Everything You Need to Know About Vodka

When you decide to indulge in a drink for a special occasion, you probably have a favorite spirit or cocktail that you always stick to. We all have reasons we choose certain types of drinks, whether it's about the taste, the effect, or even the health benefits.

Vodka is one of the most popular spirits on the planet. When consumed in moderation, it has various health benefits like better oral hygiene and reduced stress levels. If you haven't tried this spirit, you're missing out on a good drink. Here, Joe Canal’s offers a guide to everything you need to know about vodka.

Different Types of Vodkas

Vodka has a wide range of different flavors and even alcohol percentages. If you want to try it, be sure to get the best experience. Some of the types include the following.

Plain

Plain vodka is known for its immediate kick, especially when taken neat. In its most straightforward sense, this spirit consists of 40% ethanol cut with 60% water. The instant kick is because of that high alcohol content.

When it comes to the vodka’s taste, it depends on the distilling process and how pure it is. Generally, this spirit will lack flavor, which is why it’s often used when making mixed drinks.

An example of a properly distilled vodka comes from Barstow. Distilled four times using pure spring water, this brand delivers a smooth and refreshing finish. Vodkas like this can be served either chilled or with ice without the need to add any mixers.

Fruit

Vodka infused with fruit or herbs can make the spirit smell, taste, and look better. The infusion process takes about three weeks. It is then filtered and taken through the aging process. The aging process helps it to develop a rich fruit or herb flavor. When compared to a plain drink, the production process takes longer, but the results are more flavorful.

The taste of fruit spirits depends on what the vodka was infused with. Flavors range from strawberries to apples, pineapples, and lemon. If you like sweet flavors, fruit-infused vodkas won't disappoint. Examples include Absolut's Juice Apple, Juice Strawberry, and Lime.

Flavored

If you prefer not to buy juices or mixers, a flavored drink with vodka is the way to go. Its versatile flavors have made this drink very popular. Different flavor options include chocolate, caramel, green apple, mango, and many others. Although similar to fruit-infused drinks, flavored vodka doesn't take as much time to process.

Flavored spirits are produced similarly to plain vodka, but the infusion process happens through distillation. Flavored vodka has about 40% of alcohol content. This drink varies with the brand you choose, even when the flavor profiles are the same. For example, two green apple-flavored drinks from different brands will taste completely different.

Grain

This type of vodka is similar to plain vodka but drier with over 96% alcohol content. Grain liquor is not common, and you won't find as many brands or varieties in stores. It's primarily found in countries with extreme winter seasons. Grain liquor, admittedly, is not everyone's favorite and is mostly liked by enthusiasts as it has a solid, burning taste. However, you can spice it up a little by adding lime skins or lemon without interfering with its alcohol content.

How to Take Your Drink

Drink it Neat

Arguably, the best way to enjoy vodka’s intensity is to drink it neat, meaning in a glass without any ice or mixers. Pick a high-quality vodka from a reputable brand when doing this. If you find it difficult to drink plain liquors neat, you can opt for flavored or infused. You can also cool the liquor before serving to make it more pleasant.

Make Cocktails

Vodka is great because it mixes well with almost anything. If you want to create classic cocktails like a screwdriver or bloody Mary, this liquor is a good start. Cocktails are an excellent way to enjoy vodka with friends and family.

Get Your Bottle at Joe Canal’s

Vodka is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, infused with fruits and herbs, or mixed in classic cocktails. With so many options, it’s no wonder there are so many brands and varieties to choose from. Joe Canal’s, located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, carries a huge selection of vodkas to meet every taste. Contact us today to learn more about the many brands of vodka we have to offer.