A cocktail with real bite has been created by Russian biologist Vasily Krivopalov.

Three times a week the 41-year-old scientist from the southern Russian city of Samara drains venom from one of his 20 pet cobras, and then mixes it with vodka and brown sugar.

He said: “I feel great afterwards, 20 years younger, it is a drink with a real kick.

“A cobra’s poison contains more than 120 useful components, and by adding alcohol to it the dangerous toxins are nullified; and it becomes a very healthy and invigorating drink. I take this medicine regularly and feel great: It rejuvenates and invigorates.”