At first glance, it might seem like there’s not a lot going on with vodka. There are misconceptions that it’s clear, seemingly flavorless, and best mixed into a cocktail. Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Vodka is far more complex and interesting than it seems at first glance.
For those new to this spirit, vodka is a clear, unaged spirit that traces back to Poland and Russia but is produced and enjoyed all over the world. At its most basic level, vodka is made of ethanol and water. It’s created by fermenting grains like corn, wheat, barley, sugarcane, potato, beets, and occasionally fruits. It’s then distilled, usually multiple times, before being filtered through charcoal or volcanic rocks before being diluted to 40-proof in most cases.
While the distillation and filtering processes are designed to make vodka smoother, softer, and less flavorful, all vodkas still carry the basic flavors of their main ingredients. Rye-based vodkas will be lightly peppery and spicy, potato-based vodkas will be creamier, and corn-based vodkas will likely lean on the sweeter side. Here are a few key things to know about vodka before adding a new bottle to your liquor cabinet.
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What Makes a Good Vodka
When drinking vodka neat, there are certain things to keep in mmind. A good vodka should be made with premium ingredients, clean, pure water, and will likely be distilled and filtered multiple times. It should be clear in appearance with crystal clarity. Flavor wise, the vodka should have a neutral, subtle flavor (based on its main ingredient) and no strong or harsh aftertaste. Also, while it can have a pleasant, gentle warmth, it should have absolutely no burn.
If you’re looking for a high-quality tipple at an attainable price point, Belvedere organic is a widely available, flavorful, and smooth Polish vodka. With notes of green peppercorn and no harsh burn, this is a great jumping-off point for learning more about the nuances of vodka.
Photo via Pernod Ricard
How to Serve Vodka
One of the best things about vodka is its versatility. Even the most premium vodka can still be mixed into your favorite cocktail or sipped neat or on the rocks. Many drinkers enjoy sipping vodka over a single ice cube. Some store their vodka in the freezer.
That said, there are a few things to remember if you plan to keep your favorite bottle in the freezer in between drinking sessions. While freezing your vodka won’t ruin it, it can dilute flavors and aromas. Your best bet is to freeze lesser quality vodka as opposed to a premium product. Experts believe that you should imbibe vodka between 32-40 degrees. If it’s too cold, you won’t be able to taste some of the more subtle flavors. If it’s too warm, it will likely have a much harsher flavor profile.
Photo via Rodionov & Sons
While you can’t go wrong with a classic bottle of vodka, there’s a major market for flavored vodkas for a reason. Since vodka is basically a neutral grain spirit with as much of its aroma and flavor stripped away, adding fruit or other flavorings adds a new dimension. Popular flavors in the U.S. include vanilla, lemon, lime, berries, caramel, or espresso. No matter what your favorite cocktail, there’s likely a flavored vodka perfectly suited to be its base. Lemon vodka pairs well with a variety of mixers, making it a great option for those looking to expand their home cocktail repertoire. (Absolute Citron is wildly popular for a reason.)
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than the familiar fruity fare, Russian distiller Polugar’s horseradish vodka is a bracing, peppery, and sinus-clearing blast on brisk winter evenings. It also makes a phenomenal base for a Bloody Mary.
Photo via Sur La Table
Vodka traditions
In Russia and Poland, the spirit is often imbibed in shot form at celebrations and community events like weddings and funerals. It’s usually served chilled directly from the refrigerator or freezer, and pairing it with a mixer is seen as a waste among purists. It’s also considered rude to drink without first offering a heartfelt toast to your companions—the longer and more sentimental, the better. (If you drink with a group of Russians, you will be toasting one another all night long.)
If you’re stumped, keep it simple. In Poland, the toast before you down a shot of vodka is “Na Zdrowie” which means “to health.” Russians have a very similar saying, “Za Zdorovie,” which means “to your health.” A simple “cheers” or “to your health” will do just fine in a pinch.
When you’re ready to graduate from frat-house shot glasses, we love La Rochère’s set, which is subtly emblazoned with Napoleon’s iconic honey-bee emblem.
