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation! If in doubt about the correct pronunciation or spelling of a Russian word in Cyrillic, click on the 'Link to sound'. You will be presented with a short slide show with the correct pronunciation from a native speaker.

Russia practically does not produce Gin, at least Russia is not a manufacturer of quality worl-famous brands. It saves you the problem of choice, because you will find all well-known brands on the shelves of the store and bar. And if you don't find what you need right away, ask the staff. In this case you can speak even in English - everyone will understand it!

Gin is not often consumed straight, but as a base for cocktails it is one of the most popular drinks. Therefore, here are the names of the most famous gin-based cocktails in Russian language!

Gin & Tonic / Gin-Tonic
[ DZHIN S TONIKAM ]

ДЖИН С ТОНИКОМ

Gin & Coke / Gin with cola
[ DZHIN S KOLAI ]

ДЖИН С КОЛОЙ

Gin & Martini / 'Dry Martini' cocktail
[ DZHIN S MARTINI ]

ДЖИН С МАРТИНИ

Gin & Campari / 'Negroni' cocktail
[ DZHIN S KAMPARI ] /
[ KAKTEIL NEGRONI ]

ДЖИН С КАМПАРИ /
КОКТЕЙЛЬ НЕГРОНИ

Gin & Lime juice / 'Gimlet' cocktail
[ DZHIN S SOKAM LAIMA ] /
[ KAKTEIL GIMLET ] /
[ KAKTEIL BURAFCHIK ] (Russian name)
ДЖИН С СОКОМ ЛАЙМА /
КОКТЕЙЛЬ ГИМЛЕТ /
КОКТЕЙЛЬ БУРАВЧИК

LINK TO SOUND

More cocktails

A guide on how to choose a good quality product, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here
Types of packs, shots, cocktails, etc see here
RUM
(& rum based cocktails)
Rum
[ ROM ]
РОМ

Cachaça (Brazilian rum)
[ KASHASA ]

КАШАСА

Link to sound

NOTE! This information is intended for Russian-speaking staff to correctly understand your question or request, as well as for self-identification of goods in a store or in the menu (wine list) of a bar or restaurant.

Pay attention to the rules of pronunciation. In Russian language words often are pronounced differently than they are spelled.

Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation! If in doubt about the correct pronunciation or spelling of a Russian word in Cyrillic, click on the 'Link to sound'. You will be presented with a short slide show with the correct pronunciation from a native speaker.

In Russia almost no Rum is produced and it saves you the problem of choice, because you will find all world-famous brands on the shelves of the store and bar. And if you don't find what you need right away, ask the staff. In this case you can speak even in English - everyone will understand it!

Rum is not often consumed straight, but as a base for cocktails it is one of the most popular drinks. Therefore, here are the names of the most famous rum-based cocktails in Russian language!

Grog
[ GROG ]
ГРОГ

Rum with cola / Cuba Libre
[ ROM S-KOLAI ] / [ KUBA LIBRE ]
РОМ С КОЛОЙ / КУБА ЛИБРЕ

Pina Colada
[ PINA KALADA ]
ПИНА КОЛАДА

Mojito
[ MAKHITA ]
МОХИТО

Daiquiri
[ DAIKIRI ]
ДАЙКИРИ

LINK TO SOUND


More cocktails

A guide on how to choose a good quality product, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here
Types of packs, shots, cocktails, etc see here

WHISKY / WHISKEY
(incl Bourbon)
Whisky / Whiskey
[ VISKI ]
ВИСКИ

Bourbon
[ BURBON ]
БУРБОН

Link to sound

NOTE! This information is intended for Russian-speaking staff to correctly understand your question or request, as well as for self-identification of goods in a store or in the menu (wine list) of a bar or restaurant.

Pay attention to the rules of pronunciation. In Russian language words often are pronounced differently than they are spelled.

Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation! If in doubt about the correct pronunciation or spelling of a Russian word in Cyrillic, click on the 'Link to sound'. You will be presented with a short slide show with the correct pronunciation from a native speaker.

In Russia almost no whiskey is produced and it saves you the problem of choice, because you will find all world-famous brands on the shelves of the store and bar. And if you don't find what you need right away, ask the staff. In this case you can speak even in English - everyone will understand it!

Scotch Whisky
[ SHATLANTSKIY VISKI ]
ШОТЛАНДСКИЙ ВИСКИ

Irish Whiskey
[ IRLANTSKIY VISKI ]
ИРЛАНДСКИЙ ВИСКИ

American Whiskey
[ AMERIKANSKIY VISKI ]
АМЕРИКАНСКИЙ ВИСКИ

Canadian Whiskey
[ KANATSKIY VISKI ]
КАНАДСКИЙ ВИСКИ

Link to sound

And a little bonus - two of the most popular shots with whisky

Whisky with ice cubes
[ VISKI SA-LDOM ]
ВИСКИ СО ЛЬДОМ

Whisky with cola
[ VISKI S-KOLAI ]
ВИСКИ С КОЛОЙ


More cocktails

A guide on how to choose a good quality product, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here
Types of packs, shots, cocktails, etc see here

COGNAC / BRANDY
(incl so-called Russian Cognac)
Cognac
[ KANI-YAK ]
КОНЬЯК

Brandy
[ BRENDI ]
БРЕНДИ

Link to sound

Pay attention to the rules of correct pronunciation. Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English.
Besides, in Russian, as in many other languages, words are pronounced differently than they are spelled. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word. Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation!
______________________________

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
Please, read description to the end.

