The Perfect Mix: Beer And Vodka Cocktail

A mixture of beer and vodka is known as a Yorsh (Russian: Ёрш) or a ruffe, which is a type of little spiky fish. It is a popular drink in Russia, where it is traditionally consumed in a social setting, with a toast, and downed in one go. The drink is prepared by mixing beer and vodka together, with the vodka not altering the flavour of the beer but increasing its alcohol content.

Polo-Poli: A Russian name for the drink, meaning half-half

Polo-Poli, or Поло-Поли in Russian, is a drink that is half beer and half vodka. The name, which translates to "half-half" in English, is fitting given the even mix of its two constituent beverages. Polo-Poli is a common drink in Russia, where it is traditionally consumed in a social setting, often with a toast, and downed in one go.

The drink is also known as Yorsh (Russian: Ёрш), which means "ruffe", a little spiky fish. This name is likely derived from the appearance of the drink, with the bubbles and foam created by mixing the two beverages resembling the ruffled fins of a small fish. Yorsh is also sometimes called "mora grogg".

While Polo-Poli may be unique in its even mix of beer and vodka, other similar drinks exist. For example, in the UK, a "depth charge" is made by dropping a shot of vodka into a beer, and in Australia, a "shandy" is half beer and half lemon squash. In the US, a similar drink is created by dropping a shot of whiskey into a beer, known as a "boiler maker" or "U-boot".

The combination of beer and vodka creates a drink with a relatively mild flavour, as vodka is a neutral spirit, but a significantly increased alcohol content. This makes Polo-Poli a potent beverage, perfect for a quick social drink with friends.

Depth Charge: A UK name for the drink, where a shot of vodka is dropped into beer

In the UK, a shot of vodka dropped into a beer is known as a "depth charge". This is a type of "drop shot", where a shot of liquor is dropped into a beer, similar to a Jägerbomb or an Irish Car Bomb.

The process of making a depth charge is simple: fill a pint glass or beer mug with the beer of your choice, pour vodka into a shot glass, and then drop the shot glass into the beer. It is recommended that you drink it immediately.

While the vodka does not greatly alter the flavour of the beer, it does significantly increase its alcohol content.

The depth charge is not limited to vodka, and can be made with other spirits such as whiskey, tequila, or even Ramazzotti, an Italian amaro infused with orange peel and herbs.

Yorsh: A Russian name for the drink, meaning a small, spiky fish

Yorsh (Russian: Ёрш), or ruffe, is a Russian name for a mixed drink consisting of beer and vodka. The name comes from a type of small, spiky fish. The drink is traditionally consumed in a social setting, with a toast, and then the full glass is downed in one go. It is a common drink in Russia and is said to be one of the first examples of mixed drinks in Russian drinking culture, appearing in the 17th-century poem, the Tale of Woe and Misfortune.

The preparation of Yorsh involves mixing beer and vodka in a glass, which is then covered with the palm of the hand, turned over, and hit against the knee to create a popping sound. This is known as a "Chpock" (Russian: Чпок). The drink is meant to be consumed quickly, while the bubbles and foam are still present. The vodka in Yorsh does not significantly alter the flavour of the beer but does increase its alcohol content.

There are different variations of the drink, with some recipes calling for equal parts beer and vodka, while others suggest a mix of 50 grams of vodka with 200 grams of beer. The former, stronger version, with just 50 grams of beer to 100 grams of vodka, is known as "Chpock".

Yorsh is also known as "mora grogg" and is similar to the "jungle juice" in English, referring to an alcoholic mix of incompatible ingredients. While there is no widely used term for this drink combination in the US or the UK, some regions may have their own names for it. For example, in Australia, a similar drink of half lemon squash and half beer is called a "shandy".

Boilermaker: A US name for the drink, where a shot of liquor is dropped into beer

The Boilermaker is a US name for a mixed drink where a shot of liquor, typically whiskey, is dropped into a glass of beer. The drink is straightforward and unfussy, consisting of just two ingredients. It is said to have originated in the 1890s in Butte, Montana, where it was originally called a Sean O'Farrell and was served to miners after their shifts. The name "Boilermaker" is believed to come from the locomotive workers of the 1800s, who were known as "boilermakers" and would order a beer and a shot of whiskey to unwind after a long day.

There are a few variations on how to prepare and serve a Boilermaker. One method is to fill a pint glass halfway with beer, drop in a shot of whiskey, and then slam the drink in one go. This is a fun and social way to consume the drink, especially with a group. Alternatively, the whiskey can be poured directly into the beer, without dropping in the shot glass. The drinks can also be served separately, allowing the whiskey to be taken as a shot before sipping the beer as a chaser. In this case, the whiskey is typically consumed first.

While whiskey is the classic choice for a Boilermaker, other liquors can also be used. Tequila paired with a Mexican lager or herbal, bitter amari (or malty genever) served with a crisp pilsner are recommended alternatives. The choice of beer is also flexible, and different types of beer will complement the chosen liquor differently. For example, a bold Irish whiskey pairs well with the extra flavour of an IPA, while a light lager goes well with bourbon or rye whiskey.

The Boilermaker is a simple yet effective drink, combining liquor and beer in a way that has been popular since the two drinks first became widely available. It offers a strong alcoholic kick in an uncomplicated format, making it a timeless favourite for hardworking people looking to unwind at the end of a long day.

Chpock: A Russian name for a heavier version of the drink, with more vodka

Chpock (Russian: Чпок) is a heavier version of the Russian beer-and-vodka cocktail, Yorsh (or Ёрш in Russian). While Yorsh is made by mixing 50 grams of vodka with 200 grams of beer, Chpock is made by mixing just 50 grams of beer with 100 grams of vodka. The name Chpock is an imitation of the popping sound made when mixing the drink. To make this sound, after pouring both liquids into a glass, the glass is covered with the palm of the hand, turned over, and hit against the knee. For the full effect, the drink should be consumed quickly, while the bubbles and foam are still present.

Chpock is traditionally drunk in a social setting, with a toast, followed by downing a full glass of the drink in one go. It is commonly consumed in Russia. The term Yorsh is used colloquially in a similar way to the term "jungle juice" in English, to refer to an alcoholic mix of incompatible ingredients. Vodka is a neutral spirit, so it does not greatly alter the flavour of the beer, but it does significantly increase its alcohol content.

The first evidence of the presence of such a mix in Russian drinking culture is the Tale of Woe and Misfortune, an anonymous 17th-century poem. The early version of Yorsh described in the poem included a precursor to vodka, bread wine.

In Australia, a drink of half beer and half lemon squash is called a Shandy. In the UK, a shot of vodka dropped into beer is called a depth charge. In the US, a shot of whiskey dropped into beer is called a boilermaker.

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