Vodka

Vodka is a clear distilled liquor from Europe with a neutral flavor.

Popular brand names: Tito’s Vodka, Skyy Vodka, Absolut Vodka

Top cocktails: Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary, Cosmo, Espresso Martini, and Best Vodka Cocktails

Vodka is a clear, distilled alcoholic beverage that’s typically made from grains, potatoes, or other fermentable ingredients. It’s often used as a base in cocktails like the Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, and Martini.

Ingredients: Grains like rye, wheat, corn, barley, or sorghum

• Potatoes
• Sugar Beets
• Fruits like grapes

Production:

• Ferment the ingredients with yeast to create a liquid called “wash”
• Distill the wash to separate the ethanol from other components
• Filter and refine the liquid to remove impurities

Taste:

• Traditionally, vodka is flavorless and neutral
• The base ingredient can influence the final flavor

For example, rye can add spice and an oily texture, while potatoes can add a creamy mouthfeel

Alcohol content: In the United States, vodka must be at least 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume)

The European Union requires a minimum alcohol content of 37.5%

Uses: Vodka can be served neat, chilled, on the rocks, or in cocktails