Vodka
Vodka
Vodka (pronunciation: /ˈvɒdkə/) is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage originating from Eastern Europe. The name comes from the Russian word voda (вода), meaning water, a diminutive term meaning "little water".
Etymology
The term "vodka" was recorded for the first time in 1405 in Akta Grodzkie, the court documents from the Palatinate of Sandomierz in Poland. It went through a series of changes in meaning throughout the centuries. Initially, "vodka" meant medicines and cosmetic products, while the beverage was called gorzałka, which is also a derivative of the Old Polish verb gorzeć (to burn).
Production
Vodka is traditionally made by the distillation of fermented grains or potatoes, though some modern brands use other substances such as fruits or sugar. The distillation process removes impurities and produces a high alcohol content. The resulting spirit is then often diluted with water to reduce its strength.
Consumption
Vodka is commonly consumed neat (not mixed with any water, ice, or other mixer), though it is often served freezer chilled in the vodka belt countries of Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and Ukraine. It is also used in cocktails and mixed drinks, such as the vodka martini, Cosmopolitan, vodka tonic, Screwdriver, Greyhound, Black or White Russian, Moscow Mule, and Bloody Mary.
Health Effects
Like all alcoholic beverages, vodka can have harmful effects on the body when consumed in excess. These effects can include liver damage, heart disease, and addiction. However, moderate consumption can have some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease.
Related Terms
- Distillation: The process of purifying a liquid by heating and cooling.
- Alcohol: A psychoactive substance with depressive effects.
- Cocktail: A mixed drink typically made with spirits, and other ingredients such as fruit juice or cream.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vodka
- Wikipedia's article - Vodka
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