ORIGINS AND HISTORY
In Poland, as in other Slavic countries the word vodka is a diminutive
for the word water. It is available in a variety of fruit and spice infusions,as
well as in the unflavoured form.
I should mention that the Russians maintain that vodka was invented in their country during the 1300's at the fort of Viataka. Most historians agree that the Russians did originate their national drink but do not agree on the date. There is evidence of a strong neutral spirit in Persia in the 11th Century.
Of the unflavoured vodkas, the Slavs' skill in producing a highly distilled neutral spirit inspired the idea of using such a spirit as a basis for mixed drinks. Could this have been the origin for the cocktail? The original purpose of the very strong spirit was that it would not readily freeze in extremely cold weather. It was the same rationale which brought the world's strongest commercially marketed liquor Polish Pure Spirit at almost 80% proof.
The flavour of eastern vodka differs from the western version. The aroma is described as strong, spirited, almost 'green' and possessing a slight oiliness. A most superb example of flavoured vodka is Zubrowka. This is sold with a blade of grass in every bottle. This 'bison grass' is that favoured by the European bison which graze on the borders of Poland and Russia. A vodka very rich in cherry flavour and colour is Wisniowka, barely resembling vodka at all but nevertheless a powerful and delicious drink.
Western versions of vodka are widely marketed, often with very Slavic sounding names, such as Smirnoff, Vladivar, Borzoi. They have almost no flavour and no colour. However, they are quite serviceable if all that is required is a neutral alcoholic kick.
HOW TO SERVE VODKA
Most of us have an image of
a fur-clad Russian tossing back glass after glass of the powerful drink
then smashing the glass in the fireplace. In fact, toasts like this were
usually limited to one. The glasses were so small that they held less than
an ounce. They were also specially made to break easily after drinking
a toast to the Czar. This guaranteed that the same glass could not be defiled
by toasting a lesser mortal.
Vodka is best poured from a bottle that has been well chilled in
a freezer. An attractive small glass with a long, slender stem does add
to the pleasure of drinking straight vodka. If want to be really elegant
fill a tiny glass with vodka then nest it in crushed ice in an Old Fashioned
Glass ( A straight tumbler).
You can sample my cocktail recipe for
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