History of Vodka: From the Middle Ages to Modern Day

For many, vodka is a staple of their home bar, and this simple spirit that we know and love has come a long way throughout the years. So many famous cocktails wouldn't be the same without it, from Vodka Martini's to Moscow Mules, White Russians and Bloody Mary's, they all rely on one thing – vodka. So, have you ever wondered where this spirit got its start? 

19th century Russian Vodka distillery (source: Wikimedia Commons)

The Beginning

In the Middle Ages, vodka was initially used for medicinal purposes, known as 'Zhiznennia Voda,' which translates to 'water of life.' Specific vodka remedies were used to aid colds such as vodka and pepper and an upset stomach such as vodka and salt. In addition, many took advantage of the spirit's natural disinfectant qualities to treat toothaches and clean wounds. 

In the early 14th century, a British Ambassador to Moscow first described vodka as the national drink of Russia. Soon after, in the mid-16th century, it was established as the national drink of Poland and Finland. Russian vodka or ‘spirit wine’ was first made by Isidore the Monk in 1430. The name itself comes from the diminutive of the Russian word 'voda' (or water) and 'vodka' meaning 'little water.' While today we often associate grapes with wine, vodka was also crafted with distilled grapes at its start, which may very well be where we got the name. In addition to the traditional use of grapes, vodka can also be made from corn, rye, wheat and potatoes. 

The Distillation Process

Until the middle of the 18th century, vodka production was traditionally a one-pot operation conducted in one's home – known as batching. This process required heating potatoes or grains until the starch was released and converted to sugar, making a mash. The resulting liquid matter was fermented and then heated at a high temperature to remove any intoxicating matter. 

While we don't craft vodka in our home kitchen these days, the process is relatively similar using five main components: vegetables or grain such as corn, potatoes or rice, water, malt meal, yeast and flavorings (optional). Once the mash stage is achieved, the fermentation process begins when the yeast helps convert the sugars into alcohol; this process typically takes two to four days. After fermentation, the 'wash' has been created, which will then be distilled in a repetitive cycle, increasing the alcohol content over time. Once complete, water is added for dilution before being filtered and strained through a natural substance for purification. Filtration is a crucial element to the final product, helping to strip out any unwanted minerals. At the same time, minimal filtering allows the spirit to keep its unique characteristics and flavor profile, leaving filtration up to the desired end product. When filtration does take place, it is done by pumping the vodka through several consecutive columns of charcoal, helping to remove any impurities and odors while also ensuring a longer shelf-life.  

Once the spirit base has been crafted, distillers may choose to include flavor additives or enhancers such as cucumber, blueberry, watermelon or even pepper – the sky is the limit for flavored vodkas!

A 1969 advertisement for Smirnoff from Playboy magazine. 

Vodka's Arrival in the U.S. 

Vodka's rise to fame in America wasn't as smooth as you may think. Back in the 19th century, vodka connoisseur Pyotr Smirnov (where Smirnoff gets its name) released some of his signature bottles, which weren't a big hit. In fact, vodka didn't become popular in the states until the early 1950s, mainly because Russia and America became allies during World War II. After that, the Smirnoff Distillery began distilling vodka, and since then, it has been a staple in many beloved cocktails.  

Present Day

With Russian roots and distilled and consumed worldwide, vodka remains the most consumed liquor in the United States, responsible for 32 percent of the market. American vodka brands are rising in both statuses and volume, with some U.S. brands even taking home prized positions from the World Drinks Awards. 

Types of Vodka

Potato: Earthy and oily, potato vodka is the most flavorful vodka with a smooth profile and sharp finish. 

Corn: Smooth texture and sweet finish.

Grain: Slightly less flavorful than potato vodka, grain vodka is suitable for most mixed drinks.

Common Vodka Flavor Profiles and Infusions

While vodka has been popular due to its crisp and neutral flavor profile, flavored vodka has gained popularity over the years. Providing more options to craft a potent cocktail while also keeping the mixture light in texture without heavy syrups or sweeteners. 

Citrus: Bright flavors crafted using lemons, limes and oranges. 

Botanical: Fresh flavors crafted with fruits and botanical essences such as peach and orange blossom, cucumber and mint and grapefruit and rose.  

Spicy: Strong flavor profiles crafted with jalapeños, bell peppers, habaneros and lime. 

Sweet: Dessert-inspired liquor infused with popular sweets such as vanilla, chocolate and marshmallow. We’ve even seen cotton candy vodka on the shelf at our favorite liquor store. Yikes!

Northside Vodka 

Our Northside Vodka was crafted to perfection through trial and error. After taste-testing sample after sample, it was clear that there was nothing better than vodka made with corn. An award-winning spirit (International SIP Awards and ACSA Awards), our Northside Vodka is crafted with 100 percent Midwest-grown corn, double-carbon filtered and distilled nine times to achieve its smooth consistency. As we like to say in the tasting room, Northside Vodka isn't just for "good olé Midwesterners." It's made for everyone to enjoy.  

Northside Mule Recipe

Ingredients: 

2 oz Northside Vodka

½ oz fresh lime juice

3 oz ginger beer, chilled

Garnish: lime wheel

Instructions:  

Fill a Moscow Mule mug (or highball glass) with pebble ice, then add Northside Vodka and lime juice.

Top with ginger beer.

Garnish with a lime wheel.