The ultimate vodka guide

Vodka is a clear, colorless spirit made from the distillation of grains or potatoes. It's known for its high alcohol content, typically 40-50%. Vodka got its name from the Russian word "voda," which means water. It's the most popular spirit in the world and for good reason: it's highly versatile and its neutral flavor makes it the perfect choice for many different cocktails like Martinis and Cosmopolitans and in mixed drinks and shots too. It's a must-have in every home bar and for any occasion.

Vodka production starts with fermenting a mash of ingredients like grains, potatoes or fruits. This fermented mixture is then distilled multiple times to remove impurities and to achieve a high alcohol content. Some people say that the more times vodka is distilled, the cleaner and smoother it is. After distillation, vodka is filtered. It requires no aging and is ready to drink right away. The final product is typically filtered to achieve its clear appearance and smooth taste.

It's not that vodka is tasteless. The flavor is so subtle that it doesn't have a distinct taste, although some vodka brands have light hints of sweetness, spiciness, creaminess and even fruitiness. Vodka is better known for its different textures, called the mouthfeel. It's sort of like telling the difference between tap water and bottled water if you really pay attention. The more different types of vodka you try, the easier it becomes to pick up on those differences.

The heat of vodka is another difference. Have you ever noticed a burning sensation on your tongue or the back of your throat when you drink vodka straight? This burning feeling is an indication of how smooth the vodka is. The distiller's attention to detail determines the heat level in creating a clean vodka, including the number of distillations and the filtering process. Cheaper vodka brands tend to have a harsher burn, whereas premium brands are usually smoother and more subtle in taste.

Vodka usually contains 40% alcohol by volume, although some brands may vary slightly. In fact, high-quality vodkas can have as much as 95% alcohol by volume or more.

Vodka is made from grains like wheat and rye and can contain trace amounts of gluten, but distillation typically removes most gluten proteins. If gluten doesn't sit right with you, buying vodka made from potatoes, corn or other gluten-free ingredients is probably best. It's always a good idea to double check the label or reach out to the manufacturer to double check the ingredients, especially if you have an intolerance or allergy.

When it comes to pairing vodka with food, the possibilities are endless. The bold flavors of dishes, like caprese salads or vegetable-based dishes, stand up well against the clean taste of vodka. Or for a seafood pairing, try sipping on vodka with oysters, clams and mussels. The seafood's brininess will complement the smoothness of the vodka. And for a sweet treat, pair vodka with a slice of lemon cake or a bowl of fresh berries.

Always! A bottle of vodka is the best gifting option available out there. Even if the person doesn't drink neat vodka, it can always be used for making delicious cocktails.