As one would expect to find in this part of the world, vodka is essentially the Belarusian national drink. Local brands are inexpensive and generally very good. Three to watch out for are Minsk Kristal (Минск Кристалл), Belalco (Белалко) and Bulbash (Бульбашъ). For men, knocking back ice-cold shots in one is considered the correct way to drink. Mixing vodka is looked on as being somewhat unmanly. Belarusian beer comes in all shapes and sizes from the mass-produced brands such as Krinica (Криница) to the more interesting ales such as the live Beaver Dark (Бивер Темное) and the light Lidskoye Beloye (Лидское Белое). Minsk has one or two microbreweries worth investigating. See the Nightlife section of this guide for more information. The choice of imported beers, wines and spirits is fairly good, although prices are high, especially so for imported wines.