Vodka 32787 226048985 2008-07-16T16:29:57Z Mallerd 3739733 /* Etymology */ {{for|the song|Vodka (song)}} [[Image:WarehouseSpirits.JPG|right|thumb|150px|A warehouse shelf filled with alcoholic beverages, including vodka.]] '''Vodka''' is one of the world's most popular [[distilled beverage]]s. It is a clear liquid containing [[water]] and [[ethanol]] purified by [[distillation]] — often multiple distillation — from a [[Fermentation (food)|fermented]] substance such as [[potatoes]], [[cereal|grain]] (usually rye or wheat) or [[sugar beet]] [[molasses]], and an insignificant amount of other substances such as flavorings or unintended impurities.{{Fact|date=July 2008}} Vodka usually has an alcohol content of 35% to 50% by [[volume]]. The classic [[Russia]]n, [[Lithuania]]n and [[Poland|Polish]] vodka is 40% (80 [[alcoholic proof|proof]]). This can be attributed to the Russian standards for vodka production introduced in 1894 by [[Alexander III of Russia|Alexander III]]<ref>from research undertaken by the Russian [[chemist]] [[Dmitri Mendeleev]]</ref>. According to the Vodka Museum in [[Moscow]], [[Dmitri Mendeleev]], a Russian [[chemist]], found the perfect percentage to be 38. However, since spirits in his time were taxed on their strength, the percentage was rounded up to 40 to simplify the tax computation. At strengths less than this, vodka drunk neat (without ice and not mixed with other liquids) can taste "watery": above this strength, the taste of vodka can have more "burn". Some governments set a minimum alcohol content for a spirit to be called "vodka". For example, the European Union sets a minimum of 37.5% alcohol by volume.<ref>Gin and Vodka Association, http://www.ginvodka.org/history/vodkaproduction.html</ref> Although vodka is traditionally drunk [[Straight up (bartending)|neat]] in the [[Eastern European]] and [[Nordic countries]] of the "[[Vodka Belt]]", its popularity elsewhere owes much to its usefulness in [[cocktail]]s and other mixed drinks, such as the [[Bloody Mary (cocktail)|Bloody Mary]], the [[Screwdriver (cocktail)|Screwdriver]], the [[vodka tonic]], and the [[vodka martini]]. ==Etymology== "Vodka" is the romanized form of the Cyrillic "Водка", literally pronounced "vodka". The word is a [[diminutive]] of the Russian word for [[water]] ("вода", pronounced [[IPA]] "vʌ'da"). <ref name=ety>http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=vodka</ref> <ref>Etymology of the word “vodka” in Черных&nbsp;П.&nbsp;Я.: Историко-этимологический словарь современного русского языка. Москва, Русский язык-Медиа, 2004.</ref> The word can be found in the court documents from [[Sandomierz Voivodship]] in Poland dating to 1405 and 1537. At these times the word referred to [[medicine]]s and [[cosmetics]].<ref>[http://krps.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=27&lang=pl History of vodka production in Poland, at official pages of Polish Spirit Industry Association]</ref> A number of Russian [[Pharmacology|pharmaceutical]] lists contain the terms "vodka of bread wine" (водка хлебного вина) and "vodka in half of bread wine" (водка полу хлебного вина).<ref>[[William Pokhlebkin|Pokhlebkin, William]] and Clarke, Renfrey (translator). ''[[A History of Vodka]]''. Verso: 1992. ISBN 0-86091-359-7.</ref> As alcohol had long been used as a basis for medicines, this implies that the term vodka could be a noun derived from the verb ''vodit’'', ''razvodit’'' (водить, разводить), "to dilute with water". ''Bread wine'' was a spirit distilled from alcohol made from grain (as opposed to ''grape wine'') and hence "vodka of bread wine" would be a water dilution of a distilled grain spirit. While the word could be found in manuscripts and in ''[[lubok]]'' (лубок, pictures with text explaining the plot, a Russian predecessor of the [[comic]]), it began to appear in Russian dictionaries in the mid-19th century. Another possible connection for "vodka" with "water" is the name of the medieval alcoholic beverage [[aqua