National Vodka Day can be a great opportunity to celebrate one of the most beloved alcoholic beverages in the world. Although vodka is associated with Russia and some of the most luxurious vodkas on the planet are made there, vodka can be enjoyed in many other countries.

Vodka, the Slavic word meaning “little water”, is made from water and distilled grains or potatoes. However, many brands today add flavorings like fruits and sugars.

This drink is thought to have been created in the Middle Ages. It could have happened sometime between the 8th and 9th centuries. There are a variety of vodkas that can be found. They were not only made in Russia but also in Poland and Sweden. The first to make vodka from potatoes or grains were likely religious monks.

According to records, vodka was first used in Russia in the 14th century. It is well-known that in 1386, the Grand Duke was presented vodka by the Genoese ambassadors to Moscow. The Russian Revolution of 1917 in 1917 was another 100 years later, and vodka spread across Europe.

After WWII, vodka’s popularity exploded across the globe. This was especially true when it arrived in North America. It was initially almost tasteless and odorless. But, that has all changed over the past decades. The production of vodka has been influenced by creative variations in flavor, aromas and combinations. Its neutral flavor has remained a strong asset to vodka’s popularity, as it can be used to make a variety of mixed drinks and cocktails.

Although vodka purists don’t like it straight, they love it mixed with other spirits and as a key ingredient in many of their favorite cocktails such as the Bloody Mary, the Screwdriver, and the martini.

Bartenders in restaurants and homes around the globe have adopted the Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan and Vodka Gimlet as their standard drinks. Vodka is the reason.

It’s now time to celebrate National Vodka Day

Enjoy the joy and excitement of National Vodka Day by using some of these ideas, or creating your own.

Although preferences can be subjective, experts in liquor have compiled a list of top-quality vodkas that they think would be great to enjoy on National Vodka Day. Responsible drinking is of paramount importance.

You can appreciate your day by trying one of the following:

Bring a bottle vodka to a friend, family member or boss who loves it. You’ll be so grateful to them for the gesture. Maybe they’ll open the bottle immediately so you can have a toast together. Cheers!

This is a great activity to promote the art of mixing different flavors and varieties into vodka. It’s like a painting, where vodka is the “blank canvas.” The process takes about 3-5 days. It can take longer depending on your personal taste and the strength of the flavor being infused.

There are many unique and original flavors that can be created by letting your creative juices flow into vodka. People have created new flavors, such as Peanut Butter and Jelly, Root Beer, Fruit Loops and Root Beer. There are no limits to what you can do!

These are some ideas to make your vodka fusion: