Here are some fun facts on Vodka and its history with Russia:
1.) According to legend, in the 10th century Vladimir the Great rejected Islam as a state religion because of its ban on vodka. He told the Muslim emissary who offered the idea, “Drinking is the joy of all Rus’. We cannot exist without its pleasure.”
2.) Every Russian soldier during World War II was given a ration of vodka per day (roughly a shot’s worth — but many saved their rations for special battles).
3.) In 1860, vodka was 40 percent of the government’s revenue.
4.) The origin of the word vodka comes from the Russian “voda,” which means water.
5.) Per capita, Russians drink twice as much alcohol as Americans. Step it up, guys.