vitae]] ([[Latin language|Latin]], literally, "water of life"), which is reflected in Polish "okowita", Ukrainian ''оковита'', or Belarusian ''акавіта''. Peoples in the area of vodka's probable origin have names for vodka with roots meaning "to burn": [[Samogitian language|Samogitian]]: '''degtėnė'''; [[Polish language|Polish]]: '''gorzałka'''; [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]: '''горілка''', ''[[horilka]]''; [[Belarusian language|Belarusian]]: '''гарэлка''', ''harelka''; [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]]: '''degtinė''' (a [[Slavicism]] '''arielka''', is also in use, colloquially and in [[proverb]]s<ref>Vincentas Drotvinas, "What was ''šlapjurgis'' drinking?", ''Kalbos kultūra'' ("Language Culture"), issue 78, pp. 241-246 ([http://www.lki.lt/php/English/publications/angliskos_santraukos_KK.doc online summary]) </ref>); [[Latvian language|Latvian]]: '''degvīns'''; [[Finnish language|Finnish]]: '''[[paloviina]]'''. In [[Russian language|Russian]] during 17th and 18th century '''горящее вино''' (''goryashchee vino'', "burning wine") was widely used. Compare to [[Danish language|Danish]]; '''brændevin'''; [[Dutch language|Dutch]]: '''brandewijn'''; [[Swedish language|Swedish]]: '''[[brännvin]]'''; [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]]: '''[[Brennevin]]''' (although the latter terms refer to any strong alcoholic beverage). Another Slavic/Baltic archaic term for hard liquors was "green wine" (Russian: ''zeleno vino'',<ref>Irina Kohen (1998) " Vocabulary of Soviet Society and Culture: A Selected Guide to Russian Words, Idioms, and Expressions of the Post-Stalin Era, 1953-1991", ISBN 0822312131, [http://books.google.com/books?id=jITJHmlWpnAC&pg=PA161&lpg=PA161&dq=%22zeleno+vino%22&source=web&ots=hShudAOMBo&sig=G9_MEP8xm5K-dN8Jh8JePwFf6z0&hl=en p. 161]</ref> Lithuanian: ''žalias vynas''). ==History== The origins of vodka cannot be traced definitively, but it is believed to have originated in the grain-growing region that now embraces [[Poland]], [[Belarus]], [[Lithuania]], [[Ukraine]], and western [[Russia]]. It also has a long tradition in [[Scandinavia]]. For many centuries beverages contained little alcohol. It is estimated that the maximum amount was about 14% as only this amount is reachable by means of natural fermentation. The [[still]] allowing for [[distillation]] – “the burning of wine” – was invented in the [[8th century]].<ref name=Briffault>[[Robert Briffault]] (1938). ''The Making of Humanity'', p. 195.</ref> ===Russia=== [[Image:VodkaBelt.png|thumb|right|300px|The "[[vodka belt]]" countries of central and eastern Europe and Nordic countries are the historic home of vodka, and also have the highest vodka consumption in the world]] A drink similar to modern vodka first appeared probably sometime in the period 950-1100 AD.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} It was not originally called ''vodka'' — instead, the term ''bread wine'' (хлебное вино; ''khlebnoye vino'') was used. Until mid-18th century, it remained relatively low on alcohol content, not exceeding 40% by volume. It was mostly sold in taverns and was quite expensive: in 17th century, a keg (12 litres) of bread wine was estimated to cost as much as one and a half or two cows. At the same time, the word ''vodka'' was already in use, but it described herbal [[tincture]]s (similar to [[absinthe]]), containing up to 75% by volume alcohol, and made for medicinal purposes. The first written usage of the word ''vodka'' in an official Russian document in its modern meaning is dated by the decree of [[Empress]] [[Elizabeth of Russia|Elizabeth]] of [[June 8]], [[1751]], which regulated the ownership of vodka distilleries. The taxes on vodka became a key element of government finances in Tsarist Russia, providing at times up to 40% of state revenue.