Intro:
Vodka is the best mixing liquor of all of the base spirits as it has no distinct color, taste or aroma and is therefore essential to every bar. With a bottle of vodka and a few additional ingredients one can make a variety of cocktails including Vodka Tonic, Screwdriver, Cosmopolitan and so on.
Distillation:
The standard method of making vodka is by fermenting and distilling grain, although potatoes and beets are two popular alternatives. Vodka is a rectified spirit, meaning it is distilled at least three times, it is then filtered through charcoal. Vodka requires no aging and is ready to drink right away. Many vodkas are also infused with fruit or spice flavorings to create popular flavored vodkas like lemon, berry and pepper.
Taste:
Since vodka has no distinct taste a stylistic difference in the different brands is their texture on the tongue, or mouth feel. Two brands that represent the two prominent styles are Absolut and Stolichnaya. Absolut has an oily, silky sweet texture, while Stolichnaya is clean and watery with an almost medicinal finish.
Heat:
Most vodkas are 40 percent alcohol (or 80 proof), however a distinct difference is the heat that is revealed on the tongue, this plays an important role in brand choice. Less expensive brands tend to burn in the mouth and throat while premium brands are quite smooth and excellent for shots and martinis.
