ALL ABOUT VODKA, the "Water of Life"
HISTORY of VODKA
popular Vodka COCKTAILS
Vodka IDEAS
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Vodka,
a clear spirit, was first documented in the 14th century, when it was
initially called "zhizennia voda," meaning the “water
of life." This was eventually shrunk to "vodka," which
translates as either "water," "small water," or "dear
little water" or “little stream” depending on the translation.
Like many spirits, vodka was
originally a local spirit made from whatever surplus grain or starch-based
material was available. Legend has it that vodka was originally made with
potatoes, but it is now produced almost entirely from the cheapest grain
available. The top brands use only grain (usually barley and wheat or
rye). Some Polish vodkas make a point of the fact that they are made from
potatoes.
Vodka is one
of the easiest spirits to make. Grain mash is fermented and then distilled
in a column still. The distillate is then filtered in either charcoal
or quartz crystals, and the product is then reduced to bottle strength
with distilled water.
vodka NOTES
Vodka as a category has been growing in North America at a tremendous rate. The recent surge in popularity of Vodka Martinis and the general Martini revival , coupled with Vodka Manufacturers offering numerous flavor choices has driven this growth.
For many Vodka is popular served "neat". The key to serving vodka "neat" (straight up) is ensuring the vodka is ice cold.
The high alcohol content of vodka allows you to store vodka in a freezer.
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Vodka in general is the perfect mixer,
and therein lies its appeal. What is less well known is that vodka as
a neutral spirit can be used in cooking. Only the smallest amount is needed
in order to enhance and bring out flavors in things like soups or cooked
vegetables.
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