Hello! You can be sure to easily find almost all the most popular brands in Russian shops and bar menus. BUT! YOU SHOULD KNOW! Russia does not accept the French monopoly on Cognac and produces several of its own types of brandy, which in Russia are called Cognac. We are not discussing here 'how good or bad is it'. We give information that there are such drinks and some of them are really worthy to try them.

According to Russian law, a local brandy is considered a Russian Cognac, in the blend of which the youngest distillate has been aged for at least three years in a cask. The quality grade of Russian Cognac is indicated by a digit or several asterisks on the bottle, which indicate the number of years of aging.In Russia, five-year cognacs are most popular, which local residents call PYAT` ZVYOZDACHEK (Five Stars).

What domestic cognacs can you buy in Russia? How high is their quality? Not an easy question! There are a lot of local brands in Russia, but really good ones, perhaps only three. (Please, watch video).

These producers make Cognac only from their own grapes according to ancient traditions. Quality has been confirmed by many Russian awards and also international, but albeit in the Brandy category. You understand :-) This is not an AD, but just advice. Since almost all other manufacturers make their cognac and brandy from distillates brought from other countries and the quality and taste are very unstable. A beautiful bottle and an expensive price do not always guarantee the pleasure of the drink. So...

*****
3. КОКТЕБЕЛЬ / KOKTEBEL
Very good cognacs from the Crimea region. The product line includes both relatively inexpensive 3-5 year old cognacs and elite 30 year old varieties.

*****
2. НОЙ / NOY
Fine quality cognacs from Armenia. The most famous cognac brand of the former Soviet Union was labeled as "NOY", after Noah whose Ark has rested on the Mountains of Ararat, according to the biblical scriptures of the Book of Genesis. Little known fact, but it is true. Mr Churchill, former British Prime Minister, was very fond of drinking Armenian Cognac and on a personal request, from the USSR 400 bottles of Armenian Cognac were shipped to Churchill annually. Now, in Russia, relatively inexpensive varieties with distillate aging from 3 to 7 years are popular.

*****
1. KIZLYAR COGNAC FACTORY / КИЗЛЯРСКИЙ КОНЬЯЧНЫЙ ЗАВОД
This is not a brand of cognac, but the name of a factory from region of Dagestan. This oldest Russian plant produces many of its own brands, which are justly considered the best. Therefore, even cognacs with a short aging from this factory are quite expensive. The most famous brands of this plant (usually labels are only in Russian): Лезгинка / Lezginka * Кизляр / Kizlyar * Казбек / Kazbek * Дагестан / Dagestan * Багратион / Bagration

To easily find cognacs of this factory - pay attention to the logo on the bottles. On any of them there will be a portrait of the Russian general Bagration (watch video)
______________________________

Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

Now you can be sure that..
1) you will find the right shop or cafe
2) the staff will understand you and you will understand the staff
3) you yourself correctly identify any goods

Perhaps you will not find in an ordinary supermarket absolutely all brands of cognac / brandy you know, as well as those presented here. But we advise you to stop by with specialty alcohol stores. There is much more choice waiting for you.
We have not indicated here the names of cocktails based on cognac and brandy, because in Russia they are unpopular and local residents have a tradition of drinking these drinks only straight.

Watch a small movie
We show you how it`s spelled in Russian in order to find an item on the bar menu. And also how it`s pronounced by a real Russian.

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia, read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
CALVADOS
(incl so-called Russian Calvados)

The name of this drink in Russian sound almost the same as in the whole world. Nevertheless, pay attention to the rules of correct pronunciation. Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word.

Calvados
[ KAL`VADAS ]
КАЛЬВАДОС

Link to sound

In Russia Calvados is not a very popular alcoholic drink. Therefore, it is most likely that you will not be able to find classic French or British apple or pear brandy on the shelves of ordinary supermarkets. But there is a chance to find it in specialty alco-stores and also on the menu of good bars or restaurants.

Besides, in Russia there is a analogue of Calvados. The name is very simple and you can easily remember it.. - CALVADOS! The fact is that Russia does not accept the French monopoly on Cognac, Сhampagne wine and Calvados and produces several of its own types of these drinks, which in Russia are called Cognac, Champagne and Calvados. We are not discussing here 'how good or bad is it'. We give information that there are such drinks and some of them are really worthy to try them.

Want to try Russian Calvados? Look for the 'КАЛЬВАДОС ДЕРБЕНТСКИЙ' (Calvados from Derbent region) on bottle labels.
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Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
ABSINTHE
The name of this drink in Russian sound almost the same as in the whole world. Nevertheless, pay attention to the rules of correct pronunciation. Transliteration is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Our transliterated text does not always match the correct spelling, but it always matches the correct pronunciation. Dashes below indicate stress (accent) a certain syllable in a word.

