Hello Doly

Autumn has arrived, and with it comes some of the most loved seasonal drinks, foods, and festivities. You will hear over and over again about “pumpkin flavored everything” and Halloween preparations. Hot apple cider and fall sangrias are seen on menus everywhere. We found some ways to join in on the fall festivities and spice up our favorite classic – the Moscow Mule. Try some of these recipes to welcome in the autumn season, the Russian way.

Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
The harvest brings us fresh new flavors. Take advantage and brighten up your mule with apples and cranberries, two favorite fruits of the season.

Spiced Pear Moscow Mule
Pears are a rather uncommon choice when it comes to mixed drinks, but why not explore a new option with this simple and fresh recipe?

Apple Cider Mule
Apple cider is definitely one of the top five things to look forward to when summer comes to an end. Just add some to your classic mule, and it’s an instant fall favorite!

Pumpkin Spice Mule
Well, we couldn’t stay left out of the biggest trend of the season. Besides, with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice as two of the few ingredients, this option sounds too intriguing and delicious not to try. See for yourself!

We love embracing our Russian roots! Welcome the beautiful season of changing leaves and cooler weather with these spins on our favorite classic. Share with us your creations and other favorite ways to celebrate autumn with Ustianochka by interacting with us on Facebook or using the hashtag #Ustianochka. Enjoy!

The recent arrival of the summer solstice has brought to us long, sunny days and short, warm nights. The beautiful weather alone gives us reason to celebrate. It is a time for cookouts, campfires, music festivals, vacations, and lazy days at the pool. There are many delicious drinks to make with Ustianochka year-round, but summer gives us an excuse to try out some unique treats to cool down with and usually more opportunities to share them with friends. Here are four ways to use Ustianochka in creative ways this summer.

1. Popsicles

It’s a given that kids love popsicles, but why not make an upgraded version for the young-at-heart adults? We found a recipe for Blue Lagoon popsicles that those over 21 can exclusively enjoy. If you follow this exact recipe, you’ll have a red and blue treat, just in time for 4th of July! Just make sure they are well-marked if there are little ones around!

2. Sorbet

For something a little more fancy, a sorbet is most always a welcomed dessert – more specifically, a Cosmopolitan sorbet. This one is an ideal dessert for a planned girl’s night or after a dinner for two.

3. Slushies

What is better than sweet tea on a hot day? A sweet tea vodka slushie definitely sounds like a step-up. Of course there are lots of other recipes floating around for this classic concept as well. Slushies and smoothies are always a great opportunity to try colorful and refreshing combinations. Another simple flavor we think is worth trying is lemon!

4. Fruit Juice Ice Cubes

Ice melts fast out in that 90 degree weather. We found the perfect solution – ice cubes made of fruit juice! Whether you choose what kind of juice based on a specific recipe, or pick your favorite and create your own concoction, these alternative ice cubes will eliminate watered-down drinks and make your drinks more colorful and fun! One recipe that really stood out to us involves watermelon ice cubes to complement watermelon limeade.

Hopefully these ideas inspire you to embrace the heat wave and make some unique treats to celebrate the sunshine! Please remember to enjoy responsibly. Share your Ustianochka summer creations with us! Post a picture on social media with the hashtag #Ustianochka, and we may feature your summer recipe so others can enjoy it as well. Happy Summer!

This weekend is a time to celebrate this beautiful country we live in, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy plenty of delicious food and drink! When you’re heading out this weekend for some fun but responsible activities, don’t forget to throw a bottle of vodka in your picnic basket, or prepare one of these beforehand.

To Eat

It’s common to have a watermelon at your picnic… but how about an adult watermelon? Just cut a small hole in your watermelon, large enough for the end of a funnel to go into, and then pour one and a half cups of Ustianochka into the watermelon, slowly. Let it sit for a few hours and then cut it up before serving it to guests.

If you’re looking for more of an iced treat for a hot day, consider all of the ways that vodka can be worked into dessert! Two examples are adding it into frozen ice or popsicles. To make creamcicle frozen ice, all you’ll need are vodka, grand mariner, shaved ice, and thawed orange juice concentrate. Oh, and these instructions.

We never thought we would call popsicles chic, but that is exactly what comes to mind when we think of these Blueberry Basil Martini Pops. They are a nice alternative to the classic flavors you can get from the grocery store!

