In what may be the saddest news for this website, Russians are drinking less.
Alcohol consumption in Russia has fallen to its lowest level in more than 30 years. According to the Russian Health Ministry, average consumption is expected to reach just 7.7 liters (2.03 gallons) of pure alcohol per person this year—the lowest figure since the 1990s.
Looks like HoldMyVodka may soon need a new name.
Two Sides of St. Petersburg
A video filmed in St. Petersburg captures two very different scenes unfolding just a few meters apart.
On one bench, a man is drinking vodka. In the background, a woman in a glowing, fairy-tale dress is dancing in front of the one of the city’s grand historic buildings.
Two very different evenings, same city.
Belarus May Soon Get Beer-Flavored Ice Cream
Belarusian ice cream producer Feelin has developed a new beer-flavored ice cream and is considering launching it for sale.
The recipe is reportedly ready, but the company has not yet confirmed when—or whether—the unusual flavor will reach store shelves. Instead, the brand asked its social-media followers whether production should go ahead.
Finally, a beer you can eat before it melts.
Russia now has a tangerine vodka home diffuser.
It is not actual vodka — it is a home fragrance called “Vodka / Tangerine.” Price: 425 rubles, about $5.50.
Because nothing says “Russian New Year” like making your apartment smell like vodka and tangerines.
Russia has lowered its beer foam standards.
Under a new national standard approved by Rosstandart, the minimum beer foam head has been cut from 30 mm to 15 mm — about 1.2 inches to 0.6 inches.
Foam stability was also reduced from 3 minutes to 1 minute.
Fun fact: for years, beer under 10% ABV in Russia was treated more like a regular food product than alcohol. Only in the 2010s did beer get stricter alcohol-style regulation.
Krasnoe & Beloe, a major Russian alcohol retail chain, has asked producers to make alcohol cheaper so people do not stop buying booze, Kommersant reports.
Since the start of the year, alcoholic drinks have gone up 10–17%, causing demand to fall and stores to lose customers.
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