Kvass is a refreshing, lightly fermented rye bread drink with a malty aroma, gentle sweetness, and soft tang. This quick homemade version is cool, lightly sparkling, and especially pleasant served well chilled on a warm day.

Okroshka is a chilled, tangy Russian soup with crisp cucumber, peppery radish, soft potato, egg, and fragrant dill suspended in a lightly creamy kvass broth. It is bright, cooling, and ideal for hot weather, with a pleasant contrast of crunchy vegetables and mellow, savory richness.