“When life gives you a lemon, add some salt and vodka”
There are a lot of people who don’t prefer potatoes, but they surely won't mind drinking a peg of good premium vodka. Starting from Hollywood superstars to the common man, vodka drinks are popular throughout the world.
What makes this drink so fascinating? Why is it so in demand? To know the history of vodka, grab a bottle, a glass, and some lemons, please!
What is Vodka? Find out from the experts!
Vodka is a transparent distilled liquor, without a particular taste or smell and has an alcohol content of 37-50%.
Neutral in flavour, this liquor enhances the taste of anything with which it is mixed and can be enjoyed in varied ways. Originating in Russia, Poland, and Sweden in the late 18th Century, Vodka is mainly made of ethanol and water without any other additives or flavours.
If we travel in the past, we will find that Vodka was initially made by fermenting cereals, grains, and potatoes in Europe as early as the 17th century.
Now, with the advancement of technology and to suffice the never-ending need of humans, a lot of the modern brands use corn, fruits, sugar cane, and even maple sap as the base for this liquor and to make alcoholic vodka drinks.
Vodka can be drunk “neat”, that is without mixing it with water or any other substance. However, if you can see right past a glass of vodka, my friend you are missing out on the big picture!
What is Vodka made from?
Vodka is derived from the Slavic word which is interpreted as “little water”. There is a debate among scholars regarding the beginning of vodka or vodka drinks.
Wine connoisseurs do not usually pay much heed to Vodka and consider it to be the damsel in distress of alcohol, but let’s not forget how this expensive yet inoffensive spirit skyrocketed to prominence back in the late 80s.
Now the main ingredients for this drink are or were potatoes. However nowadays to get a bottle of crisp and clean vodka, it is always suggested to go with wheat as it requires less distillation.
Herbs were considered to be a source of medicinal in the primitive days, but soon these herbs were crushed and distilled for enjoyment purposes too. Large-scale production of Vodka began in late 16th century Poland.
The process of distillation was long and lengthy. The first distillation was known as brantówka and second as szumówka, and the third to be okowita. All the above three had an alcohol content of 70-80%, which was then further watered down with alembic stills. Vodka was even produced using several other substances like carrots and purified by filtration with the help of charcoal. Vodka is only distilled and rarely aged.
How to serve Vodka?
Now if you have never had a sip of vodka in your life, you must be thinking how you drink vodka. Well for the uninitiated, we have got the complete Vodka guide just for you!
The best way to have vodka is to have it straight, in a shot glass.
However, most people do not like the taste of raw alcohol, and voila, cocktails!
Vodka cocktails are the best as it enhances the taste of anything with which it is clubbed!
So next time when you want to own the dance floor at a party, never forget to try out a few of these vodka cocktails.
Bloody Mary - No, I am not asking you to summon the devil who would pluck your eyeballs out, however, this cocktail is sure to give a chill to your spine! Made from tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, a variety of herbs and spices, and unflavoured Vodka, Bloody Mary is “THE” perfect cocktail for the brave ones!
Our recommendation for a Bloody Mary - Hartshorn Pure (and it's super cheap!)
Cosmopolitan - Take a glass, pour some vodka, a few ounces of orange juice, cranberry juice, and fresh lime. Mix them all together and serve with ice cubes. To double the flavour, you can mix it with flavoured vodka.
Long Island Iced Tea - In spite of the name, Long Island Iced Tea has got zero tea but a whole lot of alcohol in it! Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec, and only a sprinkle of cola. Be careful, this one can get messy, quickly!
Vodka Martini- This is a classic Vodka cocktail usually made of vodka and dry vermouth, a bit of orange and lemon peel. The best way to make a vodka martini is to use premium-quality vodka and vermouth.
White Russian - To all coffee lovers, this is the “ONE” for you. Mix coffee liquor and a bit of heavy cream and there you have it! White Russian is also considered to be the perfect cocktail for sweet tooths.
Vodka: More than just an alcoholic drink
It may surprise you, but Vodka has a number of purposes other than making the shy-guy to be the life of a party!
Odorless, colourless, and unflavoured this drink has properties that are similar to rubbing alcohol and can be used:
- As a spirit
- As a disinfectant
- As an insect repellent
So next time you decide to camp or hitchhike, carry a bottle of vodka!
Characteristics of Vodka
Each vodka has its own unique flavour. However, most of the time it is seen that vodka is colourless, odorless, and tasteless. The best vodkas (such as Hartshorns ‘world’s best vodka’ is almost like drinking water!)
Must Try Vodka's of 2024:
Best Overall - Hartshorn Sheep Whey
Best French Vodka - Naud Vodka
Best Australian Vodka -
Best Cheap Vodka - Hartshorn Pure Vodka
Best Flavoured Vodka - Hartshorn Finger Lime Vodka
Most Unique Vodka - Summum Chilli Vodka
Best Organic Vodka - Three Foxes Organic Vodka
Best for Cocktail mixing - Nosferatu Dead Dry
Shop premium Vodka forms Spirits of France
If you are an alcohol enthusiast and want to decorate your mini bar with premium Vodka bottles, do check out Spirits of France.
Our cellar constitutes of premium Vodkas that will make you a loyal fan of the drink.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a glass, and pour some vodka, Cheers!