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Walk into any liquor store and saunter down to the vodka isle and you will see a plethora of names, flavors, colors, shapes, sizes all in clear or opaque glass displaying the beverage of discussion. Today Vodka has 20% of the American market primarily because of the distillers blending in so many different flavors. There appears to be vodka for all tastes, genders, sizes and needs.

Vodka has its roots in Eastern Europe; however, a great deal of discussion takes place over the country of origin. Poland and Russia vie for the honor of being the first; however this Vodka is basically an unaged flavorless spirit that can be distilled from just about anything that ferments. Legend alludes to the potato as being the first medium in the creation of some vodka however, most today, made from any grain, rye, wheat, barley, but primarily corn.

Vodka in the Slavic language is derived from voda meaning water; but more specifically the Russian phrase "zhizenennia voda," means "water of life. The Eastern Europeans had an ideal method in distilling their vodka; they used the natural temperatures. Alcohol freezes at a different temperature than water so they were able to separate out the frozen water while leaving behind the pure product. This created a higher alcohol concentration than could be made simply by the process of fermentation.

In more recent years, the freezing technique was not always available. Instead, a heated mash of grains was allowed to ferment; this sweet liquid produced a product that was then distilled. Distillers found that several distillations of this product created a better quality liquor. In today's distilleries often you will see the number of distillations the product will go through on the label.

Vodka's popularity has come from its ability to lend itself to any mixer and flavor. It is virtually undetectable with the exception of the effects of the alcohol. On the other side, the flavored vodkas are wonderful alone or with plain soda or water. It is the essence of the flavor and the alcohol that remain. Women usually shy away from the heavier scotches, whiskies, and brandies and have found that the lighter vodka suits their taste buds more effectively. Women (and I am one so I can say this) usually, not always, do not care for the bite of the liquor. Vodka suits this quite well since it blends well with the mixers it is paired with and provides an enjoyable beverage experience.

I have been quite fond of lighter soft drinks as mixers with vodka diet cherry seven up for one. I am able to still taste the fruitiness of the soda without its being overpowered by the liquor. Vodka has found its niche. May we continue to enjoy its mixing abilities.

Learn more about this author, CD Gozzi.
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