To Drink

Of course, when you think of vodka, you think of drinking it. But when you’re at a picnic, you probably won’t be drinking your vodka straight! So here are two ideas for adding Ustianochka to some of your favorite summer drinks.

The first is simple! Just add a can of your favorite frozen lemonade concentrate to 12 oz. of Ustianochka. With two ingredients, it’s easy to make on the go, or even make regularly at home!

(Note: You’ll be able to enjoy this next drink in August – it takes a month to prepare!)

The second is a little bit more complicated – but only a little! We found this delicious recipe for Limoncello, and all you need is vodka, lemons, sugar, and water! But note that this limoncello takes about a month to age, so don’t start it the night before you’d like to drink it.

To Enjoy the Party

Vodka isn’t just good to drink and add to some of your favorite recipes. In fact, there are a ton of uses for vodka that can solve a wide variety of issues. Two common issues when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors? Bug bites and poison ivy! Luckily, if you’ve got your Ustianochka vodka with you, you can make yourself more comfortable.

If you run into any poison ivy at your picnic, pour vodka over the area it touched to reduce your chance of developing one of those itchy rashes!

Vodka is also a natural bug repellant! Pour some into a spray bottle and you can safely spray it on your body, or spray it right on the insect that is bothering you.

No matter how you use it, be sure to grab a bottle of Ustianochka for your 4^th of July gathering! (Click here to find where Ustianochka is sold near you!)

Spring means a lot of things to Pittsburgh residents, but one major perk of warm weather is being able to enjoy Penguins hockey and Pirates baseball in our shorts and sundresses!

This year, we want you to add Ustianochka to your team, and take it on the road with you will you enjoy cookouts and tailgates. Here are four ideas for

Add the Mixer of Champions

Gatorade was invented in 1955 to help protect college football players from heat-related illness. Just because you aren’t PLAYING a sport, that doesn’t mean you can’t use Gatorade as a delicious mixer in your Ustianochka vodka. You can also pour some Ustianochka vodka into your Gatorade bottle and put it in the freezer until it comes out like a slushy. A great drink to kick back with and enjoy cheering on the Pens or the Buccos.

Add Some Local “Pop”

If you’re cheering on the black and gold, not just any old soda pop (or pop, as any Pittsburgher will tell you) will do. Natrona Bottling Company was founded in 1904 in Natrona, Pa., and it offers pop in flavors such as Root Beer, Red Ribbon Almond Cream Soda, and Jamaica’s Finest Ginger Beer. Bring together the taste of Russia and the taste of Pittsburgh to craft your own perfect drink! In fact, the smooth and clean taste of Ustianochka mixes well with any soda or juice.

Try Out Summer Beer

We’ve seen recipes for Summer Beer floating around the internet – especially on Pinterest. We had to try it out for ourselves. And, of course, Usti was a perfect fit for this refreshing drink!  All you need is a blender,  ice, frozen lemonade from concentrate, 12 oz. of beer and 12 oz. of Ustianochka vodka.  Oh, and some thirsty hockey or baseball fans.

Add Vodka to Your Fruit!

If you’re hosting a cookout and want to put a new spin on a classic picnic food, try infusing your watermelon with vodka. It takes about a week for the process to take place, so be sure to plan ahead of time. Just make sure none of the kids try to munch on it as a snack!

Some other things not to forget for your cookout or tailgate:

• Plenty of water to keep you hydrated as you enjoy your favorite drinks and cocktails
• The sunscreen and sunglasses. No one likes a fried fan!
• Hand sanitizer for outdoor tailgates that don’t allow access to public restrooms
• A grill, including a portable one that is great for tailgating
• Enough food for all of your friends
• Your camera. Show us how you cheer on your team with Ustianochka!

Go team!

Today, Pittsburgh residents look at drinking as more of a social event, whether that includes a night out with friends in the South Side, or an intimate gathering over wine at a Cultural District establishment. But Pittsburgh’s growing and eclectic mix of bars and booze that is bringing more and more tourists to the area is thanks, in part, due to one of Pittsburgh’s biggest former attractions:  Steel.

Pittsburgh’s steel industry exploded after the American Revolution, with mills particularly popping up in Allegheny County after the 1870’s. The 1880’s brought with them a wave of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe. Each of these groups brought with them a taste from home, with Russian workers carrying their love of vodka to their new home in the United States.

