Taste of Russia - Kvas

The word "Kvas" comes from the Old Slavic language and means "yeast." It's a natural bread drink that looks and tastes like something between Coca-Cola and beer.


Kvas is not an exclusively Russian drink. It would be more accurate to say that it has been a traditional Slavic beverage since ancient times. Besides Russia, kvas is very popular in such Eastern European countries as Ukraine and Belarus as well as other former Soviet republics.

Kvas is made from rye bread and has a very distinct taste. It's not considered an alcoholic beverage in the counties of its origin, although it might have a very light alcohol content if it has been fermented for a longer time. It's a truly national drink in Russia as everyone enjoys drinking kvas, from young to old. 

In the past, it was only possible to either brew kvas at home in a large glass jar, as my grandma used to make it, or buy it from street vendors. These special yellow vats are out only in the summertime (see the first picture). Today, people can also buy bottled kvas at any grocery store and some brands are just as good as the real kvas we used to drink in the street.

I also wanted to share with you this one of the most famous kvas ads that was on bill boards all over Russia a few years ago. 

This "Nikola" kvas poster reads:
Kvas is not Cola. Drink Nikola!