Russia, with its long winters and brief summers, is known for its hearty drinks meant to keep you warm during the colder months. However, when the temperatures rise, Russians turn to refreshing beverages that are perfect for cooling off and hydrating. These drinks not only offer a taste of Russian culture but also help to beat the summer heat. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, tangy, or refreshing, Russia has a variety of beverages that are ideal for hot summer days. Here’s a guide to the best Russian drinks to try when the sun is shining.
1. Kvass (Квас)
What Is It?
Kvass is one of Russia’s most iconic summer drinks. This traditional fermented beverage is typically made from rye bread, water, sugar, and sometimes fruit or herbs. The fermentation process gives it a slightly tangy, effervescent quality. Kvass has a very low alcohol content (less than 1%) and is considered a non-alcoholic drink in Russia, making it perfect for all ages.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Kvass is refreshing, slightly sweet, and mildly sour, making it an ideal thirst quencher. It’s packed with probiotics, which support gut health, and its slight carbonation makes it feel like a fizzy drink, but much healthier. Kvass is traditionally consumed on hot summer days as a cooling, hydrating drink.
- Best For: Hot afternoons, post-meal refreshment, and a healthier alternative to soda.
2. Mors (Морс)
What Is It?
Mors is a traditional Russian fruit drink made from berries such as cranberries, lingonberries, cherries, or blueberries. The berries are boiled and then sweetened with sugar, and the drink is typically served chilled. Mors is often homemade, and its flavor varies depending on the fruits used.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Mors is incredibly refreshing with its vibrant, tart fruit flavors and naturally sweet taste. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it’s both hydrating and nutritious. It is often served cold, making it a perfect drink to cool down with on a hot summer day.
- Best For: A natural, fruity drink full of antioxidants, perfect for rehydrating and refreshing yourself.
3. Sbitten (Сбитень)
What Is It?
Sbiten is a sweetened beverage made from water, honey, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger), and sometimes herbs or fruit. Traditionally, it was a warming winter drink, but in the summer, it can be enjoyed chilled. Sbiten has roots in ancient Russian cuisine and was originally prepared as a medicinal drink.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
While traditionally a hot drink for colder weather, chilled sbiten can be an incredibly refreshing and aromatic option for summer. The mix of honey and spices provides a sweet, comforting flavor, while the cooling temperature makes it a delightful choice on a warm day. It’s a great alternative to sugary sodas and packed with natural ingredients.
- Best For: When you’re craving something sweet and aromatic, with a touch of warmth from the spices.
4. Kefir (Кефир)
What Is It?
Kefir is a fermented dairy drink, similar to yogurt but thinner in consistency. Made by fermenting milk with kefir grains, it has a slightly tangy flavor and a creamy texture. Kefir is known for its probiotic content, which supports digestion and gut health.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
In the summer heat, kefir is incredibly refreshing, especially when served cold. It’s cooling, hydrating, and good for your stomach, making it a favorite among Russians who turn to this drink as a probiotic-packed option to stay healthy and refreshed.
- Best For: A cooling, nutritious option when you need a probiotic boost and a light, hydrating beverage.
5. Tarkhuna (Тархун)
What Is It?
Tarkhuna is a Russian herbal soft drink made from tarragon (an aromatic herb) and is often sweetened with sugar. The drink is naturally bright green and has a unique, refreshing herbal flavor with a slight sweetness and an herbal, almost aniseed-like aftertaste.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Tarkhuna has a unique, invigorating flavor that is quite different from most other beverages. It’s light, refreshing, and slightly sweet, with herbal notes that make it perfect for summer. Tarkhuna is often found in bottles, ready to drink, and is an excellent alternative to mainstream sodas.
- Best For: When you want a refreshing, herbal drink with a slightly sweet taste to cool down and enjoy a unique Russian flavor.
6. Kompot (Компот)
What Is It?
Kompot is a fruit infusion made by boiling fresh or dried fruits such as apples, berries, cherries, or pears, and sweetening the mixture with sugar. The fruits are left to steep in the water, creating a naturally sweet and flavorful drink. Kompot can be served either hot or cold, but it’s especially popular when chilled in the summer.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Kompot is a refreshing, naturally sweet drink that’s ideal for cooling down on hot summer days. Its fruity, refreshing flavor provides the perfect balance of sweetness and hydration. Kompot is commonly made at home and can be served at family gatherings, making it a comforting and nostalgic drink for many Russians.
- Best For: A simple, naturally sweet beverage made from seasonal fruits, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon picnics.
7. Ice-Cream Milkshake (Молочный коктейль)
What Is It?
Milkshakes have become popular in Russia, especially during the summer months, and are typically made with milk, ice cream, and various flavorings such as chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla. Sometimes fresh fruit or syrups are added to create a richer, more decadent version.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Ice cream milkshakes are both sweet and refreshing, making them perfect for summer. Their creamy, chilled consistency offers a delightful way to cool down on hot days, and the flavor possibilities are endless. Russian milkshakes are sometimes made with locally sourced ice cream, which provides a more authentic experience of Russian dairy products.
- Best For: A treat when you’re craving something sweet and creamy, ideal for both kids and adults on a hot day.
8. Fruktovy Kvas (Фруктовый квас)
What Is It?
Fruktovy kvas is a fruit-based variation of the traditional kvass. Unlike traditional kvass, which is made from rye bread, fruktovy kvas uses fruits such as apples, pears, or berries. The drink is lightly fermented, giving it a refreshing, effervescent taste with a fruity twist.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Fruktovy kvas is a great way to enjoy the traditional kvass experience with a fruity, sweet, and refreshing twist. The fermentation process gives it a natural effervescence, making it an ideal substitute for soda or other carbonated drinks. It’s light, hydrating, and packed with fruity flavors, making it perfect for sipping on warm summer days.
- Best For: Those looking for a healthier, naturally fermented, and fizzy alternative to sugary soft drinks.
9. Rassolnik (Рассольник)
What Is It?
While typically served as a savory dish, rassolnik can be enjoyed as a refreshing beverage on hot summer days. It’s made from pickle brine, barley, and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. The brine provides a tangy, salty flavor that is often enjoyed chilled in Russia, especially after long hours of physical labor or as a summer treat.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Rassolnik may seem like an unusual choice for a summer drink, but the salty brine and cooling vegetables make it a great option for hot days. It replenishes electrolytes and rehydrates the body, making it a savory, refreshing alternative to sugary beverages. It’s especially popular in rural areas and is considered a restorative drink.
- Best For: Rehydrating and replenishing minerals after a hot day, especially in rural or traditional settings.
Conclusion
Russia offers a variety of refreshing and unique beverages that are perfect for cooling down during hot summer days. From the tangy, probiotic-packed kvass to the sweet and fruity mors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer fruity, herbal, or creamy drinks, Russia’s diverse drink offerings not only provide hydration but also a taste of the country’s cultural heritage. So, the next time you’re in Russia or seeking to explore its flavors, be sure to try one or more of these traditional summer drinks for a refreshing experience unlike any other.