Vodka
SpiritsEditorial draft
Vodka is a high-purity spirit with a subtle flavor, made from grain, potato or other raw materials. Its neutrality makes it very versatile in cocktails.
How to describe it to a guest
This vodka is very clean and smooth; ideal if you want a cocktail where the other flavors lead.
Origin
It has historic roots in Eastern Europe, especially Poland and Russia, which both claim its origin.
Production
The raw material is fermented and distilled, usually in column stills, to high strength; it is then filtered and cut with water.
Flavor
Clean and subtle; wheat tends to give softness, rye a little spice and potato more body.
Styles
- De grano
- Wheat, rye or corn; the most common style.
- De papa
- Creamier texture and fuller body.
- Saborizado
- With added fruit, spice or other flavors.
How to serve it
- GlasswareMartini glass
- TemperatureVery cold.
- Neat, serve it ice-cold; in cocktails, it lets other ingredients shine.
Pairings
- Aguachile
- Cured fish
- Salty snacks
Reading the label
- Materia prima
- Many labels state whether it is made from wheat, rye, corn or potato.
- % Alc. Vol.
- Alcohol content by volume.
Cocktails
Sources
- The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails
Updated October 20, 2026