Vodka is a colorless, odorless spirit distilled from grains, potatoes, molasses or beetroot. It originated in Russia and derives its name from the Russian word for "water." Vodka consists of ethanol, water and flavorings and has an alcoholic content between 38-43%. It is made through fermentation, distillation, filtration and bottling. Some famous vodka brands worldwide include Absolut, Smirnoff, Stolichnaya, Bols and Romanov.

1. VODKA

2. Vodka is one of the world’s most popular beverages. It is a colourless beverage( white spirit) distilled from grains potatoes, molasses or beetroot. It is said to have originated in Russia and derives its name from “Voda” meaning water.

3. It’s consists of ethanol, water and flavourings and is normally odorless. Alcoholic strength of vodka ranges from 38% to 43%. Vodka is not aged.

4. The steps of making vodka are as follows: Fermentation Distillation and rectification Filtration and purification Dilution and Bottling

5. Mash preparation The grain or vegetables are loaded into an automatic mash tub where the grains are crushed Fermentation The mash is poured into large vats. Yeast is added and the vats are closed. Over the next two to four days, enzymes in the yeast convert the sugars in the mash to ethyl alcohol.

6. Distillation and rectification The liquid ethyl alcohol is pumped into patent still for distillation. The alcohol is continuously cycled up and down, and heated with steam, until the vapors are released and condensed. This process also removes impurities. The vapors rise into the upper chambers (still heads) where they are concentrated. The extracted materials flow into the lower chambers and are discarded.

7. VODKA BOTTLING PLANT

8. Water added The concentrated vapors, or fine spirits, contain 95-100% alcohol. In order to make it drinkable, water is added to the spirits to decrease the alcohol percentage to 40% volume by volume. Bottling Alcoholic beverages are stored in glass bottles because glass is non-reactive.

9. Vodka can be drunk neat or with mixers. It is also used in a variety of famous cocktails like Bloody Mary, Screwdriver, White Russian, Vodkatini etc.

10. Famous Brands of Vodka Sweden: Absolut, Svedka, Znaps Russia: Smirnoff, Stolichnaya Poland: Bols, Belvedere, Chopin India: Romanov, White Mischief Chile: Romanoff