Learning about Vodka

Kathy Smith

A group of PebbleCreek Singles met at Total Wine in Goodyear. They enjoyed snacks and were offered several different vodkas to taste. This is a very popular event for the club.

Vodka is a clear, distilled alcoholic beverage that’s made from water and ethanol, sometimes with traces of flavorings. Different varieties originated in Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Traditionally it is made by distilling liquid from fermented cereal grains and potatoes. Some modern brands use corn, sugar cane, fruits, honey, and maple sap as the base.

Vodka is traditionally drunk “neat,” which means it is not mixed with water, ice, or other mixers. It is often served freezer chilled. It is used for cocktails like vodka martini, cosmopolitan, vodka tonic, screwdriver, greyhound, black or white Russian, Moscow mule, or Bloody Mary. Vodka has become popular in various recipes such as penne alla vodka. It can be used in baking as a substitute for water. A great tip for bakers is pie crusts can be made flakier with vodka, which I’m sure makes the pie even better.