What Is Vodka?

Vodka is a spirit distilled that is typically tasteless and colorless. It can be consumed in its own right (entirely by itself) or used as the spirit base of many drinks, including the Vodka Martini as well as the Cosmopolitan. The traditional vodka comes of two basic ingredients that are water and ethanol derived by the fermentation from cereal grain (like wheat, sorghum or Rye). A lot of vodka brands include additional base ingredients (like sugar beets and potatoes) and other ingredients (like spices and botanicals) to actually achieve distinct characteristics in their alcohol. After the process of distillation and fermentation the vodka is then subjected to an filtration and refining process to eliminate impurities and complete smooth mouthfeel.

To qualify as vodka within the United States, it must not contain less than 40% alcohol per volume (ABV) and in the European Union, vodka must be at minimum 37.5 percent by volume.

What Are the Origins of Vodka?

Although it is not known where vodka's roots came from however, some historians believe the distillation process was first discovered from Eastern Europe in the fifteenth century. Vodka (from Slavic Voda and "little water") first made its first recorded appearance around 1405 Poland, where Polish court documents refer to it as an alcoholic drink. 

One theory suggests Isidore is one theory suggests that Isidore was a Moscow monk, used distillation techniques to create alcohol from fermentation of wheat and is popularly known as "vodka."

The 1500s were the time when the production of vodka was at its peak - usually made in homestills and distilleries throughout Poland, Russia and Sweden.

In the end, distillers began to distribute the vodka into Western Europe and the United States and it is among the top-selling spirits sold in these regions.

6 Ways to Use Vodka

Vodka is an essential, neutral spirit similar to rubbing alcohol that has no scent or flavoring added. Owning unscented, flavorless bottles of vodka allows you to use it for multiple applications:

• 1. It is a spirit. Drinking is the most popular method of with vodka whether neat or as the base spirit of a tasty cocktail.
• 2. As a disinfectant. Alcohol can kill bacteria (the primary ingredient in hand sanitizers is alcohol) Therefore, you can spray or clean areas or hands with non-flavored vodka to eliminate germs. It is possible to use vodka to substitute for several alcohol-based cleaners including windows cleaner and razor cleaner.
• 3. It can be used as an odor neutralizer. It can be used in the form of unflavored vodka to get rid of bacteria that cause odors by spraying it onto the floor, shoes, or clothing. If together vodka on fabrics first, you must perform an initial spot test on an inconspicuous spot to avoid the possibility of discoloration.
• 4. For insect repellent. Insect repellents typically use an alcohol-based formulation to keep mosquitoes as well as other biting insects from snatching you. In the event of a crisis you can spray or apply vodka on your clothing to deter bugs from landing upon your.
• 5. As aftershave. Aftershaves are alcohol-based items and you can make use of vodka in lieu of shaving.
• 6. It is a mouthwash. Mouthwashes make use of alcohol in order to eliminate bacteria that have accumulated on your gums and teeth to allow you to drink vodka exactly the same manner. (Avoid vodka that contains flavoring as the added sugar can compromise your mouthwash.)

13 Vodka Cocktails to Try at Home

Vodka is the spirit used as the base in a variety of mixed drinks. Here are some of the most popular vodka cocktails that you can mix at home

• 1. Bloody Mary: A Bloody Mary is a vodka-based cocktail which contains tomato juice, horseradish hot sauce as well as a mixture of spices and herbs.
• 2. Cosmopolitan Cocktail: Cosmopolitan: Cosmopolitan cocktail is a mix of vodka, a liqueur made from orange such as Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice along with the fresh juice of lime. To enhance the citrus flavor, a lot of bartenders will also mix in flavor-infused vodka.
• 3. Godmother Drinking the Godmother cocktail is a straightforward drink recipe that combines two ingredients: vodka and amaretto and a splash served with ice. The Godmother is identical to the Godfather that makes use of Scotch whiskey as the main alcohol.
• 4. Greyhound Greyhound is a classic drink. Greyhound is a classic drink typically made with only two ingredients grapefruit juice, and vodka or gin for the spirit.
• 5. Long Island Iced Tea: The Long Island Iced Tea is an alcohol drink that is known for its high alcohol material. It is made up of vodka, tequila Gin, rum as well as triple sec. Although it's name and look however, the Long Island Iced Tea neither tasted like or contains any tea whatsoever. Its distinctive amber hue is derived from one tiny drop of coca.
• 6. Kamikaze Kamikaze Kamikaze recipe is made up of equal parts of vodka triple sec, vodka and lime. Sometimes, blue Curacao liquor is added to this classic drink instead of triple sec in order to transform it into the Blue Kamikaze.
• 7. Moscow Mule: The Moscow Mule is a classic drink with a wonderful blend of refreshing, fizzy flavors. The drink is made up of ginger beer, vodka and lime juice. It's typically served in copper cups.
• 8. Screwdriver Screwdriver: Screwdriver is a basic cocktail that is made of orange juice and vodka.
• 9. Seabreeze The Seabreeze is a refreshing cocktail comprised of vodka, grapefruit juice and the juice of cranberries. It is typically served in glasses like a Highball glass and garnished by the slice of lime. Find out how to select the perfect cocktail glass in our comprehensive guide.
• 10. Vodka Gimlet: A Gimlet is a drink that combines spirit, lime juice as well as simple syrup. The traditional cocktail is referred to as the Vodka Gimlet when it is created with vodka.
• 11. Vodka Martini: A Vodka Martini is a well-known cocktail that is typically made with dry vermouth, vodka and a pinch of bitter orange, and olive or lemon peel garnish. The secret to making the iconic Vodka Martini is to use the finest vodka and vermouth.
• 12. Vodka Stinger: A traditional Stinger is a mix of white creme de menthe however, it is a Vodka Stinger is a variation that substitutes vodka for brandy.
• 13. White Russian: A White Russian includes the vodka of course, along with coffee liqueur as well as heavy cream. The sweetness of the coffee liqueur make the White Russian one of the lighter cocktail recipes.