One of the most popular alcoholic beverages is vodka. You'd think it was quite uninteresting until it got into your system because everything from its hue to its flavour is neutral and transparent. However, vodka has a lively, rich energy hidden behind its sombre, clear surface. There are tonnes of interesting facts about vodka that you might not know. It's more than just your average alcoholic beverage.
Read more: 7 Best Vodka Cocktails To Enjoy
Distilled alcohol, or vodka, is often transparent and has no discernible flavour or scent. Although Russia, Poland, and Sweden produce many types of distilled vodka, vodka can refer to any type of liquor created from water and agricultural ethanol. Although the majority of distilled vodka is not aged, many varieties undergo resting and ageing processes to acquire the taste of the barrel.
In an age where even vodkas flavoured with green apple, orange and other flavours are increasing in popularity in mixology circles, it is therefore important that you know the very basics about this spirit. Read on to know more.
Fact 1: Vodka Has Been There For Ages
One of the most widely consumed alcoholic drinks worldwide, vodka has been around for millennia. It is manufactured from several grains, such as barley, rye, and wheat, and is frequently distilled several times to give it a crisp, clear flavour.
One can sip vodka neat or include it in a range of mixed drinks. Despite having its origins in Russia, vodka is currently made in many other nations. When creating homemade infusions with fruit, herbs, or spices, vodka is a common option.
Fact 2: Vodka Has An Expiration Date
This can astound many because most people think vodka never goes bad. It is recommended to consume a normal vodka bottle within a year after its opening. The vodka will probably taste different and weaker after a year, but you can still drink it. Don't combine anything thinking you can save it because you may get sick; instead, always check to see whether the sight or fragrance appears strange.
Fact 3: Used As A Medicine
Vodka was previously used medicinally in Russia and other Slavic nations. It was supposed to have therapeutic powers and was used to cure a number of conditions. Vodka was also thought to be a good disinfectant and used to treat wounds.
Today, vodka is still employed in several traditional Russian medicinal procedures. Vodka has recently gained favour as a health drink. Some individuals believe drinking vodka helps enhance circulation, lower stress, and increase the immune system.
There is no scientific proof to back up these claims, yet many individuals love drinking vodka for its alleged health advantages.
Fact 4: Vodka Is A Very Pure Drink
Since it just contains four ingredients—wheat, barley, water, and rye—vodka is regarded as one of the cleanest spirits. Other spirits with different grain compositions, such as rum and whisky, include additives that change the flavour. The best option for avoiding these chemicals is vodka.
Fact 5: Can Be Used As A Cleaning Agent
Although it's perhaps most commonly used for consumption, vodka can also be used to clean your counters. Yes, vodka works well as a cleaning agent because of its high alcohol content. Vodka is great for cleaning windows, shoes, kitchen countertops, restrooms, and even cutting boards!
Fact 6: Was Once Used As A Currency
Can you believe in using vodka to make purchases these days? That was the situation in Russia during the 1990s.
It all began with a disagreement between Belarusian and Russian distilleries. There were also periodic stops to the manufacture of glass bottles, which resulted in a nationwide scarcity of vodka. Russian industries had to make do, so they started trading vodka for supplies. It was even permitted for certain businesses to use vodka to pay their taxes!
Fact 7: Vodka Means Water
Oddly enough, vodka literally means water. The Russian word voda, which means water, is where the name vodka originates. This is logical because vodka is a transparent beverage mostly derived from water. To be called vodka, it has to contain at least 40% water.