The Most Popular Russian Drinks to Warm You Up in Winter - Wander Russia 2025 Guide

As the winter chill sets in across Russia, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm drink to keep you cozy. Russia has a long tradition of drinks that are perfect for the cold season, from rich, spiced teas to hearty, warming alcoholic beverages. These drinks not only help fight off the cold but are also an essential part of Russian culture, often associated with hospitality, gatherings, and relaxation. Here’s a list of the most popular Russian drinks to warm you up in winter, each offering a unique taste of Russian warmth and tradition.

1. Russian Tea (Русский чай)

Tea has been an integral part of Russian culture for centuries. Russian tea is often served strong, brewed with loose leaves, and accompanied by a variety of sweet treats. In winter, Russian tea is a comforting and warming drink, perfect for any time of day. The Russian tea tradition is different from the more delicate British afternoon tea—it’s robust, often accompanied by jam, honey, and lemon.

How to Make Russian Tea:

1. Ingredients:
   • Loose black tea leaves (typically Ceylon or Krasnodar varieties)
   • Hot water
   • Lemon slices
   • Honey or jam (optional for sweetness)
2. Instructions:
   • Boil water and brew the black tea leaves in a teapot or samovar (a traditional Russian kettle), letting it steep for about 5-7 minutes.
   • Serve the tea with a slice of lemon and a spoonful of honey or jam, which are often mixed directly into the tea for extra sweetness and flavor.

Serving:

Russian tea is typically served in large mugs or traditional glass holders. It’s often enjoyed alongside bagels or pastries.

2. Sbiten (Сбитень)

Sbiten is a traditional Russian hot beverage that dates back to the 12th century. This spiced drink is made by combining honey, herbs, spices, and water, and it’s typically served hot to help fight off the winter cold. It’s a popular drink for the festive season, especially around the New Year and Christmas.

How to Make Sbiten:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup water
   • 2 tablespoons honey
   • 1-2 cloves
   • 1-2 cinnamon sticks
   • 2-3 whole peppercorns
   • 1-2 slices lemon (optional)
2. Instructions:
   • In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add honey, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns.
   • Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
   • Optionally, add a slice of lemon for extra brightness.
   • Strain the mixture into a mug and serve hot.

Serving:

Sbiten is typically served hot in mugs or cups. You can also add a shot of vodka for an adult version of the drink, which is common during Russian winter celebrations.

3. Kissel (Кисель)

Kissel is a traditional Russian drink made from fruit, starch, and sugar, and it’s often enjoyed warm during the cold months. It has a thick, pudding-like consistency, making it more of a comforting treat than just a drink. Traditionally, kissel is made with berries, such as cranberries, cherries, or blueberries.

How to Make Kissel:

1. Ingredients:
   • 2 cups of berries (fresh or frozen)
   • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
   • 3 cups of water
   • 1/2 cup sugar
   • A pinch of salt
2. Instructions:
   • In a saucepan, bring the berries and water to a boil. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, mashing the berries as they cook.
   • Strain the berry mixture to remove the seeds and pulp.
   • Return the liquid to the saucepan, add sugar, and bring to a simmer.
   • Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly add it to the simmering berry mixture, stirring constantly.
   • Continue to cook until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
   • Serve hot, optionally with a spoonful of sour cream or honey.

Serving:

Kissel is typically served warm in a mug or bowl. It can be enjoyed as a drink or a dessert, especially during the colder months.

4. Hot Russian Honey Vodka (Медовуха)

Medovukha (honey vodka) is a traditional Russian alcoholic drink that can be served hot in winter to keep you warm. It is made by infusing vodka with honey and spices, creating a rich and warming beverage perfect for winter evenings.

How to Make Hot Russian Honey Vodka:

1. Ingredients:
   • 2 cups vodka
   • 1/2 cup honey
   • 1-2 cinnamon sticks
   • 2-3 cloves
   • A few slices of lemon or orange (optional)
2. Instructions:
   • In a saucepan, heat the vodka on low heat (do not boil). Add the honey, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
   • Stir until the honey dissolves completely and the mixture is warm, not boiling.
   • Add slices of lemon or orange for a citrusy twist.
   • Strain and serve hot in mugs.

Serving:

Medovukha is typically served in small mugs or glasses, enjoyed as a warming alcoholic drink during the winter months.

5. Russian Mulled Wine (Глинтвейн)

Glinktveyn, or Russian mulled wine, is a popular drink that’s enjoyed during the colder months, especially around New Year’s and Christmas. The drink is typically made with red wine, spices, and fruit, and it’s served hot to help warm you up from the inside out.

How to Make Russian Mulled Wine:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 bottle of red wine (preferably dry)
   • 1-2 cinnamon sticks
   • 4-5 cloves
   • 1 orange, sliced
   • 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
   • 2-3 tablespoons honey (optional)
2. Instructions:
   • In a large pot, combine the wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
   • Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Be sure to avoid boiling the wine.
   • Once the wine is warm and the flavors are well combined (about 10-15 minutes), strain the mixture to remove the spices and fruit.
   • Add honey for sweetness, if desired, and serve hot.

Serving:

Mulled wine is typically served in mugs or heat-resistant glasses. It’s perfect for sipping during festive gatherings or cold evenings by the fire.

6. Mors (Морс)

Mors is a traditional Russian drink made from berries, sugar, and water. It’s typically served cold but can also be enjoyed warm during the winter months. The drink is refreshing, tart, and naturally sweet, thanks to the berries.

How to Make Mors:

1. Ingredients:
   • 2 cups of berries (cranberries, lingonberries, or blueberries work well)
   • 4 cups of water
   • 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
2. Instructions:
   • In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the berries and simmer for about 10 minutes, mashing them as they cook to release their juices.
   • Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, pressing down to extract all the juice.
   • Add sugar to taste and stir until it dissolves.
   • Serve warm or chilled.

Serving:

Mors is typically served in cups, enjoyed as a refreshing drink or a comforting hot beverage, depending on the season.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer something non-alcoholic or a warming drink with a little kick, Russia offers a rich variety of beverages to help you stay cozy during the winter months. From the deep, comforting flavors of sbiten and hot honey vodka to the soothing warmth of Russian mulled wine and tea, these drinks are not only perfect for warming up but also serve as a reflection of Russian culture and tradition. So, the next time you feel the chill of winter setting in, reach for one of these classic Russian drinks to bring warmth and comfort into your home.