Russian classics

Herbal teas like ivan chai (willowherb tea) and local hot drinks like sbiten’ or vzvar are perfect if you’re looking for something natural and deeply rooted in local culture. You can find packaged versions at a supermarket and brew them yourself at home, or keep an eye out for them at winter markets and Russian-style cafés. Drink them hot, add some honey or sugar if you prefer, and enjoy!

An overlooked favorite

Drinks made from chicory root aren’t everybody’s favorite. Some people love them, some… not so much. Still, they remain one of the most popular coffee alternatives in Russia, known for their roasted flavor and health benefits.

Chicory is super easy to make at home. Some coffee shops (e.g., Cofix) started adding it to their menu, too – a perfect way to give it a try before committing to purchasing an entire jar.

Beyond Coffee: Unique Drinks Worth Trying

Instant joy

Speaking of instant drinks, there’s a lot more to choose from on the grocery store shelves than chicory. For winter, another excellent option would be rosehip drinks. Slightly sour, with a lovely deep red color, they’ll warm you up in no time and will help cover that winter need for vitamin C.

An advanced option is to get dried rosehip berries instead of the instant version, and brew them yourself. The easiest way is to place the berries in a thermos with hot water and let them steep for several hours.

Drink your buckwheat

Russians truly love buckwheat! It’s consumed in many ways, from sweet breakfast porridge or diet-fit side dish to… a drink. Buckwheat tea has a nice, subtle taste (no, not at all like boiled buckwheat) and various health benefits. Naturally caffeine-free, it’s a perfect drink for cozy evenings, a lovely way to wind down and end the day.

Berry-fueled delight  

Have you ever tried kisel? If not, you definitely should. It’s probably different from any other drink you’ve tasted thanks to its thick, jelly texture. Although not traditionally a winter drink in particular, it makes perfect sense to enjoy it during the colder months. Kisel is usually made with forest berries, which are packed with vitamins and flavor. You can often find it in old-school cafeterias, or, better yet, make it at home using any berries, sugar, and starch.

For a deeper dive into Russian drinks culture, see this overview and a list St.Pete’s locations to visit.