Absinthe
[ ABSENT ]

АБСЕНТ

Link to sound

Absinthe is not a popular alcoholic drink in Russia. Therefore, on the shelves of ordinary supermarkets and even special alcohol stores, most likely you will find a maximum of one or two brands. For the same reason, in bars and restaurants you will either not find absinthe on the menu, or you will find only one or two types.

On a bar menu, absinthe can be a separate chapter, but very often they are written down as liqueurs, tinctures or bitters. Therefore, even in the store, look for a green bottle in the same place where you expected to see, for example, Jagermeister or Becherovka.

You must be ready for the fact that not every pub will be able to prepare absinthe in French or Bohemian method. You will most likely get a shot (straight) or a simple cocktail like the 'Green Dragon' (Absinthe + 7Up). But in expensive high-end bars, you can hope to get both of them without any problems. And even something else.

In addition. Absinthe colors:
Green - [ ZELYONYI ] - ЗЕЛЁНЫЙ
Yellow - [ ZHOLTYI ] - ЖЁЛТЫЙ
Red - [ KRASNYI ] - КРАСНЫЙ
Black - [ CHORNYI ] - ЧЁРНЫЙ

______________________________

Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
LIQUEURS
Liqueurs are a very popular alcoholic beverage in Russia. You can easily find almost all well-known brands. Even the word LIQUOR sounds in Russian almost the same as in English:

Liquor
[ LIKYOR ]
ЛИКЁР

Link to sound

Of course, you can easily find the right label in the supermarket. But in bars, especially where there are no tourists, the menu, quite possibly, can only be in Russian. In this case, first look in the bar menu for the Russian word ЛИКЁРЫ (liqueurs)

Writing of any liqueur types (brands) in Russian can also be a problem for you. Therefore, here are the names of the most famous liqueurs in Russian language with translation into English!

Sambuca
[ SAMBUKA ]
САМБУКА

Cointreau
[ KUANTRO ]
КУАНТРО

Limoncello
[ LIMONCHELLO ]
ЛИМОНЧЕЛЛО

Curaçao
[ KYURASAO ]
КЮРАСАО

Amaretto
[ AMARETTO ]
АМАРЕТТО

Baileys
[ BEILIS ]
БЕЙЛИС

Sheridan`s
[ SHERIDANS ]
ШЕРИДАНС

Kahlua
[ KALUA ]
КАЛУА

Malibu
[ MALIBU ]
МАЛИБУ

LINK TO SOUND

Do you like sweet alcoholic beverages? We recommend trying Russian liqueurs! Most often these are natural drinks based on berries or fruits. See below

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Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
NALIVKA & sweet NASTOYKA
(Russian Berry Liqueurs)
- traditional drinks -
Liqueurs are a very popular alcoholic beverage in Russia. However, Russian traditional liqueurs are somewhat different from the classic ones. They are almost always made from natural berries or fruits based on neutral alcohol. In Russian, these drinks have unique names that cannot be translated literally into other languages,
namely: (Russian name in Latin / Correct pronunciation / Name in Cyrillic)

Nalivka
[ NALIFKA ]

НАЛИВКА
Approximate translation is 'Sweet berry infusion'

and

Sladkaya Nastoyka
[ SLATKAYA NASTOYKA ]

СЛАДКАЯ НАСТОЙКА
Approximate translation is Sweet berry tincture'

Link to sound

These are sweet dessert medium-strength alcoholic drinks. The sugar content can be up to 40%. The alcohol content is usually around 20%, with a maximum of 25%. Correctly used as a digestif. However.. very often locals consider these drinks to be female booze.
Perhaps this is the reason for the paradoxical fact. You can easily find many types and brands of Russian NALIVKAs and NASTOYKAs in any supermarkets and very rarely on the bar menu. However, if you definitely want to try it in a bar, different varieties and in good quality, then we will tell you where to look.

Go to restaurants of national Russian cuisine or special bars, where these drinks are the main ones and are often made directly there.
How to find? Open Google. Copy and paste this phrase:
'бар домашние настойки moscow'
and change the name of the city if you are not in Moscow (you can use Latin letters). Done!

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

In Russia, almost every distillery produces traditional liqueur drinks, often under their own brands. Therefore, both in bars and in the store, you can find similar drinks from different manufacturers. This is not a problem as the recipes is practically the same.
But writing and composition of any Russian liqueur types (brands) in Cyrillic can also be a problem for you. Therefore, here we show you the names of the most famous with translation into English!

