VODKA - Essentials in Bartending and Cocktails

Vodka originated in Eastern Europe. That much we know for sure. After that, it's evolved and changed. This spirit is considered "plain", but it can be flavored with basically anything. Here we'll review the Old World (European) styles and flavors that have been produced for centuries.

With so many Vodkas in the world, of course there's too many to review here. In this section we'll discuss the categories overall. 

The clean, pure, and somewhat flavorless, odorless spirit that originated in Eastern Europe and Russia. It's all the same, right? Well, not exactly....

Vodka production. Distilling vodka from any starchy or sugary plant matter is possible. Today, vodka is usually produced from grains including corn, rye, or wheat, but any number of ingredients is possible. In this section, we'll review some ingredients and different types of distillation and production methods.

There's only two metals used to make stills for alcohol production. Here we put them head to head, to see whats best for your alcohol and why we should even care.

Vodka can be flavored with almost anything. And plain Vodka doesn't taste like anything... Nope. Plain Vodka, (while subtle) does have flavor. There's obviously too many flavors to review each one specifically, but here you'll learn more about the different flavors and aromas found in your favorite bottle.

Plain Vodka all tastes the same and can be made from anything. Well, it can be made from almost anything but it doesn't all taste the same. Here we'll review popular Vodkas and learn what they're made from. In turn, we'll leran about the subtle flavors that come from the different base ingredients as they do make a difference.

Isn't all Vodka the same and I can use them all interchangeably? Well; you could use them in all cocktails.... but some Vodkas are better suited, for different cocktails. Here I recommended Vodka brands for specific cocktails based on the Vodka type for the perfect cocktail! Popular recipes are given for each cocktail as well as some history of each  one so you know how the cocktail started and what its evolved to today!

Vodka can be stored in the freezer but should it be served that way? Here's a few tips on serving it besides in a cocktail.

As we know Vodka can be made from a wide variety of ingredients, most typically grains or other ingredients. Nowadays, you can buy flavored vodkas in everything from lemon to whipped cream. These add a whole new dimension to pairing foods with the spirit. Although Eastern Europeans pair straight, plain vodka, with everything and it is a classic with caviar.  Here you'll learn how to pair straight Vodka, and Vodka cocktails with food.     

While often debated, Vodka was thought to have evolved in the 8th or 9th century in what is now Poland & Russia. However, this latter product from Russia was distilled from grapes, making it more of a Brandy than what we consider Vodka.  In this lecture, we'll review how was Vodka invented  to more recent times.

One may wonder what Vodka is. We go over types in another section of the course, but here we'll at least review what the legal standard definitions are for Vodka in the European Union and the United States.

Most people don't know that the taste of their favorite beverage can be affected the size and shape of the glass they are drinking out of. Quality wine glassware is thin with a tapered rim, instead of being rolled to a thick edge. Beer and spirits glassware tend to be thicker, but quality can be detected in the thickness and shape.

With so many types, ever wonder which one is the correct one for which beverage?! Well, now you’ll know. Here we’ll review some recommendations for the proper glassware for different types Beer, Wine & Spirits/Cocktails.

Class is in Session. Drink Up!