Most probably you love vodka but how well do you know your beloved drink? Vodka is one of the most popular spirits, loved by people all around the world. The nearly-neutral, crystal clear vodka is believed to be originated from Russia and Poland. Vodka is simply the combination of water and ethanol and even the word vodka is derived from the word voda meaning water and adding the ka makes it “little water”. Originally, vodka was produced as a neutral spirit with no distinctive flavor, aroma, color or character. Unlike other alcoholic drinks, this versatile spirit can be made from pretty much any raw material. However, vodka is most popularly made from products like potatoes and grain (usually barley or wheat, and even rye or corn). These days, vodka comes in a variety and made from many different ingredients, such as grapes, apples, rice, agave, honey, beets, maple sugar, cane sugar, and more.
Vodka is a versatile spirit, perfect for creating cocktails. From the classic vodka soda lime to martini, vodka is everyone’s favorite. Now, let’s check out some more interesting things about this popular booze.
Vodka Can Be Used Medicinally
Some alcoholic beverages including vodka may also have medical applications. It is claimed that vodka can be used for disinfecting a toothache, wounds, and treat poison ivy. Moreover, a study found that vodka reduces stress more effectively than red wine. Sometimes the leaves, stems and flowers of medicinal herbs are soaked in vodka to make tinctures. Vodka helps in drawing out medicinal oils from the herbs. Also, vodka soda is one of the least caloric beverages. Even if vodka is distilled from gluten bases like wheat and rye, vodka is gluten-free. The fermentation and distillation process also makes vodka carbohydrate free and perfect for health-minded drinkers.
Less Chances of Hangover
Vodka is the purest spirit and with clear alcohols you have less chances of getting a hangover. Vodka is simply made of ethanol and water and undergoes distilling process to make it clean. Distillation helps in getting the right balance and as vodka is distilled more times, it become more pure and cleaner. The taste and consistency of the vodka depends on distillation.
Don’t Put in Freezer
Unlike other sprits, Vodka doesn’t last forever. However, even if vodka has a definite shelf life, you should never store it in the freezer for too long. Most vodka bottles have an expiry date of 12 months after the manufacturing date. Unlike wine, the flavor of vodka starts declining after certain time and once expiry date has passed it may even develops a funky smell. If you like chilled vodka for cocktail then there’s nothing wrong in putting the bottle in the freezer for a few hours. However, leaving it there for months can be bad for its flavor and texture.
All Vodkas are NOT the Same
Do you think you can use just any vodka for making cocktails? It is true that vodka is a neutral spirit without any distinct character but not all vodkas are same. Its taste depends on distillation technique and vodka with higher proof of alcohol has different taste than vodka with lower proof. The taste of vodka also depends on the type and quality of the raw material used.