Lingonberry Sweet Tincture
[ BRUSNICHNAYA SLATKAYA NASTOYKA ]

БРУСНИЧНАЯ СЛАДКАЯ НАСТОЙКА
Composition: lingonberry juice, sugar, water, alcohol ~20%

Cranberry Sweet Tincture
[ KLYUKVENNAYA SLATKAYA NASTOYKA ]

КЛЮКВЕННАЯ СЛАДКАЯ НАСТОЙКА
Composition: cranberry juice, sugar, water, alcohol ~20%

Cherry Sweet Infusion
[ VISHNYOVAYA SLATKAYA NALIFKA ]

ВИШНЁВАЯ СЛАДКАЯ НАЛИВКА
Composition: cherry juice, sugar, water, alcohol ~20%

Plum Sweet Infusion
[ SLIVOVAYA SLATKAYA NALIFKA ] or
[ SLIVYANKA ]

СЛИВОВАЯ СЛАДКАЯ НАЛИВКА or
СЛИВЯНКА
Composition: plum juice, sugar, alcohol ~20%

Rowanberry Sweet Tincture or
'Rowanberry on Cognac'

[ RYABINAVAYA SLATKAYA NASTOYKA ] or

[ RYABINA NA-KAN`YAKE ]
Composition: rowanberry juice, brandy ~20%, sugar, water


Cherry & Plum Sweet Infusion or
'Nalivka Zapekanka'

[ VISHNYOVA-SLIVOVAYA NALIFKA ] or
[ NALIFKA ZAPEKANKA ]

ВИШНЁВО-СЛИВОВАЯ НАЛИВКА or
НАЛИВКА ЗАПЕКАНКА
Composition: cherry juice, plum juice, sugar, alc ~20%

Cherry & Blueberry Sweet Infusion or'Nalivka Spotykatch'
[ VISHNYOVA-CHERNICHNAYA NALIFKA ] or
[ NALIFKA SPATYKATCH ]

ВИШНЁВО-ЧЕРНИЧНАЯ НАЛИВКА or
НАЛИВКА СПОТЫКАЧ
Composition: cherry juice, blueberry juice, sugar, alc ~20%

LINK TO SOUND

Do you like sweet alcoholic beverages? We recommend to check now the spelling and sounding of the names of classic liqueurs in Russian. Indeed, in the Russian menu, Baileys or Cointreau are written in Cyrillic and not at all like you are used to seeing these names in Latin. See above to know more
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Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
BITTERS
(herbal bitter liquors)
The name BITTERS (in Russian - БИТТЕРЫ), as a classification of alcoholic beverages, is used in Russia, but not very often. In Russian supermarkets, bars and restaurants, these drinks are usually referred to as liqueurs or so-called bitter tinctures.

Bitters
[ BITTERY ]
БИТТЕРЫ

Liquor
[ LIKYOR ]
ЛИКЁР

Bitter tincture
[ NASTOYKA ]
НАСТОЙКА

Should know that many own brands of bitters are produced in Russia. This is done in almost every province. The classic Russian bitter is an infusion of strong alcohol (38-45%) on forest herbs and berries, which is used straight as an aperitif, or added to hot tea or coffee. Do you want to try? Look for the Russian word БАЛЬЗАМ / BALZAM on labels and menus.

Overall, bitters are quite popular in Russia. Therefore, you can easily find the most famous brands in any store or bar. Can't find it right away? Ask the staff. The names in Russian sound almost the same as in the whole world.

Jägermeister
[ YAGERMAYSTER ]
ЯГЕРМАЙСТЕР

Campari
[ KAMPARI ]
КАМПАРИ

Aperol
[ APEROL` ]
АПЕРОЛЬ


Becherovka
[ BEKHERAFKA ]
БЕХЕРОВКА

LINK TO SOUND

Of course, in Russia, classic cocktails made on the basis of bitters are no less popular. Perhaps not all bars, especially provincial ones, will understand you correctly if you order a Garibaldi cocktail. But any bartender in the smallest village knows perfectly well what Campari with orange juice is.

Therefore, tell the composition of the cocktail if its name is not known to the staff. And we will help you with this! Watch our small movie! We show you how it`s spelled in Russian in order to find an item on the bar menu. And also how it`s pronounced by a real Russian.

Aperol Spritz
(Aperol + Prosecco + Sosa water)

[ KAKTEIL` APEROL SPRITS -
APEROL` S IGRISTYM VINOM i GAZIROFKAI ]
КОКТЕЙЛЬ АПЕРОЛЬ СПРИТЦ
АПЕРОЛЬ С ИГРИСТЫМ ВИНОМ И ГАЗИРОВКОЙ

Campari & Tonic
[ KAKTEIL` KAMPARI S-TONIKAM ]
КОКТЕЙЛЬ КАМПАРИ С ТОНИКОМ

Garibaldi
(Campari + Orange juice)

[ KAKTEIL` GARIBAL`DI -
KAMPARI S APELSINAVYM SOKAM ]
КОКТЕЙЛЬ ГАРИБАЛЬДИ
КАМПАРИ С АПЕЛЬСИНОВЫМ СОКОМ

Americano
(Campari + Sweet Vermouth + Soda water)

[ KAKTEIL` AMERIKANA -
KAMPARI, SLADKIY VERMUT, GAZIROFKA ]
КОКТЕЙЛЬ АМЕРИКАНО
КАМПАРИ, СЛАДКИЙ ВЕРМУТ, ГАЗИРОВКА

Negroni
(Campari + Red Vermouth + Gin)

