Moscow is renowned for its rich vodka culture, and no trip to the city is complete without bringing home a bottle of authentic Russian vodka or other traditional spirits. Whether you’re looking for premium vodka to take home as a souvenir or seeking out Russian liquors for your collection, here are the best places to buy authentic Russian vodka and liquor in Moscow.
1. GUM (State Department Store)
Location: Red Square, 3
GUM is one of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s not just for shopping fashion and souvenirs. Inside, you’ll find a wide selection of premium Russian vodka and liquor in various styles, including rare and collector’s editions. There are multiple specialty shops inside GUM that sell some of Russia’s finest spirits.
Why It’s Great
GUM provides an upscale shopping experience, and its selection of vodka and liquor is unparalleled. Whether you’re looking for exclusive brands or something more traditional, GUM has it all. Plus, its historical setting adds to the experience.
What to Buy
- Beluga Vodka (premium Russian vodka).
- Russian Standard (well-known global vodka brand).
- Stolichnaya Elit (luxury vodka).
2. Vinnyy Dvor
Location: Various locations across Moscow
Vinnyy Dvor is Moscow’s premier wine and liquor store, and it boasts a significant collection of Russian vodka, wine, and other spirits. It offers everything from premium vodka brands to regional variations, and knowledgeable staff will guide you to the perfect bottle based on your preferences.
Why It’s Great
As a specialist liquor store, Vinnyy Dvor has an extensive range of both local and international liquors, making it one of the best places in Moscow to find authentic Russian spirits.
What to Buy
- Russian Vodka varieties like Zyr and Putinka.
- Russian liqueurs, such as Balsam and Krupnik.
- Craft vodka from small Russian distilleries.
3. Gorbusha Market
Location: Gorbushkin Dvor, Ulitsa Bakhrushina, 16
Located in the heart of Moscow, Gorbusha Market is known for offering a variety of affordable spirits and liquor. Here, you’ll find a great selection of Russian-made vodka, including local and craft varieties, at more competitive prices compared to high-end stores.
Why It’s Great
For budget-conscious shoppers, Gorbusha Market offers an excellent selection of authentic Russian vodka at prices that are generally more affordable than in upscale department stores.
What to Buy
- Cheaper vodka brands like Green Mark and Khrenovukha.
- Russian wine and mead (a traditional Russian drink).
- Bargain vodka and traditional Russian spirits.
4. Izmailovo Market
Location: Izmailovo, Moscow
Izmailovo Market is one of Moscow’s largest and most famous markets, offering a variety of Russian goods, including a wide selection of vodka and local liquors. It’s the ideal place to pick up authentic Russian vodka at reasonable prices, as well as specialty items like flavored vodka and regional brands.
Why It’s Great
The market has a more authentic, local feel, and you can explore multiple stalls and shops selling traditional Russian vodka and spirits. Bargaining is often encouraged, which can make for a great shopping experience.
What to Buy
- Classic Russian vodkas like Moskovskaya and Russian Standard.
- Infused vodkas in flavors like honey, berry, and herbs.
- Russian liqueurs like Medovukha and Sambuca.
5. Arbat Street
Location: Arbat Street
Arbat Street is a popular pedestrian thoroughfare in central Moscow, filled with souvenir shops, local boutiques, and specialty liquor stores. You can find a variety of authentic Russian vodka and spirits here, perfect for picking up a bottle while exploring the street’s attractions.
Why It’s Great
Arbat Street is a great place to pick up vodka and liquor for tourists. While the selection may not be as extensive as in specialty liquor stores, it offers a nice variety of authentic bottles that you can take home as a souvenir.
What to Buy
- Popular Russian vodkas like Stolichnaya and Smirnoff.
- Traditional liqueurs like Buran and Russian herbal liquors.
- Classic vodka brands at affordable prices.
6. Detsky Mir (Children’s World)
Location: Lubyanka Square, 5
While Detsky Mir is traditionally a children’s department store, it has a selection of premium spirits in the gourmet section. The vodka and liquor available here are often premium brands, with a focus on high-quality, well-known labels.
Why It’s Great
Detsky Mir offers a more upscale, family-friendly environment, making it a nice option for those looking for premium vodka and spirits while shopping in a more traditional, large-scale department store.
What to Buy
- Beluga Noble (premium vodka).
- Tsar’s Vodka (luxury vodka).
- Classic Russian vodka brands and rare bottles.
7. TsUM (Central Universal Department Store)
Location: Petrovka Street, 2
TsUM is Moscow’s high-end department store, offering a vast range of luxury goods, including premium vodka and Russian liqueurs. The store specializes in exclusive vodka brands and is a perfect place for those seeking rare or collector’s edition spirits.
Why It’s Great
TsUM is known for its luxurious shopping experience, and its selection of premium vodka is a great reflection of that. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or something for your own collection, you’ll find exclusive Russian vodka brands here.
What to Buy
- Beluga and Belenkaya (premium Russian vodka).
- Russian liqueurs like Krupnik and Medovukha.
- Collector’s edition vodka and artisanal spirits.
8. Vernisazh Market
Location: Vernisazh, 57 Vernisazh Street
Vernisazh Market is known for its artisanal goods and handcrafted items, and it also features shops selling a variety of local vodka and Russian liquors. This market offers a more authentic and local experience, with many smaller, family-run stalls selling craft vodka and spirits.
Why It’s Great
At Vernisazh, you’ll find a selection of handmade vodka and regional liquors that you might not find in larger, more commercial stores. The market atmosphere adds to the unique shopping experience.
What to Buy
- Locally produced vodka from smaller distilleries.
- Herbal and honey-infused vodkas.
- Traditional Russian liqueurs and craft spirits.
9. Yelagin Island
Location: Yelagin Island, Northern Moscow
For those looking to explore a more exclusive experience, Yelagin Island is home to several high-end liquor shops offering premium Russian vodka and luxury spirits. Many of the shops here feature rare vodka brands, such as Czar’s Vodka and Russo-Baltique.
Why It’s Great
Yelagin Island offers a more peaceful shopping experience, with premium stores that specialize in luxury vodka and exclusive Russian liquors. This makes it a great spot for those seeking something more special and unique.
What to Buy
- Russo-Baltique Vodka (luxury vodka).
- Bison Grass Vodka (an herbal vodka).
- High-end limited edition vodkas.
10. The Kremlin
Location: Kremlin, Moscow
While the Kremlin itself doesn’t feature many shops, there are exclusive boutiques in the Kremlin’s museum and gift shops where you can buy premium vodka. This is a great place for purchasing authentic vodka made from Russian heritage.
Why It’s Great
The Kremlin offers historical significance combined with exclusive Russian spirits, making it the perfect place to buy a memorable bottle of vodka as a keepsake.
What to Buy
- Kremlin Vodka (a symbol of Russian history).
- Premium Russian spirits available in luxurious bottles.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a connoisseur or just looking for a souvenir to take home, Moscow offers a vast selection of places to buy authentic Russian vodka and spirits. From luxury department stores like GUM and TsUM to local markets like Izmailovo and Gorbusha, you’ll find a range of options to suit every taste and budget. Enjoy your shopping and explore the true flavors of Russia’s rich vodka culture!
