Moloko

Toast Around the World:

Russian: Будем здоровы / Budem zdorovie (BOO-dem zda-RO-vy)

English Translation: To our health!

 

In Russian tradition, toasts are necessary, and are also known for being long and may become part of multiple toasts. Because of this, we couldn’t choose just one way for you to say ‘Cheers!’ in Russian, so we chose a few more: За вас! / za vas! (to you!), За встречу! - za fstryé-tchoo! (to our meeting!),  and Давайте выпьем за то, чтобы мы испытали столько горя, сколько капель вина останется в наших бокалах! (May we suffer as much sorrow as drops of wine we are about to leave in our glasses!)

 

Moloko means milk in Russian and is pronounced differently depending on where in Russia the speaker is from. In the south, молоко is pronounced moh-lo-ko; they say muh-lo-ko in Moscow, and maw-la-ka in the North. The Moloko is a twist on the familiar creamy vodka drink, the White Russian, which has been said to have gotten its name from its main spirit ingredient, vodka, which originated in Russia. While vodka is popular in cocktails, Russians prefer drinking it in small shots. They say it is meant to be served pure, and it should be kept in the freezer as they say the cold enhances the taste.