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Vodka is one of the most popular liquors in the world. It can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, and you’ll find that each variation gives it unique flavors.
What’s more, unlike other liquors, it’s common for vodka to have flavor additives (like peppermint) and a wide variety of other unique variations. That said, it still helps to know what vodka is made from; this way, you know what it is at its foundation.
So, what is vodka made from? Read our guide to discover the most common ingredients used to make vodka.
What Is Vodka?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what vodka is. By definition, vodka is a clear, flavorless spirit that’s made by distilling grains or starches at 95% ethyl alcohol (sometimes even higher). From there, the liquor must have water added to it in order to bring the alcohol by volume (ABV) down to 40%.
In the past, vodka has been used for a wide variety of applications, and sometimes it wasn’t even used for drinking. The name is also unique and comes from the Russian word “Voda”; it means “water,” and the little “k” helps you know it’s loaded with booze and not just crystal clear water.
In fact, it would be hard to tell the difference just by looking at it.
How Is Vodka Made?
Knowing how vodka is made will also give you some insight into what vodka is made from. Of course, each distiller has some unique takes on the spirit, but the process is the same for most vodka liquids.
First and foremost, you have the distillation process, and this begins with fermenting the liquid. Then, the liquid is distilled in column stills, but some distillers may use hybrid options and other variations. During this process, the liquid is heated until it vaporizes, and this removes any impurities from the vodka.
Finally, water is added to set the proof of the vodka. Now, the choice of water matters, and you’ll find that it can alter the color and flavor profile of the vodka. For example, water from Texas may have different minerals than water from New York, and this subtle difference can change the flavor of the vodka.
What Is Vodka Made From?
Vodka is made from a handful of ingredients. That said, it’s commonly made from sugars and starches, which is why potatoes and other grains tend to be popular for a vodka spirit. Still, these aren’t the only ingredients that vodka can be made from.
In fact, you’ll find that many distilleries get creative with their vodka spirits to create some unique innovations. For example, some distillers may leverage grapes and other fruits to make vodka.
Common Ingredients Vodka Is Made From
When it comes to the most common ingredients used to make vodka, you’ll find that grains are the most popular choice by most distillers. Popular grains used to make vodka include:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Rye
- Potatoes
Corn vodka is known for being soft, smooth, and a little sweet. On the other hand, wheat is light and subtle, and it’s a popular choice in many Eastern European countries. Of course, you can’t go wrong with potatoes, which offer a classic vodka flavor profile. Finally, rye vodka, like rye whiskey, is spicy, peppery, and a lot thicker in flavor profile.
As you can see, the grains that vodka is made with are what determine the flavor profile.
Unique Vodka Ingredients
We covered some of the most popular ingredients, but it’s not fair to leave some of the more unique options out there. These ingredients give vodka a more well-rounded flavor profile, and some even change the way it tastes entirely.
Some more unique vodka ingredients include:
- Sugar beets
- Grapes
- Apples
- Milk whey
- Quinoa
These vodka bases all provide a unique flavor, and a great example is how vodka made with quinoa has a nutty flavor profile, whereas grape vodka is fruity and more aromatic. In addition to the ingredients that we covered, plenty of other vodka bases may be out there, so keep this in mind.
What Is Vodka Made From? Our Final Thoughts
So, what is vodka made from? At the end of the day, vodka is a spirit that’s made from grains or starches. Sometimes, fruits and other unique ingredients are used, but these are rarer batches of vodka. That said, vodka is also made from water, and where the water comes from may change the flavor profile and quality of the vodka.
Now, if you want to experience all the flavors and styles that vodka has to offer, we recommend checking out Flaviar. Whether you want to try different vodka flavors or give someone the wonderful gift of a smooth vodka, Flaviar is a great place to start your journey.
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