[ KAKTEIL` NEGRONI -
KAMPARI, KRASNYI VERMUT, DZHIN ]
КОКТЕЙЛЬ НЕГРОНИ
КАМПАРИ, КРАСНЫЙ ВЕРМУТ, ДЖИН

SMALL MOVIE

Dear friends! We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular alcoholic drinks that you might want to order at a Russian bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

A guide on how to choose the best for you, how to identify a fake, as well as the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia read here

Want to know more?
Non-Alcoholic beverages in Russian
Russian Toasts
Cocktail / Long Drink (highball)
[ KAKTEIL` ] - Cocktail

[ LONG DRINK ] - Long Drink

Коктейль / Лонг дринк

Link to sound
With / Without (cocktails)
[ S - .. ] - with something
[ BES - .. ] - without something
С .. / Без ..
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[ S - L`DOM ] - with ice
[ BES - L`DA ] - without ice
С льдом / Без льда

[ S - SOKAM ] - with juice
[ BES - SOKA ] - without juice
С соком / Без сока

[ S - KOLAI / TONIKAM ] - with cola / tonic
[ BES - KOLY / TONIKA ] - without cola / tonic
С колой (тоником) / Без колы (тоника)

[ S - VODKAI / MARTINI ] - with vodka / martini
[ BES - VODKI / MARTINI ] - without vodka / martini
С водкой (мартини) / Без водки (мартини)

[ S - KON-YAKOM / BRENDI ] - with cognac / brandy
[ BES - KON-YAKA / BRENDI ] - without cognac / brandy
С коньяком (бренди) / Без коньяка (бренди)

[ S - LIKYORAM / TEKILAY ] - with liquor / tequila
[ BES - LIKYORA / TEKILY ] - without liquor / tequila
С ликёром (текилой) / Без ликёра (текилы)
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LINK TO SOUND
Gin & tonic / Whisky & cola
[ DZHIN S TONIKAM ] -
Gin & tonic

[ VISKI S KOLAY ] -
Whisky & cola


Джин с тоником / Виски с колой

Link to sound
Mojito / Pina colada
[ MAKHITA ] - Mojito

[ PINAKALADA ] -
Pina colada


Мохито / Пина Колада

Link to sound
Beer / Ale / Cider
[ PIVA ] - Beer

[ EL` ] - Ale

[ SIDR ] - Cider

Пиво / Эль / Сидр

[ YABLACHNYI SIDR ] -
Apple cider

[ GRUSHEVYI SIDR ] -
Pear cider

Sweetness: see here

Link to sound
Strong / Non-alcoholic
[ KREPKAE ] (piva) -
strong (beer)

[ BES-ALKAGOLNAE ] (piva) -
non-alcoholic (beer)

Крепкое (пиво) /
Безалкогольное (пиво)

Link to sound
Pale lager / Dark / Stout (porter)
[ SVETLAE ] - Pale lager

[ TYOMNAE ] - Dark

[ STAUT / PORTER ] -
Stout / Porter

Светлое / Тёмное /
Стаут (Портер)

Link to sound
Wheat beer
[ PSHENICHNAE PIVA ]

Пшеничное пиво

Link to sound
Lambic / Kriek / Cherry beer
[ LAMBIK ] - Lambic

[ KRIK ] - Kriek

[ VISHNYOVAE PIVA ] -
Cherry beer

Ламбик / Крик /
Вишнёвое пиво

Link to sound
Shandy (Radler)
[ PIVNOY KAKTEIL` ] or

[ PIVA S LIMANADAM ] or

[ RADLER ]

Пивной коктейль
Пиво с лимонадом
Радлер

Link to sound
Medovukha (Russian Mead)
- traditional drink -
[ MEDAVUKHA ]

Медовуха

Medovukha (in Russian - МЕДОВУХА). A sweet alcoholic (5-16%) drink, prepared from water, honey, hops and yeast with various flavor additives: juniper, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, red pepper, rose hips.

Want to know more about Russian beverages? Click here

Link to sound
CHEERS !
drinking toasts in Russia
In addition, please, read the rules and restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco in Russia. Also, learn how to identify a fake and how to choose the best vodka!

Click on a word or phrase to see a full description and translation into Russian, as well as links to short movies with live sound from a native speaker
Please do not forget the pronunciation rules
IMPORTANT! Remember one simple but important rule!

Any Russian toast, with the exception of the analogue of 'cheers', ALWAYS begins with the preposition 'ZA / ЗА' just like in English with 'TO'. For example: 'TO women = ZA zhenshin'

Most likely, you've often heard the expression 'NA ZDAROVIE' and thought it was a popular Russian toast. This is mistake! It is correct to speak 'ZA ZDAROVIE' (to health!).

The phrase 'NA zdarovie' corresponds to the English 'you are welcome' or 'enjoy' in response for thanks, usually for a delicious meal. For example:
- Everything was delicious. Thank you!
- You are welcome! Enjoy! = NA ZDAROVIE
CHEERS !
RUSSIAN ANALOGS
DEAR FRIENDS !

As in many other countries and languages, the Russian analogs of the English 'CHEERS' (German 'PROSIT', Spanish 'SALUD', French 'SANTE', etc) are the main and universal expressions (exclamations) accompanying drinking. But in Russian language is no direct analogue of 'CHEERS'.

