Vodka facts for kids
Vodka is a clear alcoholic drink. It usually contains about 40% alcohol. Sometimes, it has flavors added to it. People also often mix it with other liquids before drinking it.
Vodka first became popular in Slavic countries in Eastern Europe. Later, it spread to Turkic countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. It was first made in either Poland or Russia.
Contents
What is Vodka Made From?
Vodka can be made from different ingredients. These ingredients give vodka different tastes and qualities.
Common Ingredients for Vodka
- Molasses: This is a thick syrup left over from making sugar. It is used to make the cheapest kinds of vodka. Vodka made from molasses often tastes sweeter than vodka made from grain. Sometimes, soy beans, grapes, or sugar beets are also used, but this is less common.
- Potatoes: For hundreds of years, people have used potatoes to make vodka.
- Grain: The highest quality vodka is often made from grain. Like potatoes, grain has been a traditional ingredient for vodka for a long time.
Unlike drinks like cognac or whisky, vodka is usually bottled right away. It does not need to sit in barrels to age.
The History of Vodka
Most people believe the name vodka comes from a Slavic word meaning "little water." This is because "vodka" is a "diminutive" form of the word for water.
Early Mentions of Vodka
The first time vodka was mentioned in Poland was in 1405. In Russia, the word was first used on June 8, 1751. It is not fully known whether Russians or Poles made the very first drink that we would call vodka today. There are different ideas about this. However, the first time the word "vodka" appeared in the Cyrillic alphabet was for a medicine bought by traders from Kievan Rus' in Poland.
Vodka as Medicine and Drink
At first, vodka was used as a medicine. When it became a popular drink, it was known in Polish as gorzałka. This word comes from an old Polish word, gorzeć, which means "to burn."
At first, gorzałka was a drink for common people. But soon, it became popular among the wealthy people in Slavic countries too. It's interesting to know that the common Ukrainian word for vodka is horilka. This word is very similar to the Polish gorzałka. Both words come from roots that mean "to burn."
Types of Vodka
There are two main types of vodka: clear vodka and flavored vodka.
- Clear Vodka: This is the basic, unflavored kind.
- Flavored Vodka: Some vodkas have plants or herbs added to them. This makes them taste different and often better.
Vodka in Culture
Vodka is a very important part of the traditions in some Slavic countries in Eastern Europe. These include Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. It has also become a part of the culture in Baltic countries like Lithuania and Nordic countries like Sweden.
In Russia and other Slavic countries, it is a tradition to place a glass of vodka with a slice of bread (usually dark bread) on top. This is often done on graves or near photos of people who have passed away. It is a way to remember them. This tradition is similar to how people in Western countries place flowers to remember loved ones.
See also
In Spanish: Vodka para niños
