Vodka is distilled from fermented grain, grain, potatoes, molasses and even beets. Vodka is not aged, has no color, odor and taste and is often used in cocktails.

It is the dominant spirit of Eastern Europe and the name “vodka” is a diminutive form of the Slavic word voda, meaning “little water”.

It is often thought that all vodkas are made from potatoes, but in actuality less that 1% of vodka sold in the United States is produced from potatoes. While a far superior alcohol can be crafted from potatoes, grain has replaced it over the last century as a more readily available crop. Among grain vodkas, rye and wheat vodkas are generally considered superior.

Vodkas produced in the United States and Europe are extensively distilled and filtered with charcoal (which absorbs impurities) in order to comply with U.S. and European law stating that vodka must not have any distinctive aroma, character, color or flavor. These vodkas achieve a very clean taste and clarity, but develop a very high alcohol content and as such, almost all vodka is diluted with water prior to bottling. The source and amount of the water used differs between brands of vodka and gives each its distinctive character.

Apart from the level of alcoholic content, vodkas may be classified into two main groups: clear vodkas and flavored vodkas.

While most vodkas are unflavoured, many flavoured vodkas have been produced in traditional vodka-drinking areas, often as home-made recipes to improve vodka’s taste or for medicinal purposes. Flavorings include red pepper, ginger, fruit flavors, vanilla, chocolate (without sweetener), and cinnamon.

Due to the low freezing point of alcohol, vodka (whose alcohol content ranges from 80 to 100 proof), can be stored in ice or a freezer. If the alcohol level is low enough and the freezer cold enough (significantly below the freezing point of water), solid crystals will form which are mostly water (actually a dilute solution of alcohol). If these “ice” crystals are removed, the remaining vodka will be enriched in alcohol.

Our pick: Triple Eight Cranberry Vodka