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Available in premium brands and flavors, vodka
is quickly becoming the most fashionable liquor in the U.S. In the kitchen,
it adds flavor to the creamy, rich, rose-colored vodka sauce.
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Made from
potatoes,
beets,
barley,
wheat,
corn or rye, vodka is an
unaged liquor that's clear, colorless and almost flavorless. To achieve
this pure result, it's distilled at high proof levels and filtered
through a special activated charcoal. This process eliminates
impurities or elements that might convey a distinctive aroma or taste.
Able to take on the flavor of any
fruit,
juice or tonic mixed with it, vodka is a popular ingredient in
martinis,
Long Island iced teas and the
Blood Mary. Higher quality vodkas
are also favored for serving
straight up.
Varieties
Vodka usually has an
alcohol content that ranges from 35% to 70% by
volume depending on brand. The classic Russian vodka is 40%, or 80
proof.
Aside from alcohol content, vodka can also be classified into two
groups: clear (unflavored) vodkas and flavored vodkas. Flavored vodkas
are long common in Russia, Poland and Nordic countries where they've
been traditionally seasoned with
honey and various fruits,
herbs and
spices.
More recently, producers have introduced vodkas infused
with essences of
lemon,
peach,
melon, berry,
vanilla and
chocolate (to
name a few). Appearing in Appletinis, Lemon Drops and
Cosmopolitans,
these "designer" flavors are turning vodka into the U.S.'s most
fashionable liquor.
Buying Tips
While vodka can be made from a wide variety of
fruits, vegetables and grains, those distilled with a single
ingredient such as wheat, rye or potato are considered best.
Wheat vodkas can be characterized as soft and smooth, while rye vodkas
are more robust and spicy. Potato vodkas tend to have a creamier feel on the tongue.
Keep in mind the most expensive vodkas aren't necessarily the "best" for you.
Some brands tout "purity," others brag about "character," and
sometimes you end up paying a little more for the pretty bottle. While
connoisseurs are able to detect notable flavor differences among labels
(they're often fiercely loyal to one), the occasional vodka drinker
probably can't. So don't select vodka solely by price, especially if
it's going to be used as a mixer.
Storage Tips
Vodka can be stored at room temperature, but for serving straight, it's best kept icy cold in the freezer.
Try one of our favorite vodka recipes:
Cosmopolitan
Chocolate Martinis
Romano's Macaroni Grill Vodka Rustica
