Vodka

jwoodovetail

Feb 21, 20213 min read

What is Vodka? Vodka is a clear, unaged spirit produced using any ingredient that has fermentable sugars. Cereal grains like rye, barley and wheat are most common, but vodka can also be made with potatoes, grapes or sugar beets, among other things. Though the legal definition of vodka is a “colorless, odorless, flavorless” spirit, differences in aroma and taste can definitely be discerned among brands and also among those made with different bases. Potatoes and wheat produce creamier vodkas, rye makes a spicier spirit, and grapes lend delicate floral notes. Vodka may be sipped neat, but is often mixed in cocktails because of its neutrality characteristics, so as to impart very few conflicting flavors, blends really well or doesn't mask any of the other flavors of the mixers added. Very popular in cocktails like the vodka martini, Moscow Mule, and the cosmopolitan. The word vodka comes from the Slavik word “zhiznennia voda,” which is interpreted as “little water,” or “water of life.”

Though vodka’s exact origins are unknown, it is first thought to have been made either in 8th century Poland, or in the 9th century in what is now Russia. Early vodka was simply fermented to around 14% ABV, sometimes blended with spices to improve it’s flavor, and sold as medicine. After the still was invented, vodka could be produced at a higher proof and purity In the 18th century, Russia was the first to use charcoal filtration method to remove impurities.

In the United States, vodka was relatively unknown during pre-prohibition times, as bars and imbibers favored gin, whiskey and brandy instead. In 1934, Smirnoff created the first vodka distillery in the United States, and subsequently launched a popular ad campaign to win over fans that included the creation of the vodka and ginger beer cocktail, the Moscow Mule, and the tagline: “Smirnoff...it will leave you breathless.” In 1967, vodka surpassed gin as the number one white spirit in the United States, and in 1976, it became the most popular spirit overall.

Filtration is one part attempt to remove impurities, one part marketing gimmick, ranging from charcoal and quartz to diamonds and silver. The more times the vodka is filtered, the more aromas and flavors are stripped away. After filtration, vodka is bottled unaged, usually at the standard 80 proof (40%). In the later part of the 20th century or 1900’s (70’s-90’s), Vodka brands Absolut, Smirnoff, Ketal One, and Grey Goose were very popular. Today, numerous brands have emerged and the popular classics of the early 1900’s are still present but the most popular vodka in the United States hands down, started as a craft hand-made corn based vodka with a gold cap and gluten free as a marketing gimmick from Austin Texas, Tito’s.

Top 5 Popular drinks with vodka

Cosmopolitan

1.5 oz vodka

0.5 oz orange liqueur

0.75 oz fresh lime juice

0.5 oz cranberry juice

0.25 oz simple syrup

Bloody Mary

1.5 oz vodka

3.0 oz Zing Zang bloody mix

White Russian

1.5 oz vodka

0.75 oz coffee liqueur

2.0 oz half & half

Espresso Martini

2.0 oz vodka

2.0 oz espresso coffee

1.0 oz simple syrup

Moscow Mule

1.5 oz vodka

3.0 oz ginger beer

* Please note, there are various interpretations to the above cocktail recipes, use the above as a template or basic foundation. Tweak and adjust as you see fit. If you want to use a Citron vodka and/or a brand orange liqueur like Cointreau in making your Cosmopolitan, do so as Dale Degroff, the modern master of mixology, and while at it, flame an orange peel for the full effect. The recipes are not an absolute, but rather a guide toward the general correct direction.

Top 5 Fun Facts about Vodka

Fun fact: 25% of all Russian men die before they reach their mid-50s, mainly due to vodka.

Fun fact: If you or your pet has accidentally consumed antifreeze, vodka can be used as an antidote~ please don’t try this at home.

Fun fact: In the Czech Republic, you spank unmarried women on easter as a tradition. Young men go from house to house, and as a thank you they get a shot of vodka from the girl’s father.