According to Russia’s Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation, liquor production saw a significant decrease of 16% in the first half of 2025, a surprising trend given that Russians are reportedly consuming more alcohol than they did in 2024.

Traditionally, vodka is an integral part of Russian culture, used in various social occasions from weddings to funerals. The historical roots of this iconic beverage trace back to its name, derived from the Russian word voda, meaning water.

Despite vodka’s cultural significance, the country is producing less of it. The production fell to 31.38 million decaliters in 2025 from 33.40 million decaliters in 2024. Interestingly, there has been an uptick in consumption of other spirits, including rum, whiskey, brandy, and tequila.

Multiple factors contribute to this decline in vodka production. Rising alcohol prices and the ban on Russian alcohol exports to the EU and the US, especially following the Ukraine war, have severely impacted revenues for vodka manufacturers. A report indicated that vodka exports were merely worth $34.6 million in 2024, a stark drop from $168.3 million in 2021.

The increase in minimum pricing for vodka, with the cost of a half-litre bottle going up from $2.99 to $3.49, further exacerbates the issue. Kazakhstan remains the primary market for Russian vodka, accounting for more than 92% of its imports, while China accounts for a mere $1.5 million.

Despite expectations for sales increases in markets like China and Turkey, the trajectory has not met the predictions as vodka faces tougher competition, including from Polish spirit exports now leading the market.

In summary, while Russians are drinking more, the combination of geopolitical issues, market dynamics, and rising prices is leading to a curious paradox in the vodka industry: less production amid higher consumption.

Production of vodka in Russia has significantly declined, despite an increase in overall alcohol consumption. According to the Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation, spirits manufacturing fell by over 16 percent in the first half of 2025, with vodka production specifically down by 10.9 percent year-on-year. This dropped from 33.40 million decaliters in 2024 to 31.38 million in 2025.

Alcohol consumption in Russia has risen, with citizens drinking more than at any point in the last eight years, highlighting a shift in preferences toward beverages like rum, whiskey, brandy, and tequila, as noted by Russian financial auditing firm Finexpertisa. In 2024, per capita consumption of these liquors grew by 10.2 percent, overtaking vodka consumption in some regions. Despite this, vodka remains the drink of choice nationwide, constituting 60 percent of annual sales.

The decrease in vodka production is largely attributed to rising prices of alcohol and a ban on alcoholic beverage exports to the EU, U.S., and other nations, a consequence of Western sanctions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This ban has significantly hampered revenue for Russian vodka producers, affecting their overall market stability.

As June comes to a close, New Zealand is gearing up for its annual Rum Month in July, a time to celebrate the spirit with limited-edition cocktails designed to warm the soul during the winter chill. Appleton Estate has partnered with some of the top bars in the country, creating exclusive rum cocktails that you won’t find elsewhere.

From the cozy vibes of underground speakeasies to vibrant neighborhood bars, here are the must-try rum cocktails across the North and South Islands.

North Island Highlights

Sardine, Auckland

Sardine, the drink-savvy sister bar to White and Wong’s, features six rum cocktails for just $20 each, offering a variety to suit every palate.

The Grange, Takapuna

Known for its Grange Signature cocktail, this bar combines Appleton Estate rum with Campari, passionfruit, fresh lime, and egg white for a vibrant and bittersweet experience.

Deadshot, Ponsonby

This bar presents a new Aperitivo Menu, with the Blackbeard’s Fix cocktail mixing Appleton Signature rum with black tea and lemon for a refreshing take.

Bar Mea, Auckland CBD

Bar Mea introduces the Tropical Hummingbird, combining Appleton Estate 8yo rum with Aperol, passionfruit, and a mango foam, available Thursday to Sunday.

Park Hyatt, Auckland CBD

Captain’s Bar offers a refined experience with a bespoke rum flight featuring three Appleton Estate expressions, complemented by flavor-packed pairings.

Panacea, Auckland CBD

This unique bar serves a cocktail called Universally Speaking, featuring Appleton Estate Rum mixed with mango, lychee, and ume sake.

Albert’s Post, Mount Albert

Enjoy the Pineapple Ginger Rumbada, a blend of Appleton Estate Rum served in a hollowed-out pineapple, bringing tropical vibes to Mount Albert.

