Base Spirits 101: Vodka

Relaxing poolside or at a backyard barbeque there is sure to be a cocktail or two circulating, and chances are that cocktail will contain vodka. The clear and refreshing nature of vodka mixes well into nearly any other juice or beverage which makes it an excellent base spirit for any time of year.

Vodka is Russian, or is it? While the earliest account of Russian vodka dates back to the ninth century, Poland claims go back to the eighth. Regardless of nationality it certainly came from eastern Europe. Vodka, as with most strong alcohols, was originally medicinal in its uses. At some point during the middle ages however it was used in the production of gunpowder. The Napoleonic wars certainly spread Vodka west throughout Europe with the movement of Russian Troops. While held in Europe for some time, vodka did eventually make it across the pond during the 1930’s when Smirnoff went toe to toe with the contrasting flavour of whisky.

Clean, crisp and refreshing vodka has a specific spot on the shelf of spirits. Commonly noted for its lack of flavour, it adds to the appeal for those easy drinking cocktails calling for an alcoholic kick without adding to the taste of the drink. A secondary style of vodkas emerged to offer specific flavour profiles to barbacks that purposefully infuse flavours such as lemon, vanilla and rasberry along with various other tastes. The lack of flavour or purposeful infusion thereof makes an excellent option for mixing in drinks and other cocktails.

A quick search on any search engine or cocktail dictionary will offer a sensational selection of cocktails calling for vodka. The profile of vodka offers a go to for any bartender or mixologist looking for an easy base spirit to mix with. Two of the most common vodka cocktails include the vodka martini, and the vodka cranberry (also known as the Cape Cod)

From origins in the eastern parts of Europe vodka has traveled well across the globe over the past thousand years or so. A colourless and odorless spirit knows no bounds in the cocktail diaries of many a barkeep’s back pocket, but this hidden gem needs to be respected. Please drink responsibly.