In the British sitcom, “Absolutely Fabulous,” the only vodka that is worth drinking is “Stoli.” In that spirit, on October 4, we raise our shot glasses in celebration of National Vodka Day. To the uninitiated, vodka has a certain panache, elevating it above all other liquors. Housed in a beautiful glass, vodka is a status symbol — elegance personified.
This odorless, flavorless beverage is closely associated with Eastern Europe. Vodka has its roots in the Russian word, “voda,” which means “water.” Although Russia and Poland have a fierce rivalry over who actually invented vodka, it’s rumored that the drink was first produced in Russia in the 9th century. French and Russian soldiers scattered throughout Europe during the 19th century’s Napoleonic era, eventually popularized the drink. Today, vodka is the most widely-consumed spirit in the world — quite the accomplishment!
