What is Vodka?
Vodka is a clear spirit made through fermentation and distillation. It is traditionally made using potatoes or grains such as corn, wheat, or rye. It can, however, be made using many different things, including beets or grapes! Vodka has been long associated with countries such as Russia or Poland, and these countries have indeed produced good quality vodka for a long time now. However, vodka’s production is not exclusive to any geographical location and is in fact produced all over the world.
Whilst Russia and Eastern Europe do drink the most vodka, this spirit is enjoyed globally, and is a bar essential. Due to its tendency toward flavor neutrality, vodka is used to make many different cocktails, mixed drinks, and shots. It is not a spirit a good bartender should be unfamiliar with!
Vodka is composed of water and ethanol. The quality of the water used often affects the flavor and mouthfeel of vodka. Vodka has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of between 40% and 50%. According to EU standards, vodka must contain 37.5% alcohol content, whilst in the USA vodka must contain a minimum of 40% ABV. Typically between 80-100 proof, the qualities of vodka vary, usually according to the number of distillations and filtrations.
Confused about how to order vodka online? Wondering where can I order vodka online? Look no further! Check out CWSpirits as a great place to purchase vodka online, as we have a fantastic selection of vodkas available in a great range of prices. When you order vodka online with us, you know you are buying from a trusted seller, with a great range of options.
How is Vodka Produced?
We already know that vodka is made via a process that involves fermentation, and then distillation, of cereals, grains, or other materials. So now let’s explore more deeply how this process works.
So, if for example, we are making vodka from rye (the most popular grain used) we take the rye and add water, and then heat. Then, we add yeast, which helps to encourage the process of fermentation, and begins the conversion of sugar into alcohol.
Next, we test if the vodka contains enough alcohol using an exciting method - fire! We try to set the liquid alight, and if it does indeed set on fire, then the desired alcohol content is present. If not, then the vodka goes back to the drawing board and goes through the distillation process once again.
The distillation process of heating, evaporating, cooling, and condensing is done in order to purify the spirit, and create the clean, crispness that vodka is known and loved for. It also helps to remove any flavor. So, once vodka has gone through the required number of distillations (this will vary according to brand and price) then the liquid is filtered for the final purification. Vodka is usually filtered through charcoal and is typically distilled around 3 times or more. It can be drunk straight away and does not require maturation.
How Does Vodka Taste?
Vodka is actually rather tasteless! It is supposedly a sign of the quality of the spirit - a smooth drink, without any distinct taste, is a good quality vodka. A low-quality vodka may be reminiscent of nail varnish remover or paint stripper, whilst a quality vodka focuses more on ‘mouth feel’. This refers to the texture of vodka in the mouth and on the tongue, and some brands claim to have an oily, silky finish, with hints of sweetness whilst others are more watery and clean with a medical finish.
Vodka may also have some ‘heat’ or burn at the back of the throat. The presence of this heat is directly in relation to the number of times the vodka has been distilled, and the filtration methods. The purer the vodka, the lesser the burn.
How Can You Drink Vodka?
Vodka can be enjoyed in cocktails, mixed drinks, neat or with ice, or as a shot. Due to its lack of distinct flavor, vodka is great for mixing into many different kinds of drinks. Some classic vodka cocktails include a Lemon Drop Martini, Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule, White Russian, and Vodka Gimlet, among others.
Popular mixed drinks include vodka and cola, vodka and cranberry juice, vodka and lemonade for the sweet tooth, or a vodka soda for those calorie counting. A splash of vodka can be a great addition to a cup of coffee for an extra kick, or to a hot chocolate for a boozy sweet treat.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy vodka is in a Bloody Mary. Here we have a recipe for you to try at home. You will need:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz Tomato Juice
- 2 Dashes Tobasco
- 2 Dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Tsp Horseradish
- Celery Salt
- Black Pepper</
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