Classic drinking toast is a phrase that wishes something good and positive to a specific person (several people). But these expressions (Russian analogs of 'Cheers') are more likely not toasts, but exclamations that can be pronounce in any situation, both with friends, and to a complete stranger.

The difference is that these words and phrases can be repeated in this case many times and, like 'CHEERS', incl added into other toasts. In this case, these expressions are triggers and have a very close meaning to sayings as 'let's go!', 'let`s do it!', 'fire!', 'come on!' and similar.

There are really a lot of Russian 'CHEERS'. However, they can be divided into two common groups:
1) Just short signal (one word) that it's time to drink
2) A short phrase (two words) with a wish for health

Part 1. Command to drink

[ PAYEKHALI ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ПОЕХАЛИ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - LET`S GO !

[ BUDEM ! ] (RUS in Latin)
БУДЕМ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - LET`S BE !

[ VZDROGNULI ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ВЗДРОГНУЛИ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - LET`S GET WINCE / SHUDDER !
Slang / Informally
it is better to use for strong drinks - vodka, whiskey, etc

[ GORIKA ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ГОРЬКО ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - BITTERLY !
PAY ATTENTION!!! For use on wedding only!!!

LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO

Part 2. 'Cheers' as wishes for health

At a Russian party, one should distinguish a classic toast for something (for example 'to health') and an exclamation-trigger like 'Cheers - Let`s go'. Many classic toasts can be said once or twice, but 'CHEERS' so much as you like.

What wish for health in Russian can be said once, and which many? To do this, you need to remember one simple but important rule:
IMPORTANT! Any Russian toast, with the exception of the analogue of 'cheers', ALWAYS begins with the preposition 'ZA / ЗА' just like in English with 'TO'. For example: 'TO women = ZA zhenshin'.

Most likely, you've often heard the expression 'NA ZDAROVIE' and thought it was a popular Russian toast. This is mistake! It is correct to speak 'ZA ZDAROVIE' (to health!).
The phrase 'NA zdarovie' corresponds to the English 'you are welcome' or 'enjoy' in response for thanks, usually for a delicious meal. For example:
- Everything was delicious. Thank you!
- You are welcome! Enjoy! = NA ZDAROVIE

[ BUDEM ZDAROVY ! ] (RUS in Latin)
БУДЕМ ЗДОРОВЫ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - LET`S BE HEALTHY !

[ BUD`TE ZDAROVY ! ] (RUS in Latin)
БУДЬТЕ ЗДОРОВЫ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - LET`S BE HEALTHY !
NOTE! Addressing several people (anywhere)
or one respected person (formal)


[ TVAYO ZDAROVIE ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ТВОЁ ЗДОРОВЬЕ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - YOUR HEALTH !
NOTE! Addressing one specific person
For informal use only!


[ VASHE ZDAROVIE ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ВАШЕ ЗДОРОВЬЕ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - YOUR HEALTH !
NOTE! Addressing several people (anywhere)
or one respected person (formal)

LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO


Dear friends! We want your visit to Russia to be one of the best and unforgettable! Therefore, we have made for you an online travel guide and phrasebook with the most frequently used words and phrases. Learn real Russian spoken (conversational) language. Drink and speak like a local in Russia!

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English. For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

SEE ALSO:
All about Alcohol Drinks in Russia

CHEERS! (Slang option)
[ VZDROGNULI ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ВЗДРОГНУЛИ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
CHEERS ! (ENG - Slang analog)


Direct translation from Russian into English of the expression 'VZDROGULI' means 'LET'S GET WINCE', 'LET'S GET SHUDDER'. Most Russians use this toast with strong drinks such as vodka or whiskey. Most likely implied, that after a shot of vodka, your body feels a little turbulence for a while.

As in many other countries and languages, the Russian analogs of the English 'CHEERS' (German 'PROSIT', Spanish 'SALUD', French 'SANTE', etc) are the main and universal expressions (exclamations) accompanying drinking. But in Russian language is no direct analogue of 'CHEERS'. Classic drinking toast is a phrase that wishes something good and positive to a specific person (people).

But these expressions (Russian analogs of 'Cheers') are more likely not toasts, but exclamations that can be pronounce in any situation, both with friends, and to a complete stranger. The difference is that these words and phrases can be repeated in this case many times and, like 'CHEERS', incl added into other toasts. In this case, these expressions are triggers and have a very close meaning to sayings as 'let's go!', 'let`s do it!', 'fire!', 'come on!' and similar.

LINK TO SOUND & SHORT VIDEO

Dear friends! We want your visit to Russia to be one of the best and unforgettable! Therefore, we have made for you an online travel guide and phrasebook with the most frequently used words and phrases. Learn real Russian spoken (conversational) language. Drink and speak like a local in Russia!

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English. For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

SEE ALSO:
All about Alcohol Drinks in Russia

TO YOUR HEALTH !
THREE WAYS TO SAY IN RUSSIAN
DEAR FRIENDS !

