Don't throw away all of your nice vodka just yet! Unless it's in a large glass.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many Americans have called for boycotts of Russian goods to demonstrate their support for the Ukrainian people. Republican and Democratic politicians have expressly asked for Russian vodkas to be removed off store shelves; one Bend, Oregon, bar owner went so far as to film himself pouring out his establishment's Stoli vodka in a well-intended but mistaken protest of Russia's aggressiveness. While I totally agree with the goal, the problem is that many ostensibly Russian objects and symbols are not, in fact, Russian at all.
I embrace the notion of expressing sympathy with Ukraine in whatever manner possible, but certain go-to Russian targets aren't worth targeting. Of course, you might argue that boycotts of vodka and other Russian-themed items are still important, even if they aren't economically significant. In this case, I could even agree with you. Consider this a history lesson rather than a guide on foreign policy and the effectiveness of boycotting on a personal and global scale: Here are some "Russian" items that aren't as Russian as you've been made to think.
Your favorite vodka
To be sure, Russia and vodka are inextricably linked. But, before you throw up your hands in displeasure, keep in mind that it most likely did not originate in Russia. According to NPR, Russia produces less than 1% of the vodka drank in the United States. Even Stoli vodka, despite its Russian name, is produced in Latvia. Stoli Group stated in a statement to CNN that it "unambiguously opposes the military action in Ukraine and is ready to support the Ukrainian people, our staff, and partners."
Similarly, Smirnoff is a prominent brand that has Russian origins but has long been owned by a British firm and is now made in Illinois. Absolut, Svedka, Grey Goose, and so on—unless it's Russian Standard or Green Mark, your vodka of choice is most likely not manufactured in Russia.
If you still want to support Ukraine in a vodka-infused fashion, how about purchasing Ukrainian, such as with some Khor?
Your favorite cocktail
It's time for some old-fashioned legend about the extremely contentious Black and/or White Russian drink. Whether you like them or despise them, their "Russian" names may be a falsehood.
According to legend, bartender Gustave Tops created a specialty cocktail for the American ambassador to Luxembourg, Perle Mesta, in the late 1940s. This dark, enigmatic potion was created by combining Russian vodka with Kahla—what is now known as a Black Russian. Someone along the way decided to add milk or cream to the mixture to make the White Russian.
The point is, this narrative takes place in the bar of the Hotel Metropole in Brussels. Belgian capital, Brussels. It is not Russia. We may assume that the "Russian" term is most likely derived from the fact that vodka is the major component, although the drinks themselves are not associated with Russia.
Russian Dressing
You've probably guessed where this is going: Russian dressing isn't even remotely Russian. This creamy sauce, which is less of a salad dressing and more of a sandwich spread, may be traced back to New Hampshire in 1924. The spicy mayo and ketchup mix was created by grocer James E. Colburn, according to the Washington Post. According to CNN, Colburn also loved to add caviar—an food commonly associated with Russia—which might explain the moniker. Still, if you're severing all links to Russia, even if they're simply symbolic, go with the perhaps more popular Thousand Island.
Nesting Dolls
Whether you call them Russian, nesting, or Matryoshka dolls, their origins are in Japan. Probably—once again, we're depending on legend. Still, legend has it that the artist responsible with popularizing these dolls got the idea after receiving a Japanese daruma doll as a gift. The daruma doll's hallmark is—surprise—smaller dolls buried inside it. Dressing, drinks, dolls...it appears that you may open up everything Americans name "Russian" and find a different history hidden inside.
Pelmeni
This one is debatable. Most nations separately created some type of dumpling-like dish throughout the years, so it's no surprise that the actual origin of pelmenis—meat dumplings popular in Russia—can be traced to further east. Just like those Russian dolls, don't you think?
Borscht
What better way to end a passionate issue than with some hot soup? Borscht is a classic meal prepared with beets and other chopped vegetables that is frequently served with sour cream and may be eaten hot or cold, despite my wonderfully clever hook. Although it has significant links to Russia and Poland, its original origins are in Ukraine. According to the BBC, in 2019, Ukrainians took to social media to definitively claim this soup after @Russia (the official Twitter account for the Russian Federation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs) tweeted: "A timeless classic, #Borsch is one of Russia's most famous & beloved #dishes & a symbol of traditional cuisine."
#RussianThings #Vodka #Russia #Ukraine
SOURCE: lifehacker
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SOURCE: lifehacker
What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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