The Rich World of Russian and Eastern European Spirits

There are so many different types of alcohol in the world! This is great news for anyone in the hospitality industry looking for ways to add diversity to their beverage menu. Although whiskey, rum, tequila, and other well-known spirits are commonly ordered, it’s a good idea to stand out by adding unique alcohol to the mix. 

Examples of unique alcoholic beverages include palm wine, herbal liqueurs, and craft vodka. However, there is a whole other category of alcohol that you can consider and it’s called Eastern European Spirits. They are created in Eastern European countries and are typically consumed in the country of origin. 

Bringing unique Easter European spirits to your bar or restaurant will make your business stand out from the rest. It will not only attract people with European heritage but also those who love to experiment and try new things. You can even create unique cocktails with the spirits you have added to your beverage inventory.

If you want to learn more about these spirits and what types of drinks you can create with them, this article is for you. Read the following paragraphs to enrich your knowledge of Eastern European spirits!

Are Eastern European Spirits Different from Other Types of Alcohol?

The short answer is that Eastern European spirits can differ from alcohol popular in other areas. They have their own distinct characteristics that set them apart. The main factors are the local ingredients used in many of them, as well as the production methods and cultural preferences. 

The most popular spirits in Eastern Europe are made with locally-sourced ingredients. The methods used to create each of them are also different from what the Western people typically do. For example, lots of Eastern European spirits are made with multiple distillations or infused with various fruits and herbs. 

From a cultural perspective, these spirits are commonly used in rituals and celebrations and are enjoyed at social gatherings. For example, vodka plays a crucial role in the Polish and Russian cultures. Similarly, fruit brandies like pálinka are an integral part of Hungarian tradition, often served as a gesture of hospitality.

Key Takeaway: Eastern European spirits offer a unique flavor profile and customer experience. They can enrich any restaurant’s beverage menu and help create a larger array of cocktail drinks. Serving one or a few different European spirits in your restaurant will set you apart from the competition and help you boost your profit.

Which Are the Most Common Eastern European Spirits to Try? 

If you want to explore Eastern European spirits, here are the six most common ones that you must try. Sourcing some of them for your restaurant may be a challenge but if you manage to do so, you will surely impress your guests. 

• Vodka - Russian and Polish vodkas are perhaps the most famous Eastern European spirits. Look for brands like Stolichnaya and Russian Standard, both made in Russia and Żubrówka from Poland. These three will give you a taste of classic Eastern European vodka.
• Żubrówka (pronounced [Zu-brufka]) - This Polish vodka is flavored with bison grass, giving it a unique herbal aroma and taste. It's often enjoyed neat or in cocktails like the popular "apple pie" cocktail, where it's mixed with apple juice or cider. If your business is based in the United States, however, you will not be able to serve the original Żubrówka. This drink has been banned in the USA since 1954. Manufacturers have made a version with rye grain that imitates the flavor of the original one. 
• Pálinka - This Hungarian drink is a traditional fruit brandy made from different fruits, including plums, cherries, and apricots. Each variety of this spirit offers its own unique flavor profile. 
• Țuică (pronunciation: [ˈt͡sujkə]) - Romania's national spirit, țuică, is a strong fruit brandy typically made from plums. It's often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations, and it's known for its robust flavor and potency. 
• Slivovitz - This plum brandy is popular throughout Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Serbia and Croatia. It's made from distilled plums and can vary in flavor and strength depending on the region and production methods.
• Rakia - This is another common type of fruit brandy made in Eastern Europe. It’s a popular Bulgarian drink that can be made from grapes, plums, and apricots. Some manufacturers experiment with other fruits, such as cherries and peaches. It's enjoyed as both a digestif and a social drink.

Cocktail Drinks with Eastern European Spirits

Some of the most popular cocktails in the world are made with Eastern European spirits if you think about it. Vodka comes all the way from Russia and we all love a good vodka cocktail! From the classic Moscow Mule to the Cosmopolitan and White Russian, most people have at least one favorite drink with vodka. 

But what about the other alcohol from this part of the world? Can you make cocktails with Slivovitz, Pálinka, and Rakia? Let’s see!

• Nicotine is a cocktail made with Slivovitz that you can recreate by using rum, mezcal, dry Curaçao, espresso, Slivovitz, and infused Amaro Nonino. This cocktail's garnish is unique as it consists of smoke and black salt. 
• Slivovitz Sour is another great cocktail to make with this alcohol. It’s blended with lemon juice and simple syrup, as well as 1 pasteurized egg and Angostura bitters for garnish. 
• Rakia Sour is another great twist to this popular cocktail. Try mixing high-quality rakia with almond liqueur, bitter liqueur from artichokes, and lemon. Garnish with a simple lemon twist. 
• Rakia Negroni will also grab the attention of customers! It’s a delicious variation of the Negroni made with rakia, Campari, and sweet vermouth. 
• Komondor is classified as a wine cocktail but Pálinka is part of the ingredients. It’s made with sugar syrup, sour cherry Pálinka, red wine, and a spoon of lemon juice. 
• Toldi is another Pálinka cocktail to try, made only with it, sweet vermouth, and Grand Marnier.

There are many other great recipes you can try or you can experiment and create your own. If you want to have custom drinks made, you can always work with a mixologist to create them. Make sure you come up with unique and catchy names. Running marketing campaigns about the new additions to your menu is always a good idea, too. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern European Spirits

If you have more questions about Eastern European spirits that we have not answered yet, see the ones below. They will provide you with even more valuable information!

How Do You Drink Eastern European Spirits?

Eastern European spirits are often enjoyed neat, chilled, or in cocktails. In some countries, there are specific customs and rituals associated with drinking spirits, such as toasting before taking a shot of vodka.

Are There Any Health Benefits to Drinking Eastern European Spirits?

Some people believe that certain spirits, like rakia or pálinka, can aid digestion when consumed in moderation. However, there are no clear facts about that. Alcohol should always be consumed with caution and in moderation. 

Where Can I Find Eastern European Spirits outside of Eastern Europe?

Many Eastern European spirits are exported internationally and can be found in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants around the world. Additionally, some specialty stores may carry a wider selection of Eastern European spirits.