These workers were a mix between single men and married men who were working to support a family back in their home country. And after they were off the clock, many of them headed straight to bars, more and more of which were being built to handle the surge of eager customers. Pittsburgh’s population grew nearly seven times between 1870 and 1920.

Working in the mills was not an easy job. According to a local historical blog, “Originally the number of bars were built to satisfy the steel workers who would end a shift and cross the street to the closest watering hole for a beer (or two… or three) before heading up the steep slope steps towards home (and to often stop at another of the numerous saloons that littered the hillside, conveniently located next to the slope steps).”

The blog continued, “Gary Regan writes in The Joy of Mixology ‘Indeed, the boilermaker was popularized by 19th century steel workers in Pennsylvania, who drank to wash away the taste of factory life. It’s not a story with a lot of romance. It was such a horrible job, you’d just want to slam a whisky before you had your beer.’”

With so many single men calling Pittsburgh home, the city turned into a center of crime and gratuitous alcohol consumption. Neighborhoods all over the city were gaining a reputation for the illicit actions that were taking place. McKeesport became known for its red-light district called the “Brick Alley.”

Mills continued to boom from the 1930’s through the 1970’s, during which time municipalities drilled down on illegal activity. In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Pittsburgh’s steel industry began to crumble, leaving tens of thousands of laborers without work, forcing them to lower wages and non-union work.

Looking at Pittsburgh today, with its success in finance, medicine, and technology, it is easy to forget that the city was once a struggling “has-been” powerhouse. But the city’s former, and now reestablished glory, has brought us the wide range of alcohol and bars that make up the city’s exciting culture.

Ustianochka is proud to be a part of the culture of Pittsburgh, reaching back to the Russian immigrants who found their way to the Steel City. It was their drive to do good, old fashioned, hard work… and their love of a good drink… that allow us to bring the smooth taste of Ustianochka Vodka to Pittsburghers today.

Ustianochka importer, Margaret, has been a metallurgical trainee, biochemistry major, licensed Real Estate agent, teacher, professional nut-roll baker and a stay at home mother. Today she brings the smooth and clean taste of Ustianochka vodka to the United States, beginning in Pittsburgh, Pa., through her company, Amruss Inc.

In the “Spirit” of New Business

Originally from Slovakia, Margaret learned to speak Russian in 5th grade, when her country was still under communistic rule. Back then, she didn’t realize how important her knowledge of the Russian language and culture would become, especially after her family immigrated to America and she had to learn English. However, years later after she moved to Pittsburgh, an opportunity came when she met a family, visiting from Russia, involved in the liquor business. Margaret’s knowledge of Russian culture and her love of Russian vodka sparked an idea. Unable to find the top quality Russian vodka she loved in the Pittsburgh market, she had the idea to import it herself.

“I just simply couldn’t resist. I had to start my own business,” Margaret said.

So began the hunt for the perfect vodka. After dozens of tastings, travelling to Russian distilleries across the country, Margaret was introduced to Ustianochka vodka, made with pristine water and the finest grains. Made in small batches using the old blending technique, it was distilled many times over and platinum filtered. Margaret had found the vodka she was looking for.

In order to bring her vodka to Pittsburgh, Margaret had to create a business entity. Amruss Inc. was created in 2009, and the first bottle of Ustianochka vodka was delivered to Pennsylvania liquor stores in September 2012. It took several years to earn the first sale after the company’s creation, due to the strict and lengthy alcohol regulation process.

Built on Quality (and Taste)

Companies are only successful with their management team truly believes in their product or service. Margaret started her company because of one important fact – she loved the taste of Ustianochka. But many customers already have their “favorite” brand, and the biggest challenge that Margaret has faced since bringing Ustianochka to the U.S. is convincing people to abandon their go-to brand to try a new vodka. The good news is that vodka drinkers can try out Ustianochka without going over budget.

“There is a premium product for a premium price. And a lower quality product for a lower price. Ustianochka vodka is a premium product at an affordable price.”

A 750 ml. bottle of Ustianochka is avaliliable at Fine Wine and Good Spirits for just $16.99, a steal compared to the $20 – $35 bottles being sold by other companies.

Competing in the ‘Boys’ Club’

Being the only woman in the room isn’t a new experience for Margaret. During her education and throughout her career, her peers were mostly men. This carries through to the alcohol industry, where female importers are unheard of.

