Vodka, once reviled as a drink fit only for old boring Russian oligarchs, is experiencing a renaissance of sorts.
For everybody, from teenagers looking for their first experience of “hard liquor” to new age families who prefer having a drink at the dinner table, vodka is fast becoming the beverage of choice. In fact, such has been the impact, that even dyed-in-the-wool whisky aficionados are casting a benevolent eye or two at this colourless and odourless, yet surprisingly flavourful Russian drink.
In fact, flavour actually is one of the reasons why vodka is proving to be so popular these days. Traditionally, it has always been bland and tasteless, but with flavours like green apple, vanilla and even chocolate now to choose from, we can’t really blame the drink or its many fans.
If flavours are one factor, versatility has to be another. Vodka is long considered a bartender’s best drink. It tastes just as good regardless of what mixers you blend it with, and can be used in a variety of cocktails. In fact, chefs are also making use of vodka in their cooking.
Penne vodka is among the most common vodka dishes I’ve seen in India. Most Italian restaurants make use of it; Spaghetti Kitchen does a great one. The vodka’s flavour is pronounced, and yet it blends well with the tomato sauce. My personal favourite!
Traditionally, vodka was always made from grains like corn, wheat, rye or sorghum. Today, the premium ones especially, are made from wheat and rye. There are even several different avatars today; diet vodka, multi-grain vodka, and believe it or not, a vodka meant exclusively for women!
The best vodka brands in the world are Belvedere, Absolut and Smirnoff.
Belvedere, experts reckon, is best had as a martini or as chilled shots, as the taste of original vodka may be lost with other mixers. Absolut, too, should be had with tonic water or simply neat. If you’re not fussy about premium brands, alcohol content or ingredients, then good old Smirnoff is the answer. The brand also includes faint traces of butterscotch, vanilla, raspberry and citrus.
George Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham are known to patronise the cosmopolitan. Indians too are loving their vodka. And it is fast becoming the drink of the future. Disposable incomes and changing lifestyles have contributed to this new trend. So let a glass of vodka lift your spirits. Cheers Comrade, or shall I say, Na zdorovje!
— The author is a food writer and consultant
