Vodka

Vodka is a popular alcoholic spirit which originated in Eastern Europe. It is made by fermenting and then distilling a mash made form grain (such as wheat or rye), potatoes, beets or a variety of other vegetables. Russian, Swedish and Baltic vodkas favour wheat where as Polish vodkas are more often rye. The pot still used for vodka is not dissimilar to that for Scottish Whisky. Also like whisky, vodka is usually distilled twice to achieve the desired strength. However vodka is not normally aged in barrels. Once produced, the vodka is bottled. The vodka has a naturally clear colour from the distillation process but will retain some flavour and character of the original mash. Vodka is frequently flavoured with fruit, herbs or spices after the distillation.

Vodka produced within the United States must be, by law, neutral in flavour. After distilling, the spirit is treated with charcoal or other materials which removes most of the distinctive flavours. The neutral flavour of vodka makes it idea for blending with other drinks. Blended Scottish Whisky's are often padded out with "grain whisky" (vodka). The vodka dilutes the Whisky to the desired taste without diluting the alcohol content or introducing new flavours. Fortified wines such as sherry and port may also have vodka as an ingredient.

Vodka may be consumed straight—no ice or mixer—however many people find straight vodka too strong and tasteless, so it is frequently mixed with other drinks. Typical mixers include coke and orange juice. Fruit juices and soda drinks laced with vodka are popular. The slang name alcopops is used to describe such drinks. Alcopops have been criticized for encouraging people to over consume alcohol and have been associated encouraging under aged drinking. The sweet taste and resemblance to children's soft drinks makes vodka alcopops popular with younger drinkers. Vodka is a key ingredient for a wide range of cocktails. James Bond's famous vodka martini, shaken not stirred, is one well known example of a cocktail which employs vodka.