Vodka has not been as popular worldwide as it is today. In fact, before 1950, the spirit was rarely consumed outside of Europe, and in terms of sales, it wasn't until 1975 that vodka sales overtook the sales of bourbon in the USA. With the raising popularity of mixed drinks and cocktails, however, vodka quickly became popular throughout the world, and is today the most consumed spirit of all.
Vodka has been around for a long time, and has roots as far back as in the 14th century. Poland and Russia both contributed greatly to the early developments of the spirit, and can be seen as the parent countries for this beverage. The drink then spread throughout what is known today as the Vodka Belt, which consists of Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, and the Nordic countries, except Denmark and Iceland.
In theory, producing vodka is quite simple. The spirit is distilled from a plant matter rich in starch or sugar. The product is then redistilled a number of times (between three and five is most common) to get the desired clean taste. As the spirit is redistilled, the alcohol content is raised, and the final product often need to be diluted with water before bottling.
In recent years, the success of vodka made from grape and other untraditional ingredients has sparked a debate in the European Union. The countries of the "vodka belt" are all putting pressure on the EU to limit the name vodka to products made from grains, sugar beets or potatoes.
There are two basic types of vodka: Clear and flavored. One might think that flavored vodka is something new, but it has actually been around for centuries. In Sweden, for example, it's tradition to drink vodka flavored with herbs at any major holiday.
Vodka will likely be a popular drink for years to come, and if the recent trends of flavorings continue, will be available in a wide variety of flavors. Enjoy it responsibly!
Vodka has been around for a long time, and has roots as far back as in the 14th century. Poland and Russia both contributed greatly to the early developments of the spirit, and can be seen as the parent countries for this beverage. The drink then spread throughout what is known today as the Vodka Belt, which consists of Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, and the Nordic countries, except Denmark and Iceland.
In theory, producing vodka is quite simple. The spirit is distilled from a plant matter rich in starch or sugar. The product is then redistilled a number of times (between three and five is most common) to get the desired clean taste. As the spirit is redistilled, the alcohol content is raised, and the final product often need to be diluted with water before bottling.
In recent years, the success of vodka made from grape and other untraditional ingredients has sparked a debate in the European Union. The countries of the "vodka belt" are all putting pressure on the EU to limit the name vodka to products made from grains, sugar beets or potatoes.
There are two basic types of vodka: Clear and flavored. One might think that flavored vodka is something new, but it has actually been around for centuries. In Sweden, for example, it's tradition to drink vodka flavored with herbs at any major holiday.
Vodka will likely be a popular drink for years to come, and if the recent trends of flavorings continue, will be available in a wide variety of flavors. Enjoy it responsibly!
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Learn more about vodka types. Stop by Peter Orton's site where you can find out all about potato vodkas and why it's the superior vodka.
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