<ref>{{cite book |url= http://books.google.ca/books?vid=ISBN0435327186&id=vuFjmDQPG7kC&pg=PA40&lpg=PA40&dq=russia+vodka+1914&sig=nsVb8mDfIDbAAG0G6FQGUT-qUYw |title=Russia, 1848-1914 |last= Bromley | first= Jonathan }}</ref> By the 1860s, due to the government policy of promoting consumption of state-manufactured vodka, it became the drink of choice for many Russians. In 1863, the government monopoly on vodka production was repealed, causing prices to plummet and making vodka available even to low-income citizens. By 1911, vodka comprised 89% of all alcohol consumed in Russia. This level has fluctuated somewhat during the 20th century, but remained quite high at all times. The most recent estimates put it at 70% (2001). Today, some popular vodka procucers/brands are (amongst others) [[Absolut]] vodka, [[Eristoff]], [[Smirnoff]] and [[Borissov]] <ref>[http://www.onlinevodka.net/vodka-manufacturers Some vodka manufacturers]</ref> ===Poland=== In [[Poland]], vodka ({{lang-pl|wódka}}), has been produced since the early [[Middle Ages]]. In these early days, the spirits were used mostly as medicines. [[Stefan Falimierz]] asserted in his 1534 works on [[herbs]] that vodka could serve "to increase fertility and awaken lust". Around 1400 it became also a popular drink in Poland. ''Wódka lub gorzała'' (1614), by Jerzy Potański, contains valuable information on the production of vodka. Jakub Kazimierz Haur, in his book ''Skład albo skarbiec znakomitych sekretów ekonomiej ziemiańskiej'' (''A Treasury of Excellent Secrets about Landed Gentry's Economy'', Kraków, 1693), gave detailed recipes for making vodka from [[rye]]. Some Polish vodka [[blend]]s go back centuries. Most notable are ''[[Żubrówka]]'', from about the 16th century; ''[[Goldwasser]]'', from the early 17th; and aged ''[[Starka]]'' vodka, from the 16th. In the mid-17th century, the ''[[szlachta]]'' (nobility) were granted a monopoly on producing and selling vodka in their territories. This privilege was a source of substantial profits. One of the most famous distilleries of the aristocracy was established by Princess [[Elżbieta Czartoryska (1736-1816)|Lubomirska]] and later operated by her grandson, Count [[Alfred Wojciech Potocki]]. The Vodka Industry Museum, now housed at the headquarters of Count Potocki's distillery, has an original document attesting that the distillery already existed in 1784. Today it operates as "[[Polmos Łańcut]]." Large-scale vodka production began in Poland at the end of the 16th century, initially at [[Kraków]], whence spirits were exported to [[Silesia]] before 1550. Silesian cities also bought vodka from [[Poznań]], a city that in 1580 had 498 working spirits distilleries. Soon, however, [[Gdańsk]] outpaced both these cities. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Polish vodka was known in the [[Netherlands]], [[Denmark]], [[England]], [[Russia]], [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[Hungary]], [[Moldavia]], [[Ukraine]] and the [[Black Sea]] basin. Early production methods were primitive. The beverage was usually low-proof, and the distillation process had to be repeated several times (a three-stage distillation process was common). The first distillate was called "''brantówka''," the second — "''szumówka''," the third — "''okowita''" (from "''aqua vitae''"), which generally contained 70–80% alcohol by volume. Then the beverage was watered down, yielding a simple vodka (30–35%), or a stronger one if the watering was done using an [[alembic]]. The exact production methods were described in [[1768]] by [[Jan Paweł Biretowski]] and in 1774 by [[Jan Chryzostom Simon]]. The beginning of the 19th century inaugurated the production of potato vodka, which immediately revolutionized the market. The end of the [[18th century]] marked the start of the vodka industry in Poland (Poland was part of Russian empire at that time). Vodkas produced by szlachta and clergy became a mass product. The first industrial distillery was opened in 1782 in [[Lwów]] by [[Baczewski|Jan Baczewski]]. He was soon followed by [[Jakub Haberfeld]], who in 1804 established a factory at [[Oświęcim]], and by [[Hartwig Kantorowicz]] ([[1823]]) at [[Poznań]]. The implementation of new technologies in the second half of the 19th century, which allowed the production of clear vodkas, contributed to their success. The first rectification distillery was established in 1871. In 1925 the production of clear vodkas was made a [[Polish government]] monopoly. After [[World War II]], all vodka distilleries were taken over by Poland's [[communist]] government. During the 1980s, the sale of vodka was rationed. After the victory of the [[Solidarity]] movement, all distilleries were privatized, leading to an explosion of brands. ===Ukraine=== {{main|Horilka}} Horilka (Ukrainian: горілка) is the Ukrainian term for "vodka".<ref name=malko>Malko, Romko. "[http://www.wumag.kiev.ua/index2.php?param=pgs20052/156 Ukrainian Horilka: more than just an alcoholic beverage]", in ''Welcome to Ukraine'' Magazine. URL accessed 2006-12-06.</ref> Horilka may also be used in a generic sense in the [[Ukrainian language]] to mean [[moonshine]], [[whisky]] or other strong [[distilled beverage|spirits]]. Among [[East Slavic people]]s, the term ''horilka'' is used to stress the Ukrainian origin of a vodka, for example, in [[Nikolai Gogol]]'s historic novel ''[[Taras Bulba]]'': "and bring us a lot of horilka, but not of that fancy kind with raisins, or with any other such things—bring us horilka of the purest kind, give us that demon drink that makes us merry, playful and wild!".<ref name=malko/> A ''pertsivka'' or ''horilka z pertsem'' (pepper vodka) is a vodka with whole fruits of [[capsicum]] put into the bottle, turning horilka into a sort of [[bitters]]. Horilkas are also often made with honey, mint, or even milk,<ref name=milk>Milk vodka advertisement. "[http://www.olimp.ua/ii/Image/cat/adv/84/1_b.jpg Bilenka with Milk], from Olimt tm site"</ref> the latter not typical of vodkas of other origins. Some claim that horilka is considered stronger and spicier than typical Russian vodka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenallrussia.com/ukraineandancientrus.htm|title=Ukraine and ancient Rus|accessdate=2006-12-06}}</ref> ===Today === [[Image:C0681-Fedyakovo-Auchan-vodka.jpg|thumb|A large selection of vodkas at an [[Auchan]] hypermarket near [[Nizhny Novgorod]]]] Vodka is now one of the world's most popular spirits. It was rarely consumed outside [[Europe]] before the 1950s. By 1975, vodka sales in the [[United States]] overtook those of [[bourbon whiskey|bourbon]], previously the most popular hard liquor and the native spirit of that country. In the second half of the 20th century, vodka owed its popularity in part to its reputation as an alcoholic beverage that "leaves you breathless", as one ad put it — no smell of liquor remains detectable on the breath, and its neutral flavor allows it to be mixed into a wide variety of drinks, often replacing other liquors (particularly [[Gin]]) in traditional drinks, such as the [[Martini]]. According to ''The Penguin Book of Spirits and Liqueurs'', "Its low level of [[fusel oil]]s and [[congener]]ics &mdash; impurities that flavour spirits but that can contribute to the after-effects of heavy consumption &mdash; led to its being considered among the 'safer' spirits, though not in terms of its powers of intoxication, which, depending on strength, may be considerable."<ref>Pamela Vandyke Price, Harmondsworth & New York: Penguin Books, 1980, pp. 196ff. </ref> Russian culinary author [[William Pokhlebkin]] compiled a history of the production of vodka in Russia during the late 1970s as part of the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] case in a trade dispute; this was later published as ''[[A History of Vodka]]''. Pokhlebkin claimed that while there was a wealth of publications about the history of consumption and distribution of vodka, virtually nothing had been written about vodka production. Among his assertions were that the word "vodka" was used in popular speech in Russia