subject: Vodka Basics [print this page] Supremely Russian, Vodka is one of the most popular spirits in the world. It is celebrated for its colourless and odourless qualities, which make it a breathless spirit in crystal clear content. Mainly consisting of water and ethanol, it carries impurities and flavouring to complete its making. Fermented substances such as grains, potatoes, fruits and sugar are distilled to produce vodka. The alcoholic content of vodka varies according to the standard Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and regulations in each region and country. Traditionally prepared vodka contains 38% ABV while the standard Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian and Lithuanian vodkas contain 40% ABV. Vodkas in the United States too must have 40% or more ABV. Clear vodka and flavoured vodka are the two main classifications of the drink other than the alcoholic content. Pepper vodka and anniversary vodka are well-known flavoured vodka types.
Red pepper, fruit, ginger, vanilla, non-sweet chocolate, honey, cinnamon and leaf flavours are used in the making of flavoured vodka. Flavouring is used to improve the taste and for medicinal purposes. Flavoured vodka that contains honey and pepper are famed in Russia and Ukraine. Ukraines St. Johns wort vodka, Polish and Belarusian bison grass vodka, Polands honey vodka and United States bacon vodka are some of the internationally reputed flavoured vodka. In the Nordic countries, flavouring with herbs, fruits and spices are common in making vodka. Also a mixing base for cocktails like Bloody Mary and Screwdriver, it is used to mix some of the top drinks in the cocktail list. Vodka is distilled from starch-rich or sugar-rich plant matter and grain vodkas make two of the best types, rye and wheat vodkas. Corn, molasses, soybeans, grapes, rice and sugar beets and potatoes are also widely used to distil vodka.
The famously known vodka belt includes Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Nordic States, Baltic states, Poland and parts of Slovakia and Hungary. These are the countries that extensively produce and consume vodka. In these regions vodka is mostly drunk neat. Vodka is consumed throughout the world either in its clear form or flavoured form. It is an alcoholic beverage that has earned a high reputation for its taste, form and the absence of smell. A wide variety of drinks are mixed with vodka to create more effective cocktails.
