Vhat is vith the Vodka?
Another day, another drinking holiday. Being the first Monday in October, it’s now officially National vodka day. What a treat. It seems like vodka has always been with us. But, in actuality, it’s roots trace back to the 1400’s when the term referred to medicine. The word vodka itself comes from Slavic languages. It literally translates to little water. In the 1500’s it migrated from Poland to Russia, where it has become a staple for every stereotype. It was a regional drink until the late 18th century when British travel journals began to mention it. And, vodka finally found its way into the Russian encyclopedia in the 19th century. So, Vhat is vith the Vodka?
Vodka is a clear liquor with a relatively high alcohol content. It is distilled from grain, potatoes, or other starch sources. In some countries, it must have over 30% alcohol (60 proof) . In the USA it must be over 40% (80 proof). Perhaps that is why some areas of the Baltic, Slavic, and Russian regions have names for vodka that translate to versions of fire wine (like Lithuanian degtine, Latvian Degvins, or Polish Gorzola). Some vodkas are all burn and little flavor. But, modern distillers have a wide variety of flavors to choose from. Whether neat, on the rocks, or as a main ingredient in a mixed drink, vodka is the drink of choice for far more than Russian spies.
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Vhat is vith the Vodka? How about some mixers?
Some vodkas are suitable to consume straight out of the bottle. Others need a little help. The flavor of vodka is generally neutral. So, it makes the perfect addition to make a virgin drink something to celebrate. And, it doesn’t end with drinks. You can use it in cooking (think pink vodka sauce on your pasta). And, it gives a little kick to some other sweet and savory dishes, like our minted melon soup. And, there is always the hybrid food/drink: the Bloody Mary. You can add in a variety of food items beyond celery sticks to this one. Olives, cornichons, shrimp, bacon, Onions, and more are all part of the ultimate brunch beverage. And, it all starts with vodka.
As much as we all love a high end vodka, save yourself a little green when making mixed drinks with a lot of ingredients. Use a less expensive vodka for them. I wouldn’t go with a rot gut vodka, but, don’t use something like Grey Goose or Belvedere in a fruity slushy concoction like a frozen sex on the beach. With all of the other flavors involved, a fine vodka will get lost in the mix. There is a reason some vodkas are top shelf. They can be enjoyed on their own as a prime example of what a vodka should be. Save those for your martinis and drinks with minimal ingredients. Some people consider Absolut a top shelf vodka. But, there are many other brands that surpass it. Although, they do have some higher end variations, most are middle of the road in the modern market.
Vhat is vith the Vodka? Today, we make some cocktails.
If you ask a Russian how to drink vodka, they will tell you, put it in the freezer, and drink it straight or with a fine caviar (not the stuff that you find on the shelf in the local stop and shop). But, remember, it has to be the highest quality to drink straight. martini fans are trying to sound erudite when they say, pass the vermouth bottle over (A very dated expression). A martini is the simplest drink recipe:
- Vodka
- Vermouth
- Ice
The term pass the vermouth bottle means wave the bottle as if you are adding it to the martini, but don’t actually add it. So, in reality, a martini is a double shot of vodka. But, it sounds so chic…
The martini has evolved from this simple recipe to encompass a whole class of drinks. The basic concept is either vodka or gin as a base combined with a variety of other liquors. Modern mixologists (I use that term loosely) have stretched the meaning even further by adding a variety of flavorings like acai berries, pomegranate juice, and other juices. Technically, these are no longer martinis since some of the ingredients are non alcoholic. So, take that for what it’s worth. But, we aren’t here to stifle creativity over nomenclature. So, whether you call it a martini or just a mixed drink, experiment. Vodka is the perfect alcohol to use as an artists canvas.
So, Vhat is vith the Vodka? Try adding herbs, juices, various liquors, dairy or whatever floats your boat. We have a couple recipes for you here. To save cooking steps, we are muddling the ingredients here. But, for a smoother looking drink, try making a simple syrup with the spices in it to cut down on the floating particles. Either way, enjoy!
A Taste of India
While most vodka drinks have a more European or Western feel, we wanted to branch out a bit. By adding a hint of curry, this version of a “martini” (Again, a liberal use of the term), we get an exotic flavor and mouth feel. The black cumin rim adds another dimension completely. It is a sweet drink with some savory edges and Earthy undertones.
Curried Honey vodka Martini with sativa Nigella
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp Curry Powder
- 1 Tbsp Fresh mint leaves, plus more to garnish
- 8 oz Quality vodka
- 4 oz Grand marnier or cointreau
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 4 each lemon twists
- Sativa nigella mixed with sugar to rim the glass
Instructions
- Using a large pitcher, muddle the mint leaves, curry, and honey with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add Ice, vodka, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice. Stir until well incorporated.
- Wet the rim of your glasses. While a martini glass is preferred, use whatever you have. Dip the rim into the black cumin sugar mix to coat the rim. Strain the drink into the glasses. Twist the lemon peel and add it to the drink. Enjoy responsibly.
A more Western Approach
Here is a slight twist on the favorite appletini. Again, this isn’t really a martini due to semantics. But, it is a tasty cocktail that will keep you going through the fall and winter months heading our way.
Winter Spiced Appletini
Ingredients
- 8 Oz Vodka
- 4 oz Apple Liquor
- 2 Oz Grand Marnier
- 1/4 cup sugar 1
- 1 oz Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Ice
- 4 each cinnamon sticks
- Apple slices for garnish
- Orange zest twist for garnish
- Mixture of equal parts turbinado sugar and ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Use the orange twists to wet the rim of 4 martini glasses. Dip them into the cinnamon sugar mix to coat the rims. Place the twists in the glasses.
- Stir together the sugar, maple, lemon juice, and spices. Mix until sugar is dissolved. Then, add the rest of the ingredients except for the garnishes. Continue stirring until well mixed.
- Strain the drink into the glasses. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
There are plenty of other ways to enjoy vodka. Maybe, you can even take a cue from family guy and drink it surreptitiously. Keeping a bottle of high quality vodka in your freezer is a good idea too. Just, be careful that the kids don’t get a hold of it. And, maybe you shouldn’t mix it with mayo…
just sayin…
Anyway, put on your fluffy Russian hat, cuddle up with your pet bear, or do whatever other stereotype you have of Russians, and drink some vodka!