  I think vodka or viina is quite popular still here. Though most people mix it with something, and do not drink it as pure   IT?  You mean  them . Viina and vodka aren't same stuff.      especially because most Finnish viina's taste quite bad, when compared to quality vodka's.  Well, it depends. Of course taste is finally individual view, but I prefer viina to Finnish vodka, since it's more soft. Russian vodka is softer than Finnish, so it is usually as good.     Also I do not get idea of drinking with pure viina or vodka you out of consciousness in half of hour. It is better to drink somewhat slower and have more fun. :clink  Yes. If drinked as pure, you should eat something (pickled cucumber and salty stuff) and have company. And only schnapps, not from bottle. But most of all, I prefer beer.