"Vashe Zdorovie!"

------------------------------------------------------------
For many Russians and former Soviets, the genuine act of drinking vodka constitutes a very special, if not hallowed, ceremony.
1. Your shot of iced vodka at The Russian Tea Time is served straight up in a chilled 2 oz. glass and is accompanied by traditional morsels - pickled cucumber and pumpernickel bread bite. Have it within a reach.

2. Announce a brief toast "Na Zdorovie!" ("To Health"), or better yet, "Vashe Zdorovie!" ("Your Health"). Smell your piece of bread thoroughly.

3. Ceremonially say, "Nu.." ("So..."). Take a deep breath. Slope your head right back, and down-empty the entire shot (of course, just half of our 2 oz. shot is O.K. too).

4. Breathe out loudly, producing a sound just short of a full whistle. Smell your slice of black bread in a quick ritual gesture. (Some people smell their sleeves, but this is optional).

5. Eat your chaser consciously but quickly.

6. Say, "Oh Khorosho" ("It feels good"), or "Khorosho poshla" (It went down well").

7. Repeat the round in 10-15 minutes. But make sure to desist and retire as soon as your performance becomes blemished in any way.