considerably earlier than the middle of the 18th century, but the word did not appear in print until the 1860s. ==Production== Vodka may be distilled from any [[starch]]/[[sugar]]-rich plant matter; most vodka today is produced from [[grains]] such as [[sorghum]], [[maize|corn]], [[rye]] or [[wheat]]. Among grain vodkas, rye and wheat vodkas are generally considered superior. Some vodka is made from [[potato]]es, [[molasses]], [[soybean]]s, [[grape]]s, [[sugar beet]]s and sometimes even byproducts of oil refining or wood pulp processing. In some Central European countries like Poland some vodka is produced by just fermenting a solution of crystal sugar and yeast. In the [[European Union]] there are talks about the standardization of vodka, however, the [[Vodka Belt]] countries insist that only spirits produced from grains, [[potato]] and [[sugar beet]] [[molasses]] be allowed to be branded as "vodka", following the traditional methods of production.<ref name=reuters>[http://www.flexnews.com/pages/5412/European_Union/Spirits/eu_farm_chief_warns_legal_action_vodka_row.html "EU Farm Chief Warns of Legal Action in Vodka Row"], a 25/10/2006 [[Reuters]] article</ref><ref name=stubb>[[Alexander Stubb]], [http://www.alexstubb.com/artikkelit/bw_vodka.pdf The European Vodka Wars], a December 2006 ''[[Blue Wings (magazine)|Blue Wings]]'' article</ref> ===Distilling and filtering=== A common property of vodkas produced in the USA and Europe is the extensive use of filtration prior to any additional processing, such as the addition of [[flavor|flavourants]]. Filtering is sometimes done in the [[still]] during [[distillation]], as well as afterward, where the distilled vodka is filtered through [[charcoal]] and other media. This is because under U.S. and European law vodka must not have any distinctive aroma, character, colour or flavour. However, this is not the case in the traditional vodka producing nations, so many distillers from these countries prefer to use very accurate distillation but minimal filtering, thus preserving the unique flavours and characteristics of their products. The "stillmaster" is the person in charge of distilling the vodka and directing its filtration. When done correctly, much of the "fore-shots" and "heads" and the "tails" separated in distillation process are discarded. These portions of the distillate contain flavour compounds such as [[ethyl acetate]] and [[ethyl lactate]] (heads) as well as the [[fusel oil]]s (tails) that alter the clean taste of vodka. Through numerous rounds of distillation, or the use of a fractioning still, the taste of the vodka is improved and its clarity is enhanced. In some distilled liquors such as [[rum]] and [[baijiu]], some of the heads and tails are not removed in order to give the liquor its unique flavour and mouth-feel. Repeated distillation of vodka will make its ethanol level much higher than legally allowed. Depending on the distillation method and the technique of the stillmaster, the final filtered and distilled vodka may have as much as 95-96% ethanol. As such, most vodka is diluted with water prior to bottling. This level of distillation is what truly separates a rye-based vodka (for example) from a [[rye whisky]]; while the whisky is generally only distilled down to its final alcohol content, vodka is distilled until it is almost totally pure alcohol and then cut with water to give it its final alcohol content and unique flavour, depending on the source of the water.