Sunday is National Vodka Day, and while most people are familiar with their favorite way to enjoy this classic liquor, we thought we’d touch on its history to commemorate the day!
Vodka is a native of Poland and Russia where it has existed in some form since the Middle Ages. The word “vodka” comes from the Slavic word “voda,” meaning water. It wasn’t until the mid-18th century that the first formal vodka distilleries were opened.
Since then, vodka has become a popular libation across the world, but that doesn’t mean Russia and Poland don’t lead the way in vodka popularity. Russians on average consume 25.92 ounces of vodka per month per person, while the Polish consume 19.65. Here in the US, the average American consumes 5.64 ounces per month.
So enjoy some this Sunday in honor of National Vodka Day or celebrate with this classic cocktail!
Vodka Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- ¾ oz dry vermouth
- 2 dashes bitters
- Lemon twist for garnish
Directions
- Add ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
French Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 3/4 oz. pineapple juice
- 1/4 oz. Crème De Cassis liqueur
Directions
- Add all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake.
- Fine-strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Chocolate Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz cream liqueur
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions
- Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake well to blend.
- Strain into your martini glass, sprinkle the chocolate shavings on top and enjoy this chocolate delight!