In Russia, a toast 'TO HEALTH' is one of the most popular and is pronounced at almost any party. But Russians rarely drink 'simply to health', but for the health of someone in particular. For example, for the health of friends or parents. Most often to YOUR health. There are three options here and you need to know the difference between them!

[ ZA TVAYO ZDAROVIE ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА ТВОЁ ЗДОРОВЬЕ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - TO YOUR HEALTH !
BUT!!! Addressing one specific person
and is used only for INFORMAL communication!!!


[ ZA VASHE ZDAROVIE ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА ВАШЕ ЗДОРОВЬЕ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - TO YOUR HEALTH !
NOTE! Addressing one specific person,
but is used for FORMAL communication!


[ ZA VASHE ZDAROVIE ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА ВАШЕ ЗДОРОВЬЕ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - TO YOUR HEALTH !
ATTENTION! The phrase completely coincides
with an appeal to one respectful person,
but it is also used when addressing several people,
regardless of the form of appeal (formally and informally)


LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO

___________________________________

NEED TO KNOW !


If you say 'ZA VASHE ZDAROVIE !' (to your health) in Russian, it will mean 'TO YOUR HEALTH' in English. Here the meaning of the English and Russian toast is completely identical.
But if you say in Russian just 'VASHE ZDAROVIE ! / YOUR HEALTH !' (without ZA/TO), then it is an analogue of the English.. CHEERS !

So, one more time!
'ZA VASHE (TVAYO) ZDAROVIE !' means 'TO YOUR HEALTH !'

'VASHE (TVAYO) ZDAROVIE !' means 'CHEERS !'

At a Russian party, one should distinguish a classic toast for something (for example 'to health') and an exclamation-trigger like 'Cheers - Let`s go'. Many usual toasts can be said once or twice (for example 'TO OUR MEETING' or 'TO YOUR HEALTH', but 'CHEERS' so much as you like.

So, what wish for health in Russian can be said once, and which many? To do this, you need to remember one simple but important rule:

IMPORTANT! Any Russian toast, with the exception of the analogue of 'cheers', ALWAYS begins with the preposition 'ZA / ЗА' just like in English with 'TO'. For example: 'TO women = ZA zhenshin'

!!! DO NOT MAKE MISTAKE !!! Most likely, you've often heard the expression 'NA ZDAROVIE' and thought it was a popular Russian toast. This is mistake! It is correct to speak 'ZA ZDAROVIE' (to health!).

The phrase 'NA zdarovie' corresponds to the English 'you are welcome' or 'enjoy' in response for thanks, usually for a delicious meal. For example: - Everything was delicious. Thank you! - You are welcome! Enjoy! = NA ZDAROVIE

LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO


___________________________________

Dear friends! We want your visit to Russia to be one of the best and unforgettable! Therefore, we have made for you an online travel guide and phrasebook with the most frequently used words and phrases. Learn real Russian spoken (conversational) language. Drink and speak like a local in Russia!

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English. For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

SEE ALSO:
All about Alcohol Drinks in Russia

TO MEETING !
TO THE OCCASION !
DEAR FRIENDS !

In Russia, there are two of the most popular toasts to celebrate a meeting.

The first option is used only when meeting someone for the first time. That is, you raise your glasses in honor of new acquaintance:

[ ZA ZNAKOMSTVA ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА ЗНАКОМСТВО ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - TO ACQUAINTANCE !
NOTE! This toast is only used at the first meeting!

The second toast is universal and suitable for meeting both a stranger and old friends:

[ ZA VSTRECHU ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА ВСТРЕЧУ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation - TO MEETING !
NOTE! This toast is universal and can be used at any occasion!

LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO

___________________________________

GOOD TO KNOW !


Any Russian toast, with the exception of the analogue of 'cheers', ALWAYS begins with the preposition 'ZA / ЗА' just like in English with 'TO'. For example: 'TO women = ZA zhenshin'

___________________________________

Dear friends! We want your visit to Russia to be one of the best and unforgettable! Therefore, we have made for you an online travel guide and phrasebook with the most frequently used words and phrases. Learn real Russian spoken (conversational) language. Drink and speak like a local in Russia!

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English. For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO

SEE ALSO:
All about Alcohol Drinks in Russia

TO YOU ! / TO US !
INCL TO ALL OF YOU !
DEAR FRIENDS ! PAY ATTENTION !

In Russian, as in English, the plural YOU coincide with YOU in the singular. BUT, only for formal use. For the informal YOU in the singular, Russians have their own separate option. Therefore, the locals have not two, but three YOU.
It is for this reason that Russians have three option of toasts TO YOU and not two✱

[ ZA TEBYA ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА ТЕБЯ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
NOTE! Addressing one specific person and is used
only for INFORMAL communication!

[ ZA VAS ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА ВАС ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
✱ ATTENTION! The phrase completely coincides with an appeal
to ONE respectful person (incl any stranger),
but it is also used when addressing
SEVERAL people, regardless of the form of appeal
(formally and informally)


LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO

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TO US !


[ ZA NAS ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА НАС ! (RUS in Cyrillic)

You can also say so:

[ ZA NAS S TABOI ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА НАС С ТОБОЙ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation is:TO YOU AND ME!
Addressing one specific person and is used
only for INFORMAL communication!

