Vodka is an alcoholic beverage that has long held a special place in the hearts of many, due to its neutral taste. You’re probably already familiar with vodka, but did you know that there’s a dedicated holiday for vodka? That’s right! National Vodka Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate with some vodka cocktails. So, today, we’re going to chat about the history of vodka, how it’s produced, and explore classic vodka cocktails for you to celebrate with! Let’s get started.

What Is Vodka & How Is Vodka Made?

Vodka is a distilled spirit known for its clear and colorless appearance. It is typically made from a variety of base ingredients, including grains (such as wheat, rye, or barley), potatoes, corn, or even grapes. The choice of base ingredient can influence the flavor profile of the vodka. Vodka is known for its neutral and mild taste, which makes it a versatile spirit that can be used in a wide range of cocktails or consumed straight.

Now, let’s take a look at how it’s made:

Step One: Fermentation

The selected base ingredient is mashed or ground and mixed with water and yeast. This mixture is then left to ferment, where yeast consumes the sugars in the mash and converts them into alcohol. The result of this fermentation process is called “wash” or “mash.”

Step Two: Distillation

The wash is distilled in copper or stainless steel stills. Distillation is a process that separates alcohol from water and impurities by heating the liquid and then collecting the vapor and condensing it back into liquid form. Vodka is often distilled multiple times to achieve a high level of purity and alcohol content.

Step Three: Filtration

After distillation, vodka is usually filtered to further remove any remaining impurities and to achieve its characteristic clarity and smoothness. Common filtration methods include activated charcoal filtration.

Step Four: Dilution

Vodka is then typically diluted with purified water to reach its desired alcohol content, which is typically around 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). This step ensures that the vodka is suitable for consumption and is not overly potent.

Step Five: Bottling & Labeling

Once the vodka has been diluted to the desired strength, it is bottled and labeled for distribution.

Flavored Vodka vs Regular Vodka

Regular vodka, with its clean and basically flavorless profile, is the perfect blank canvas for cocktails. It is prized for its neutrality, allowing other cocktail ingredients to shine while providing a smooth and consistent alcoholic base. 

On the other hand, flavored vodka can be an exciting way to elevate your cocktails. It is infused with a variety of flavors, ranging from fruits and herbs to spices and confections. These infusions create a vodka that carries distinct taste notes, making it a standalone choice for those seeking quick and easy flavor additions to their cocktails.

How Do I Infuse My Own Vodka?

Infusing your own vodka at home can be a rewarding and creative endeavor, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your preferences and experiment with unique combinations. Here’s a simple guide on how to infuse your vodka:

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Infusing Vodka

Start with a high-quality, neutral-flavored vodka. Choose a brand that you enjoy on its own since the quality of the base vodka will significantly impact the final result. Select your desired flavoring agents. This can include fruits, herbs, spices, or even candies. Be creative and consider flavor combinations that complement each other.

Steps for Making Your Own Infused Vodka:

1. Preparation: Wash, peel, or chop your chosen flavoring agents as needed. For fruits, remove pits or seeds. For herbs or spices, lightly crush them to release their essential oils and flavors.
2. Add Ingredients: Place the prepared ingredients into a clean glass container or jar. You can adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences, but a good rule of thumb is to use about 1 to 1.5 cups of flavoring agents per 750ml bottle of vodka.
3. Pour Vodka: Pour the vodka over the flavoring agents, ensuring that they are completely submerged. Seal the container with an airtight lid.
4. Steeping: Allow the mixture to steep at room temperature for at least a few days, but preferably up to two weeks. Taste it periodically to gauge the flavor intensity. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
5. Strain and Store: Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, strain the infused vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solid particles. Transfer the infused vodka back into its original bottle or another clean container, and store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.

What’s the History of Vodka?

The history of vodka is fascinating, a journey that is closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland. While the exact origins of vodka are shrouded in mystery, it is widely believed to have emerged in the late Middle Ages in what is now modern-day Russia and Poland.

Early vodka was super different from the refined and clear spirit we know today, though. It began as a rough and rustic concoction made by distilling fermented grains, primarily rye, wheat, or barley. These early versions of vodka were often quite potent and varied in quality, with impurities and an intense flavor.

The term “vodka” itself is derived from the Slavic word “voda,” meaning water, which hints at its humble beginnings. It was initially used for medicinal purposes and as a means of preserving grains and producing a tradable commodity. In the 14th century, the word “vodka” appeared in Russian documents, marking the official recognition of the spirit.

Russia actually played a significant role in vodka’s development, with Tsar Ivan the Terrible establishing the first state-owned vodka monopoly in the late 16th century. This led to more standardized production methods and improved quality control. Over time, vodka became an integral part of Russian culture, used in various rituals and celebrations.