<ref>[http://www.drinkboy.com/Essays/DistilledWater.html ''Distilled Water, With A Kick''], Robert Hess</ref> ===Flavouring=== {{main|Vodka infusion}} Apart from the alcoholic content, vodkas may be classified into two main groups: ''clear vodkas'' and ''flavoured vodkas''. From the latter ones, one can separate ''bitter tinctures'', such as Russian ''Yubileynaya'' (anniversary vodka) and ''Pertsovka'' (pepper vodka). While most vodkas are unflavoured, many flavoured vodkas have been produced in traditional vodka-drinking areas, often as home-made recipes to improve vodka's taste or for medicinal purposes. Flavourings include red pepper, ginger, fruit flavours, vanilla, chocolate (without sweetener), and cinnamon. [[Ukrainians]] produce a commercial vodka that includes [[St John's Wort]]. [[Poles]] and [[Belarusians]] add the leaves of the local [[bison grass]] to produce ''[[Żubrówka]]'' (Polish) and ''[[Zubrovka]]'' (Belarusian) vodka, with slightly sweet flavour and light amber colour. In [[Ukraine]] and Russia, vodka flavoured with honey and pepper (''Pertsovka'', in Russian, ''Z pertsem'', in Ukrainian) is also very popular. In Poland, a famous vodka containing honey is called [[krupnik]]. This tradition of flavouring is also prevalent in the [[Nordic countries]], where vodka seasoned with herbs, fruits and spices is the appropriate strong drink for [[midsummer]] seasonal festivities. In [[Sweden]], there are forty-odd common varieties of herb-flavoured vodka (''kryddat brännvin''). In Poland there is a separate category, ''[[nalewka]]'', for vodka-based spirits with fruit, root, flower, or herb extracts, which are often home-made or produced by small commercial distilleries. Its alcohol content is between 15 to 75%. The Poles make a very pure (95%, 190 proof) [[rectified spirit]] (Polish language: [[spirytus rektyfikowany]]). Technically a form of vodka, it is sold in liquor stores, not pharmacies. Similarly, the German market often carries German, Hungarian, Polish, and Ukrainian-made varieties of vodka of 90 to 95% alcohol content. A [[Bulgaria]]n vodka, Balkan 176°, is 88% alcohol. ===Other processing=== [[Image:Vodka bottling machine.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Vodka bottling machine, Shatskaya Vodka<br />[[Shatsk, Russia|Shatsk]], [[Russia]] ]] Due to the low [[freezing point]] of alcohol, vodka can be stored in ice or a freezer without any crystallization of water. In countries where alcohol levels are generally low (the USA for example, due to alcohol taxes varying with alcohol content), individuals sometimes increase the alcohol percentage by a form of [[freeze distillation]]. This is done by placing the vodka in an open vessel (bowl, etc) in the freezer, and then after it has reached a temperature below the freezing point of water, adding ice cubes, to which the free water within the vodka will crystallize, leaving a higher alcohol concentration behind. ==Vodka and the EU== The recent success of [[grape]]-based vodka in the [[United States]] has prompted traditional vodka producers in the Vodka Belt countries of [[Finland]], [[Lithuania]], [[Poland]] and [[Sweden]] to campaign for [[EU legislation]] that will categorize only spirits made from grain or potatoes as "Vodka" rather than spirits made from any [[ethyl alcohol]] (provided, for example, by apples and grapes).<ref name=reuters/><ref name=stubb/> This proposition has provoked heavy criticism from south European countries, which often distill used [[Mashing|mash]] from wine-making into spirits (although higher quality mash is usually distilled into some variety of [[pomace brandy]], lower-quality mash is better turned into a neutral-flavoured spirits instead). Any vodka then not made from either grain or potatoes would have to display the products used in its production. This regulation was adopted by the [[European Parliament]] on June 19, 2007.<ref>[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P6-TA-2007-0259&language=EN European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 June 2007 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks]</ref> ==Health== Vodka consumed in sufficient amounts can be lethal as can any alcoholic beverage and can cause dehydration, digestive irritation, and other symptoms associated with a [[hangover]]. These are inherent properties of ethanol, even if to a lesser degree than the [[methanol]], [[fusel oil]]s, and other alcohols which are absent in pure vodka. In some countries [[black market|black-market]] vodka or "[[Bathtub gin|bathtub]]" vodka is widespread because it can be produced easily and avoid taxation. However, severe poisoning, [[blindness]], or death can occur as a result of dangerous industrial ethanol substitutes being added by black-market producers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6157015.stm|title=news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6157015.stm<!