[ ZA NAS S VAMI ! ] (RUS in Latin)
ЗА НАС С ВАМИ ! (RUS in Cyrillic)
Direct translation is:TO YOU AND ME!
Addressing several people (any case) or
one respected person (formally)

LINK TO SOUND & VIDEO


___________________________________

Dear friends! We want your visit to Russia to be one of the best and unforgettable! Therefore, we have made for you an online travel guide and phrasebook with the most frequently used words and phrases. Learn real Russian spoken (conversational) language. Drink and speak like a local in Russia!

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English. For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

SEE ALSO:
All about Alcohol Drinks in Russia

TO FRIENDSHIP !
TO FRIENDS !
to friends !
[ ZA DRUZEI ! ]

ЗА ДРУЗЕЙ !

to friendship !
[ ZA DRUZHBU ! ]
ЗА ДРУЖБУ !

(ENG / RUS in Latin / RUS in Cyrillic)

LINK TO SLIDESHOW WITH LIVE SOUND

___________________________________

GOOD TO KNOW !


Any Russian toast, with the exception of the analogue of 'cheers', ALWAYS begins with the preposition 'ZA / ЗА' just like in English with 'TO'. For example: 'TO women = ZA zhenshin'

___________________________________

Dear friends! We want your visit to Russia to be one of the best and unforgettable! Therefore, we have made for you an online travel guide and phrasebook with the most frequently used words and phrases. Learn real Russian spoken (conversational) language. Drink and speak like a local in Russia!

PLEASE NOTE! The following transliteration and pronunciation is given for the classical Latin alphabet and does not match with the rules of orthography and pronunciation of English. Therefore do not pronounce Russian words how to you like represent sounds in English. For example: The Latin letter U should not be pronounced as the English word 'YOU'. (here U = OO)

SEE ALSO:
All about Alcohol Drinks in Russia

to someone
(here`s to .. + name)
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION
to the ending in the name when making a toast speach!

MALE NAMES

a) If the name ends in a consonant,
then a vowel is added when pronouncing a toast - the letter A
For example:
to John → za Dzhon + A = ZA DZHOHNA (за Джона)
to Ivan → za Ivan + A = ZA IVANA (за Ивана)


b) If the name ends in vowel A,
then when pronouncing a toast,
this vowel is replaced by a vowel - the letter U (Russian У)
For example:
to Sasha → za Sash + U = ZA SASHU (за Сашу)
to Mishka → za Mishk + U = ZA MISHKU (за Мишку)


c) If the name ends in any vowel except A,
then nothing needs to be changed!
For example:
to Johnny = ZA DZONNI (за Джонни)
_______________________________

FEMALE NAMES

a) If the name ends in vowel A,
then when pronouncing a toast,
this vowel is replaced by a vowel - the letter U (Russian У)
For example:
to Olga → za Olg + U = ZA OLGU (за Ольгу)
to Sandra → za Sandr + U = ZA SANDRU (за Сандру)


b) If the name ends in a consonant,
or in any vowel except A,
then nothing needs to be changed!
For example:
to Marilyn = ZA MERILIN (за Мерилин)
to Margo = ZA MARGO (за Марго)

_______________________________

VERY IMPORTANT
To determine which ending of the name is necessary not by the way it is written, but by ear.
For example, male name GEORGE has an E ending, but we do not pronounce this vowel and in fact say DZORDZH.
Therefore, if we want to propose a toast to George, we will say like this
to George → za Dzordzh + A = ZA DZHORDZHA (за Джорджа)

Link to sound
to Women !
[ ZA ZHENSH-CHIN ! ]

За женщин!

Link to sound
to Men !
[ ZA MUZHIKOF ! ]

За мужиков!

Link to sound
to Love !
(party with girls / women)
[ ZA LYUBOF` ! ]

За любовь!

Link to sound
to Fortune / to Good luck !
[ ZA UDACHU ! ]

За удачу!

Link to sound
I`d like to propose a toast to ..!
[ PREDLAGAYU TOST ZA ..! ]

Предлагаю тост за ..!

Link to sound
Let`s drink to that !
[ DAVAY or DAVAYTE ! ] - Let`s (to one pers. / to several)
+
[ VYP-YEM ZA-ETA ! ]

Давай.. / Давайте..
+
выпьем за это!

Link to sound
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST
how to identify a fake
WHERE TO BUY & WHERE YOU SHOULDN`T DO IT
also RULES & RESTRICTIONS on the sale of
ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO IN RUSSIA

DEAR FRIENDS !


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This section is currently under reconstruction.
We apologize!


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When.. Where.. How

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
DEAR FRIENDS !

We have tried to collect for you the names of all the most popular drinks that you might want to order at a bar or restaurant, as well as find and buy yourself in a store or supermarket. As well as the most common words and phrases that you will need in a conversation with the Russian staff.

However, maybe we forgot something. Please help yourself and us - ask your question. This can be done not only in English - write in any language and about any products. We will definitely answer you!

UPDATED ON: SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 | SEE ALSO:

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