Pravda
281 Lafayette Street, New York
pravdany.com
Pravda (below) means ‘truth’ and the name is probably more commonly associated with the political newspaper. It is also the name of a vodka and, of course, this bar in New York. The joint describes itself as a subterranean Russian speakeasy and “an underground caviar bar that prides itself in serving the best cocktails and Martinis alongside Russian inspired food”. More than 70 vodkas, including 10 house-infused flavoured vodkas, are on the menu.
Cocktails at Pravda make tongue-in-cheek references to all things Russian and, if you’re feeling like a citrus lift, try a Leninade – citrus vodka, lemon juice and fresh mint. Or, if you’re feeling more theatrical, go for a Gogol – horseradish vodka and pickled quails egg. It strikes us the latter might be an acquired taste.
Pravda
44 Wellington Street East, Toronto
pravdavodkabar.com
Expressing truth is so popular among vodka bars that there’s a Pravda in Toronto as well – though unrelated. The menu at this place splits the vodkas into Old and New World. There are only three countries that the venue counts as Old World – Russia, Poland and Ukraine – and the New World features most other places to have exported vodka. Like its New York friend, its cocktail menu features a playful pop at all things Soviet. Take the KG Banana Martini – vodka, banana liqueur and Irish cream. Or how about a Brezhnev Latte Martini – Pravda vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, chilled espresso. It’s named after Leonid Brezhnev who was the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and reigned from 1964-1982 – the second longest reign to Stalin.
