Deriving from the Slavic word for water (voda), vodka practically is water in Russia and parts of the former Soviet Union.  I lived in Ukraine for over two years and consider the experience to have left me with an unofficial doctoral degree in this libation!

It is often defined as odorless, colorless and tasteless, which is largely true.  If you venture into the homemade versions in some parts of the world, you will find this to be less true as the versions will range from smooth and strong to others that more resemble jet fuel!

Vodka is found in drinks like Martinis and Bloody Marys and is commonly shot straight in some countries, which can be an enjoyable way to drink it in the right company.  Just be sure you’re counting the shots.  In Ukraine, I remember everyone toasting to the women on the third, seventh and twenty-first toast.  I don’t know how any could survive to the twenty-first shot!  And the last shot of the evening is to the horse – to remember the way home…