In the 18th century, vodka production underwent further refinements, including the use of copper stills and charcoal filtration, which contributed to the spirit’s purity and clarity. It wasn’t until the late 19th century, though, that Russia established the first national standards for vodka production, setting the stage for the modern, high-quality vodka that is cherished worldwide. Today, vodka is produced and enjoyed globally, with each region putting a unique spin on it.

When Is National Vodka Day?

National Vodka day falls on October 4th, every year. It’s the perfect time to celebrate with these upcoming five classic vodka cocktails – or to mix up your own new concoction! What will you sip on for National Vodka Day?

5 Classic Vodka Cocktails to Celebrate National Vodka Day With

Now it’s time to shake, pour, and sip on some delicious, classic vodka cocktails. After all, how else are we going to celebrate National Vodka Day? Try one, try three, or try all of these cocktails, just drink responsibly and enjoy!

1. Moscow Mule:

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing and iconic cocktail known for its combination of vodka, spicy ginger beer, and zesty lime juice, typically served in a copper mug filled with ice. This timeless classic strikes a perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a crisp and invigorating drink.

Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 4-6 oz ginger beer, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice.

Mix vodka and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.

2. Vodka Martini:

The Vodka Martini, a beloved classic, is a sophisticated cocktail that features vodka and dry vermouth, typically stirred with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass. Garnished with a lemon twist or olive, it offers a smooth, crisp, and slightly dry flavor profile, making it a timeless choice for those who appreciate elegance in a glass.

Ingredients: 2.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive for garnish.

Stir vodka and vermouth with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

3. White Russian:

The White Russian cocktail is a decadent and creamy classic made with vodka, coffee liqueur (typically Kahlúa), and a generous pour of fresh heavy cream. Its rich and smooth blend of flavors, reminiscent of a grown-up milkshake, makes it a beloved indulgence perfect for sipping by the fireside or as a dessert-like nightcap.

Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa), 1 oz heavy cream.

Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Float the heavy cream on top.

4. Cosmopolitan:

The Cosmopolitan, often simply called the “Cosmo,” is a classic cocktail known for its elegant and refreshing profile. This iconic drink combines vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and a splash of fresh lime juice, resulting in a well-balanced and slightly tart cocktail with a beautiful pink hue.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz triple sec, 0.5 oz cranberry juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice.

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.

5. Bloody Mary:

The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail known for its bold and savory flavors. Made with vodka, tomato juice, various spices, and flavorings like hot sauces, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, horseradish, celery, olives, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, lime juice, and/or celery salt, it’s often garnished with a celery stalk and served over ice.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 3 oz tomato juice, 0.5 oz lemon juice, dash of hot sauce, dash of Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and garnish with celery and a lemon wedge.

How to Make the Best Classic Vodka Cocktails

Crafting the best vodka cocktails requires a balance of precision, creativity, and quality ingredients. Here are some essential tips to elevate your vodka cocktail game:

1. Choose Premium Vodka: Start with high-quality vodka as your base. While vodka is known for its neutrality, a well-made vodka can add subtle complexity to your cocktails. Opt for brands you enjoy drinking straight, as this will enhance the overall flavor of your cocktails. You can also experiment with local brands to get that “something special” no one else will have.
2. Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh fruits, herbs, and juices in your cocktails. The freshness of ingredients can significantly impact the taste and aroma of your drink. Squeezing fresh citrus juice rather than relying on bottled versions, for example, can make a world of difference.
3. Properly Chill Your Glassware: Pre-chill your glassware in the freezer before serving. A frosted glass not only keeps your cocktail cold but also enhances its presentation.
4. Garnishes Matter: The garnish you choose can impact both the appearance and flavor of your cocktail. Classic garnishes like citrus wedges, olives, or cocktail onions can enhance the overall drinking experience.
5. Presentation: Presentation matters, so take the time to garnish your cocktail thoughtfully. A well-presented cocktail is not only visually appealing but also more enjoyable.

Remember that the best vodka cocktails are often a matter of personal preference. Feel free to adapt recipes to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to invent your own signature concoctions! With these tips and a little creativity, you’ll be well on your way to crafting exceptional vodka cocktails that impress your guests and satisfy your own palate.

Find Local, Craft Vodka at Distillery Nearby

Did you know that you can very easily find local, craft vodkas at Distillery Nearby? Our by-state directory is the perfect spot to discover your new favorite spirit – vodka included! So, drop by and check out your state’s listings today! Local vodka is easily enjoyed everyday, but especially on National Vodka Day!

Visit Our By-State Distillery Directory →