Modern Russians don't drink booze like many movies depict - in fact, more and more people are abstaining from alcohol altogether in the country. However, some old school Russians still follow these drinking traditions, more for fun than anything else.
10. ‘Penalty' shot
So, your Russian friends invite you to a party and start feasting on tasty dishes and alcohol. If you're late, they can make you drink a “penalty” shot glass. What is it? The “penalty” shot was introduced by Peter the Great, who tried to train his subordinates not to be late. He forced tardy employees to down a 1.5 liter glass of vodka in one go - we don't know if this stopped people turning up late but the tradition has survived, although luckily these days you're Russian friends will only make you neck one shot.
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