Russia’s most famous alcoholic Drink will always be vodka. But what about Beer – how does it compare with the type of drinks you find in the West?

Here are some facts and figures…

In Russia, beer (peevo) is the second most popular alcoholic drink, seen by many as a safer alternative to vodka.

The average Russian drank about 12.5 litres of pure alcohol in 2010, with vodka accounting for more than five litres and beer about four litres.

Russians categorise beer by its colour: Light, Red or Semi-Dark, and Dark. Light is more or less equivalent to lager, while the last two are close to bitter/ales. There are also strong beers (6-10% alcohol).

In 2011, there were 561 beer producers operating in Russia.

The rising price of beer in recent years has led to a significant drop in consumption, while at the same time increasing brewers’ profits.

Kvas – a traditional Slavic/Baltic fermented beverage commonly made from rye bread – is believed to pre-date beer. It’s classified as a non-alcoholic drink by Russian standards, as the alcohol content is typically low (0.5–1.0%). It may be flavoured with fruits such as strawberries and raisins, or with herbs like mint. Many kvas vendors sell their drink in the streets.

Or maybe you’d like to try Medovukha. This honey-based drink is stronger and stouter than beer but weaker than wine. It consists of honey and yeast. Berries, hop, herbs, spices and roots may also be used as additives.

Russia only classified beer as alcoholic in 2011. Until then, anything containing less than 10% alcohol was considered a foodstuff. The move aimed to allow officials to control the sale of beer in the same way that spirits are controlled.

Many Russians enjoy their beer at home, but like most countries, there’s a huge range of pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants where you can enjoy beer and other drinks. From small, cosy, traditional pubs to high-class clubs and eateries, the choice is vast in Russia’s major cities, as is the price range. Whatever your preference, having a drink in Russia is a great way to chill out and meet the locals. Enjoy (responsibly, of course)!