What Is Vodka Made From?

Whether you are at an upscale event, visiting a local tavern, or even just looking at a friend's liquor cabinet, there's a good chance you'll find vodka. It is one of the most popular spirits in the world, with global sales reaching nearly $50 billion annually in recent years. The United States alone consumes nearly 900 million liters per year, making it clear that this colorless and odorless spirit isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, NJ, has a wide selection of this common classic on hand, but what exactly is vodka? Let's learn more about this legendary libation.

The Origins of Vodka

While vodka is remarkably popular today, its creation goes back centuries. The exact year or birthplace of vodka is unknown, but we do know that it started to become more commonly used in the 1300s and 1400s. The spirit originally was used mainly for medicinal purposes in medieval times, with vodka makers fermenting sugary or starchy foods. Fermentation is a process that involves feeding sugar to yeast, which, in turn, creates alcohol.

Once fermented, the resulting product is generally around 16% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is too low to be considered a spirit. So, it is then heated in a still, a process known as distilling. Distilling helps remove the alcohol from the water, as alcohol has a lower boiling point. As the alcohol evaporates, it is collected, allowing it to separate from the water and increasing the ABV to 30% to 40% (or 60- to 80-proof), which is where most common vodkas lie. There are even certain "rectified spirits," which can reach up to 95% ABV (190-proof).

As distillers got better at the process, the result was a finer tasting spirit, which soon gained popularity in Russia, especially among soldiers. In the mid-1800s, the distillation process was nearly perfected, and the versatile liquor we all know and love today was born.

What Ingredients Go Into Making Vodka?

While the creation process of vodka is common throughout the world, the ingredients found within each formula vary by region and by brand. Unlike many other spirits that have certain restrictions regarding ingredients, vodka can be made with nearly anything that ferments – or anything with sugar in it.

Many distillers use grains such as sorghum, corn, rice, rye, or wheat. Grain-based vodkas tend to expand on your palate, resulting in flavor in every part of your mouth. Other vodkas may be fruit-based formulas that offer a delicate and smooth mouthfeel. Many Eastern European distillers produce potato-based vodkas. These offerings tend to combine the flavor and texture of their grain-based and fruit-based counterparts and are great for sipping neat.

No matter which style you choose, you'll find a spirit that is sure to be a staple in your bar or liquor cabinet because of its versatility. Vodka can be found in plenty of popular cocktails, including the following:

• Screwdriver
• Cosmopolitan
• Martini
• Moscow Mule
• White Russian
• Vodka Tonic
• Bloody Mary
• Sex on the Beach
• Vodka Cranberry
• Mudslide
• Appletini
• Sea Breeze

Grab a Bottle of Your Favorite Vodka at Joe Canal's

Now that you know the history behind this classic cocktail staple, it's time to find the vodka for you. At Joe Canal's, we offer a wide selection of vodkas from all the popular brands, including Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Absolut, Ciroc, Stolichnaya, and Tito's. We even have flavored vodka to give your mixed drinks a kick of chocolate, orange, pineapple, mango, vanilla, and other mouthwatering options.

Check out our Lawrenceville, NJ, location to see our vast array of vodka and other spirits, wine, and beer. We even offer local delivery for your convenience. Not in the Lawrenceville region? No problem! We can ship your order anywhere in New Jersey. To learn more about vodka and what we have available, contact us today, and let our knowledgeable staff help you decide which products you need to stock up on.