Balls to the Vodka: An Unconventional Guide to Drinking

Introduction

Vodka is a staple in many alcoholic drinks and has been since its inception in the freezing plains of Russia. There’s no shame in loving a good vodka drink either. Whether it’s a classic martini or a new spin on a Moscow Mule, vodka cocktails are here to stay. But there’s so much more to drinking vodka than just mixing it with your favorite mixer and drinking it up. Let’s dive into an unconventional guide to drinking Vodka.

Understanding Vodka

Vodka is a colorless liquor that’s made from grains such as wheat, rye, or potato. It’s not aged in oak barrels like whiskey, so it has a lighter flavor and aroma, making it a great alternative for those who prefer a more subtle alcohol taste. Therefore it’s the perfect choice for cocktails when you don’t want the taste of the liquor to overpower the other flavors. Being neutral in flavoring, vodka is versatile in cocktails as it complements the other flavours of the drink.

Choosing a Vodka

When it comes to picking out your preferred vodka, there are usually a lot of options at the liquor store, and it can be overwhelming. Many different brands vary in price and quality, but remember that price is not always the best indicator of quality. Doing some research on the brands and distilleries, you can up your chances of choosing a good quality drink that you’ll enjoy.

Mixing Cocktails with Vodka

Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits out there, making it easy for you to create a variety of delicious cocktails. A classic vodka martini, which includes vodka and vermouth, is a great starting point. But to be even more creative and unconventional, try mixing vodka with fruit juices such as cranberry, pomegranate, or pineapple; mix with ginger beer to make a mule, or even make a dessert cocktail by combining vodka with chocolate and milk. The options are endless, be creative, let your taste buds decide.

Food Pairings with Vodka

Contrary to what many may think, vodka goes well with more than just pickles! Its neutral taste makes it a perfect additive to your palette of food and drink pairings. But if you must opt for a pickleback, then be our guest! However, you should also try pairing vodka with spicy food like a hearty Thai dish, seafood, and Japanese sushi. Areas that serve sushi usually offer a special type of vodka served chilled to pair with their sushi. You can also look for smoked foods such as salmon or grilled vegetables. Don’t be afraid to try new pairings, vodka has a broad range of compatible flavors.

Vodka Drinking Trends

Vodka has been around for centuries. Still, it is continually evolving and breaking new ground with the trends that come with it. Craft vodkas, locally sourced spirits, and infused vodkas are some of the things driving this evolution. With craft vodka, small distilleries are creating unique flavors and varieties of vodka. For locally sourced spirits, distilleries are sourcing all their ingredients locally and producing sustainable and ecofriendly drinks. As for the infused vodkas, fruit, herbs, and spices are being experimented with different varieties to produce flavors that excite your taste buds.

Conclusion

It’s time to get creative with vodka! With its versatility, there’s no need to stick to the classics. Try creating your own cocktails and implementing new mix-ins; your taste buds will thank you later. Remember, there are plenty of unique types of vodka out there to try, from craft to locally sourced and infused. Delve a little deeper, and you’ll be surprised at all the new things you can learn while enjoying your favorite drink.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. What’s so great about vodka?

Vodka is a versatile liquor that can be mixed with various flavors, making it an ideal choice for cocktails. Besides being versatile, it’s often the go-to spirit in bars and restaurants, as it’s easy to mix with mixers and an effective way to emulsify other ingredients.

2. Can I enjoy vodka without mixers?

Of course, you can enjoy vodka on its own over some ice or even chilled, depending on your preference. The beauty of vodka is it is versatile, its neutral taste allows for it to be paired well with almost any drink that comes to mind.

3. How can I tell what type of vodka I’m drinking?

With the naked eye, it may be difficult to determine the type of vodka you’re drinking as it’s a colorless liquor. However, the labeling should be able to give you that information. Check the label for the brand, variety, and alcohol content to know what you’re drinking.

4. Is it true that drinking vodka can help with a cold?

While it’s true that vodka has been cited as a remedy for a cold, moderation is the key. Having a glass of warm tea with vodka and honey may help alleviate the symptoms of a cold, however, excessive drinking can prolong the cold and cause other health issues.