What Is Vodka?
Only the most versatile spirit! You might recognise vodka from our favourite cocktails, like a blushing Bloody Mary, an ice-cold Dry Martini or even a spicy mug of Moscow Mule. Yup, this neutral liquor can do it all.
With a standard ABV of at least 40%, the clear spirit is mostly made from what you probably have lying at the bottom of your pantry – potatoes and cereal grains. As most of the flavour is removed during the distillation and filtering process, you’re left with the ultimate all-rounder perfect for any drink.
Where Was Vodka Invented?
Like all good things, there’s a healthy debate as to where vodka originated. Poland or Russia sit at the top of the list, with documented mentions from as early as the 8th and 9th centuries. Back then, vodka was sipped neat and fast, and was quite different to the refined version we use in cocktails today.
Surging to international fame throughout the 1900s, vodka quickly became a stylish spirit poured into colourful cocktails (looking at you, Blue Lagoon) and even famously served “shaken not stirred” to Bond himself. Still trending today, it’s true that some things never go out of style.
How Is Vodka Made?
It all starts with fermenting the base. This is usually a combination of mixed grains or potato, water and yeast. Fermentation breaks down the compounds (we love science!) to form alcohol. The ferment is then strained to separate the solids from the alcohol, which is now ready to be distilled. This is a key part of purifying the alcohol, whereby most impurities are removed by heating and vaporising the liquid. Depending on the distiller, they may distil a few times for a purer result or even add botanicals to bring the extra flavour. Very ‘choose your own journey’.
After collecting the best part of the purified alcohol called the ‘hearts’ (cute), many vodka producers will put the alcohol through a final filtration for a cleaner finish. The part our Martinis love. Then it’s just down to dilution, where water is added so the vodka can be sold at a certain ABV (alcohol by volume) before bottling and finally flexing on our BWS shelves.
Most Popular Vodka Brands to Try
Stuck? Keen to try something new? Or are you out to crowd-please? Here are our must-try vodka brands:
What Food Goes Well With Vodka?
Let us answer your question with another: What vodka cocktail are you drinking? As the multi-talented spirit it is, vodka can match just about any meal, depending on how you’ve served it. But, if you want to get serious (why else are we here?), it’s about matching vodka's clean-cut taste with some salt and acid. Sounds simple; is simple!
Pair classic vodka cocktails with seafood, like silky sashimi platters (don’t forget the soy sauce), freshly shucked oysters with a good squeeze of lemon juice and even pre-cooked prawns with a tangy aioli. Keep it briny with some pickles on the side, too.
Vodka’s crisp taste can also match rich and creamy dishes, providing the necessary balance. Yes, that’s for your favourite oozy brie on that well-worn cheese board and steak night when you make your famous creamy mushroom sauce (we won’t tell if it’s store-bought). Most importantly, we like your vodka how you like your vodka, even if that’s in a pasta sauce.
Vodka As A Gift
Yes, this might be an unpopular opinion but BWS is about breaking the rules and redefining the way you explore and drink. Gone are the days when you could only carry a bottle of wine as a gift. There are many gift packs of vodkas available that you can gift your buddies and loved ones. Check out the crazy-cool options and pick your favourite flavours to present vodka as a gift.
BWS not only brings you the best quality and top brands of vodka but also ensures that you get it all at the most affordable prices. Order a gift pack to your doorstep via online shopping for same-day free delivery* or drop by your nearest BWS bottle shop to pick it up via takeaway option on your way to the event. With vodka, let the spirit of fun and camaraderie enrich your journey of innovation and exploration.