--INSERT TITLE-->}}</ref> In March 2007, [[BBC News]] UK made a documentary to find the cause of severe [[jaundice]] among imbibers of the "bathtub" vodka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6434789.stm|title=news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6434789.stm<!--INSERT TITLE-->}}</ref> The cause was found to be an industrial disinfectant ([[Extrasept]]) added to the vodka by the illegal distillers because of its high alcohol content and low price of acquisition. Death toll estimates list at least 120 dead and more than 1,000 poisoned. The death toll is expected to rise due to the chronic nature of the [[cirrhosis]] that was causing the jaundice. According to authoritative sources{{Who|date=July 2008}}, many people have said that vodka has in many cases been known to also frequently be the drink of choice for alcoholics in the majority of some of the parts of Central and Eastern Europe, mainly due to its relatively high alcohol content, relatively low price, and the relative unavailability of neutral grain spirits throughout regions included within these areas. ==See also== {{wiktionary}} {{commonscat|Vodka}} *[[List of vodkas]] *[[Flavoured liquor]], which includes flavoured vodkas *[[Vodka infusion]] *[[Alcoholic beverage]]s *[[List of cocktails]] *[[Soju]], a Korean distilled beverage, sometimes called "Korean vodka" *[[Shōchū]], sometimes called "[[Japan]]ese vodka" *[[Baijiu]], a [[China|Chinese]] distilled liquor sometimes called "Chinese vodka" *''[[A History of Vodka]]'' *[[Vodka war]] ==Further reading== *Begg, Desmond. ''The Vodka Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide''. Running: 1998. ISBN 0-7624-0252-0. *[[William Pokhlebkin|Pokhlebkin, William]] and Clarke, Renfrey (translator). ''[[A History of Vodka]]''. Verso: 1992. ISBN 0-86091-359-7. *Delos, Gilbert. ''Vodkas of the World''. Wellfleet: 1998. ISBN 0-7858-1018-8. *Lingwood, William, and Ian Wisniewski. ''Vodka: Discovering, Exploring, Enjoying''. Ryland, Peters, & Small: 2003. ISBN 1-84172-506-4. *Price, Pamela Vandyke. ''The Penguin Book of Spirits and Liqueurs''. Penguin Books, 1980. Chapter 8 is devoted to vodka. *Broom, Dave. ''Complete Book of Spirits and Cocktails'', Carlton Books Ltd: 1998. ISBN 1-85868-485-4 *Faith, Nicholas and Ian Wisniewski ''Classic Vodka'', Prion Books Ltd.: 1977. ISBN 1-85375-234-7 *Rogala, Jan. ''Gorzałka czyli historia i zasady wypalania mocnych trunków'', Baobab: 2004. ISBN 83-89642-70-0 ==References== <!-- ---------------------------------------------------------- See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for a discussion of different citation methods and how to generate footnotes using the<ref>, </ref> and {{reflist}} tags. ----------------------------------------------------------- --> {{reflist|2}} {{Alcoholic beverages}} [[Category:Vodkas| ]] [[Category:Russian inventions]] [[ar:فودكا (مشروب كحولي)]] [[az:Araq]] [[be:Гарэлка]] [[be-x-old:Гарэлка]] [[bg:Водка]] [[ca:Vodka]] [[cs:Vodka]] [[cy:Fodca]] [[da:Vodka]] [[de:Wodka]] [[et:Viin (jook)]] [[el:Βότκα]] [[es:Vodka]] [[eo:Vodko]] [[fa:ودکا]] [[fo:Vodka]] [[fr:Vodka]] [[gl:Vodka]] [[ko:보드카]] [[hr:Vodka]] [[id:Vodka]] [[is:Vodka]] [[it:Vodka]] [[he:וודקה]] [[ka:არაყი]] [[la:Vodca]] [[lv:Degvīns]] [[lb:Wodka]] [[lt:Degtinė]] [[hu:Vodka]] [[ms:Vodka]] [[nl:Wodka]] [[ja:ウォッカ]] [[no:Vodka]] [[pl:Wódka]] [[pt:Vodca]] [[ksh:Wodka]] [[ru:Водка]] [[simple:Vodka]] [[sk:Vodka]] [[sl:Vodka]] [[sr:Вотка]] [[fi:Votka]] [[sv:Vodka]] [[th:วอดก้า]] [[tr:Votka]] [[uk:Горілка]] [[zh:伏特加]]