But being the minority in her field doesn’t sway Margaret.

“The only thing with which I could not keep up with compared to my male counterparts was beer drinking.”

Margaret is thriving in the liquor business, not just from a sales perspective, but on a personal level. She considers this business to be an amazing learning experience which has introduced her to a new group of kind, interesting, and smart people. She said that she learns something new every day, relating to the alcohol production process in Russia, international shipping processes, branding, advertising, and creating custom crafted cocktails.

The future for Ustianochka, Amruss Inc, and Margaret is wide open, but she has a goal in mind.

I would like Ustianochka to become a household name in the U.S., at least in the vodka lovers’ households.”

To keep up with Margaret and Ustianochka, follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.

Ustianochka celebrated National Vodka Day (October 4) with a tasting at Imagebox Productions as part of “Unblurred: First Fridays on Penn.” Art (and vodka) lovers browsed the work of local artist Matthew Holesapple as they learned to drink like a Russian, chasing or pairing their shot with a pickle, pumpernickel bread, pickled onions, Russian cookies and more! And to add to the fun of the evening, we gave guests a challenge.:”How do you say Ustianochka?”

In many social situations, great food is accompanied by great drink. And it doesn’t get any greater than real Russian vodka! But it’s not always a gourmet meal that seems to go perfectly with the smooth spirit. Did you know that the most popular thing that Russians eat with vodka are… pickles?

Pickling is very popular in Russia, as there are relatively short crop seasons and a need to preserve food. The brine in pickle juice, because of lactic acid, can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy digestive tract.  Pickle juice is also a great hangover cure.

Since the 18^th century, it has been common for a zakuski, or a snack, to accompany your drink.  Zakuskis can be a pickle, onion, potato, or even pumpernickel bread. If you truly want to drink like a Russian, you will have a zakuski nearby for when you finish your vodka shot (in one gulp!)

Shot lovers can also get their fill with a shot of vodka followed by a shot of pickle juice.  The local blog EatPGH gave some tips for taking your first pickle shot in a post last year, which included, “Have another. Because you will want to after you’ve had your first.”

If you want to drink vodka like a Russian, prepare to smell the pickle juice. But no matter the food you choose to accompany your drink, remember to drink responsibly!

While you may know vodka as the not-so-secret ingredient in your favorite cocktail, we’re sure that there are a lot of things about this smooth concoction that still remain a mystery. So, we wanted to be sure that the next time you order a vodka cranberry or a kamikaze shooter, you can fill your friends in on the history and usage of your favorite drink.

The First Sip

Vodka hails from Northern Europe with Russia, Poland, and Sweden all claiming that they were the first to distill it. The name vodka comes from the Russian word “voda,” meaning water. For those who don’t know, vodka can be created from starch or sugar-filled substances such as potatoes, corn, rye, wheat, and soy.

The Gin & Vodka Association states that the first vodka distillery was in the Russian town of Khylnovsk in the 9th century, but some sources insist that vodka was being distilled in Poland in the 8th century.

Vodka was first recorded as “vodka” in 1405 in court documents from Poland, and gained popularity in the United States after World War II.

More Than Just a Drink

In 1534, European medics and scientists reported that vodka could be used as a way to “increase fertility and awaken lust.” While this is certainly some interesting data, vodka has many uses beyond being enjoyed as a drink.

From the start of its creation, vodka was used for medicinal purposes, to treat ailments such as poison ivy, jellyfish stings, cold sores, and toothaches. But it also makes an excellent cleaning product and can be used to remove sticky substances from surfaces, clean your windows, and even reduce build up when added to your favorite shampoo.

Basically, if vodka can’t do it, nothing can.

Ustianochka, Real Russian Vodka

Ustianochka vodka is distilled in Northern Russian from the nation’s purest mineral water. Grains from nearby fields are combined with the mineral water and the vodka is created with the “wooden paddle” technique, by hand, giving it it’s unique and pure taste.

And while we could sit here all day and list the reasons you need to try our distinctly smooth vodka, we suggest trying it for yourself and sharing your new knowledge with your friends. You may even want to try some at-home remedies to clean and cure! With the same techniques and passion put into distilling vodka in 9th century Russia, we provide you with only the best vodka, no matter how you want to use it.

Now that you know its history, factor Ustianochka into your future.