VODKA
Vodka (Polish: wódka [ˈvutka], Russian: водка [ˈvotkə]) is a distilled refreshment composed primarily of h2o and ethanol, sometimes together with traces of impurities and also flavorings. Traditionally, vodka is done by the distillation of fermented cereal grains or taters, though some modern manufacturers use other substances, like fruits or sugar.
Considering that the 1890s, the standard Polish, Euro, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Czech vodkas are 40% alcohol simply by volume ABV (80 PEOPLE proof), a percentage that is extensively misattributed to Dmitri Mendeleev. The European Union has established a minimum of 40. 5% ABV for any "European vodka" to be named as a result. Products sold as "vodka" in the United States must have a minimum liquor content of 40%. Despite having these loose restrictions, many vodka sold contains forty percent ABV. For homemade vodkas and distilled beverages called "moonshine", see moonshine based on country.
Vodka is traditionally consumed neat (not mixed with virtually any water, ice, or additional mixer), though it is often dished up chilled in the vodka seatbelt countries (Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norwegian, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine). It is also commonly used in réception and mixed drinks, including the vodka martini, Cosmopolitan, vodka tonic, Screwdriver, Greyhound, Dark-colored or White Russian, Moscow Mule, and Bloody Linda.
Considering that the 1890s, the standard Polish, Euro, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Czech vodkas are 40% alcohol simply by volume ABV (80 PEOPLE proof), a percentage that is extensively misattributed to Dmitri Mendeleev. The European Union has established a minimum of 40. 5% ABV for any "European vodka" to be named as a result. Products sold as "vodka" in the United States must have a minimum liquor content of 40%. Despite having these loose restrictions, many vodka sold contains forty percent ABV. For homemade vodkas and distilled beverages called "moonshine", see moonshine based on country.
Vodka is traditionally consumed neat (not mixed with virtually any water, ice, or additional mixer), though it is often dished up chilled in the vodka seatbelt countries (Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norwegian, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine). It is also commonly used in réception and mixed drinks, including the vodka martini, Cosmopolitan, vodka tonic, Screwdriver, Greyhound, Dark-colored or White Russian, Moscow Mule, and Bloody Linda.
Vodka is a chameleon and blends seamlessly with just about anything. This is no accident: While there are no universal rules for producing the spirit, the final product is supposed to be colorless, odorless and tasteless. With that said, vodka isn’t completely neutral, and a number of distillers actually leave in a good amount of flavor. (The best way to taste these subtle differences is to drink vodka neat at room temperature.) Traditionally, vodka was made from potatoes, corn or grains, but it is now made from a range of exotic bases including grapes, maple syrup and even soybeans. Unlike Scotches and cognacs, which are made in pot stills, vodka is usually produced in a high-volume, continuous column still. After distillation, the spirit is filtered to remove any remaining impurities. Coal is a traditional filter, but brands today use a range of materials, even including diamonds. Vodka isn’t aged and can be bottled and sold immediately after production. What’s also helping to drive sales in America is the wide range of flavored vodkas now on the market.
While the spirit may be clear, its history isn’t. No one is sure where it was first made. Each vodka-producing country, of course, claims to be the inventor. What we do know is that people began drinking vodka in America as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Sales of the spirit were low until after World War II, when Americans began to shift away from Scotch and bourbon. This movement was helped by Smirnoff’s aggressive marketing in the ‘50s and ‘60s and later by the introduction of the Swedish Absolut and the super-premium Grey Goose. Today, vodka is the most popular spirit in America and outsells rum, tequila and gin combined.
HOW TO DRINK VODKA:
Vodka can be drunk straight when chilled, but it also works well in an array of famous cocktails such as the Martini, Vesper, Screwdriver, Bloody Mary and Greyhound.
While the spirit may be clear, its history isn’t. No one is sure where it was first made. Each vodka-producing country, of course, claims to be the inventor. What we do know is that people began drinking vodka in America as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Sales of the spirit were low until after World War II, when Americans began to shift away from Scotch and bourbon. This movement was helped by Smirnoff’s aggressive marketing in the ‘50s and ‘60s and later by the introduction of the Swedish Absolut and the super-premium Grey Goose. Today, vodka is the most popular spirit in America and outsells rum, tequila and gin combined.
HOW TO DRINK VODKA:
Vodka can be drunk straight when chilled, but it also works well in an array of famous cocktails such as the Martini, Vesper, Screwdriver, Bloody Mary and Greyhound.