How To: Vodka

Normally, I used to do the "How To" articles every Friday. That's how it will be usualy, but I felt like writing this one now. This week's "how to" will be on vodka.

About: Vodka is a fairly neutral spirt, traditionally distilled from grain or potatoes (there are however exceptions). Vodka has been around for over 500 years and is one of the oldest spirits still produced today.

When choosing a vodka you must first consider 4 things: 1, What will I be mixing it with?, 2, How much am I willing to spend?, 3, What kind of event will it be for? And, above all, 4, "Did I already check www.ChrisDrinks.com to make sure this is what I want?"

Good vodka mixes well with anything from citrus to sweet. It even goes well with colas and, in the case of a White Russian, dairy. Vodka is a very versatile spirit.

Testing the Vodka: Testing a vodka to gauge its quality can be a complex process, but it doesn't need to be. After putting the vodka in the freezer for a day, I personally use a 3 step process.

Test 1, Citrus: See how the vodka tastes when mixed with a bland citrus mixer. I recommend, and use, the Safeway Select collins mix. This collins mix is rather bland so no bold flavoring will disrupt you finding the true taste of the vodka. I pour the glass at 1/3 vodka and 2/3 collins (for making a vodka collins. I recommend adding a spritz of lime juice as well as a lime garnish). Then, stir the glass and drink. Let it sit on your tongue for a moment to absorb the flavor. If the flavor is hard or unpleasant you can stop your test here. This is a sign of a bad vodka, as most vodka's mix very will with citrus flavors.

Test 2, Sweet: To test how well a vodka does when blended with a sweeter mixture I recommend using cranberry juice. Real cranberry juice, not that from concentrate stuff and definitely nothing you have to mix with 3 parts water that was previously frozen (for making a Cosmopolitan I recommend adding a slight bit of triplesec). I would use again 1/3 vodka and 2/3 cranberry juice. Let it sit on your tungue for a moment. If you have a sweet AND a bitter taste the vodka you have chosen is likely only meant to be served with citrus mixers. But if the taste is smooth and enjoyable the vodka mixes well with sweets.

Test 3, Straight up: Most vodka's that mix well usually do not do as well straight. Not because they are bad vodka's, but because they lack sophistication. For testing a vodka straight up pour a shot glass 3/4 of the way full (after having the vodka in the freezer for some time). Put the shot glass up to your nose and smell the vodka. A good vodka, after being chilled, will have little to no scent. Or, in the case of very distinguished vodkas, you will notice a scent (for example, Rain has a nice scent to it, almost of pears and wet moss). You don't have to let it sit on your tungue long, though I do myself. Swallow the vodka and see if it burns your throat. Since it is 40% alcohol, usually, you will feel at least some burning. A very brief burn means it was well distilled and filtered. A long lasting burn means it was poorly crafted and is not ideal to be consumed straight.

Conclusion: Vodka is very versatile. Most good vodkas (7.5 out of 10's or higher) mix well with anything and you should be fine. If the bottle is made of plastic, don't buy it no matter what it's being used for (unless you are trying to see who can throw up the most). Last but not least, make sure to check this site to see if the vodka you are considering is right for you. Well, this had been Chris with a "How To" on vodka. I hope you enjoyed it.