Nightcar, Auckland CBD

A more intimate setting, Nightcar serves a trio of Appleton Estate cocktails, perfect for pairing with their modern Chinese menu.

The Corner, Remuera

This local favorite presents a bold Old Fashioned, offering a refined twist on a classic cocktail.

Picnicka, Tauranga

Known for island-inspired cocktails, Picnicka serves the Black River Joy, Nassau Sour, and Three Push, One Steer, each packed with depth and creativity.

South Island Highlights

SODA, Queenstown

SODA’s Sunset Sip combines Appleton Estate Signature Rum with Amaro, Graham’s Port, and cinnamon, creating a rich, warming cocktail.

Habana Rum Bar, Queenstown

Tucked away in the laneways, Habana’s Rum Reverie blends Appleton Estate rum with tropical flavors, echoing classic tiki cocktails.

Little Blackwood, Queenstown

Famed for its nightlife, Little Blackwood serves a reimagined Mai Tai using the ultra-rare Appleton Estate 17YO, showcasing a housemade pistachio orgeat.

O.G.B. Christchurch

Offering a mix of vintage vibes and live music, OGB features the Vin Brûlé Tai—a spicy rum blend with mulled wine syrup, alongside two other standout cocktails.

Austin Club, Christchurch

This hidden gem presents the Hokey Pokey Mai Tai, mixing Appleton Estate Rum with a nostalgic Kiwi twist for a unique take on a classic.

Bloody Mary’s, Christchurch

At Bloody Mary’s, enjoy two unique cocktails featuring Appleton Estate 12-Year rum—the savory Butcher’s Pour and the spicy Irie.

For detailed information on participating venues and their unique offerings this Rum Month, visit Appleton Estate.

LQR House Inc. has entered into a strategic marketing partnership with Montauk Distilling Co. to promote its cinnamon-flavored rum. This collaboration aims to enhance brand visibility and boost ecommerce sales through a tailored three-month promotional campaign.

The initiative will utilize LQR House’s marketing expertise, which includes proprietary digital tools, targeted advertising strategies, and an extensive network of influencers. Sean Dollinger, CEO of LQR House, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Montauk Cinnamon Rum’s unique flavor and strong consumer appeal. He emphasized their commitment to delivering specialized marketing services that help emerging and craft spirits brands connect with their target customers.

With this agreement, LQR House continues its mission to support quality beverage brands through data-driven marketing strategies. The campaign will be executed via CWSpirits.com, LQR House’s alcohol marketplace, which specializes in providing a diverse selection of premium spirits.

LQR House is committed to reshaping the online alcohol purchasing experience, demonstrating measurable success in sales through its strategic marketing efforts. This partnership represents an important step for both companies in capturing consumer interest in innovative spirits.

For more information on LQR House and their initiatives, you can visit CWSpirits.com.

In Key West, a place once frequented by Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s, the legacy of the legendary writer continues to thrive, particularly through a beloved cocktail: the Hemingway daiquiri. Known for his adventurous spirit, Hemingway often engaged in boxing, fishing, and clandestine drinking during Prohibition, traits that exemplified his dynamic lifestyle, reflected in his literary contributions like "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "To Have and Have Not."

Hemingway’s influence is celebrated today in various ways, including his former home, the Hemingway Rum Company producing Papa’s Pilar Rum, and the annual Hemingway Days festival, which features a look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s, a bar he often frequented. The Hemingway daiquiri, originally crafted at El Floridita in Havana, Cuba, has since become a staple at Bar 1, located at the Key West Cooking School.

The Hemingway daiquiri is distinctively characterized by its bold flavor, made from white rum, citrus juices, and maraschino liqueur, intentionally avoiding the sweetness of a traditional daiquiri—reflecting Hemingway’s personal taste preference. Alongside this iconic drink, Bar 1 also offers other rum-based specialties like the Rum Runner and Key West Sunset.

In anticipation of National Daiquiri Day on July 19, visitors are encouraged to raise a glass at Bar 1, celebrating Hemingway’s memory with the cocktail that pays homage to his life and legacy in Key West. To craft your own Hemingway daiquiri at home, combine white rum, fresh lime and grapefruit juices, maraschino liqueur, and ice in a shaker, shaking until chilled and straining into a glass devoid of ice.

For an even bolder flavor, consider using an aged rum instead of a light rum to enhance the complexity of the drink.