NATIONAL VODKA DAY

NATIONAL VODKA DAY

Clear, crisp, with endless versatility, vodka is the star of the bar for a reason. National Vodka Day on October 4th is the perfect time to celebrate this iconic spirit. Whether you prefer it in a classic martini, a spicy Bloody Mary, or a trendy modern cocktail, we're raising our glass to the history and craft behind one of the world's most popular drinks.

#NationalVodkaDay

The origins of vodka seem to be a little murky. Both Poland and Russia lay claim to creating vodka in the late Middle Ages. However, there is no definite proof that either did or didn't. We do know the word "vodka" is a diminutive form of the Slavic word voda (water), meaning "little water." Because there are Slavic people found in both Poland and Russia, the origin is even more difficult.

Vodka's journey to the U.S. is an interesting one that needs to be told. The story of vodka begins in 1864 when Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov opened a distillery in Moscow. He created an exceptionally smooth vodka that became a favorite of the Russian Tsar's court. During the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Bolshevik government nationalized all private industries, forcing Smirnov to flee the country with his family. Luckily, Pyotr's son, Vladimir, escaped. 

By 1930s, Vladimir had limited success for trying to re-establish the distillery in various parts of Europe. Hard times eventually forced him to sell the rights to produce the Smirnov family vodka to a Russian immigrant in the U.S. named Rudolph Kunett. Like Vladimir, Rudolf also struggled to sell vodka to whiskey-loving Americans.

In 1939, Kunett sold the struggling Smirnov rights to John G. Martin, President of the food and beverage company Heublein Inc. Martin changed the name to Smirnoff, implemented a brilliant marketing plan and made the vodka a household name in the United States and, eventually, the world.

Vodka Life Hacks

Believe it or not, vodka has some handy uses around the house. Here are a few life hacks we found: 

1. Make flakier pie crusts by substituting a tablespoon of water with a tablespoon of vodka in your pie dough recipe. The alcohol burns off, preventing gluten from overdevelopment and result in a perfectly flaky crust.
2. Make a DIY air freshener by mixing vodka with a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle for a quick and effective room spray.
3. Keep flowers fresher longer by adding a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in a vase to help preserve fresh-cut flowers longer.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL VODKA DAY

Mix up your favorite vodka cocktail and share while you savor an autumn afternoon. Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Use #NationalVodkaDay when using social media.

NATIONAL VODKA DAY HISTORY

Celebrated since at least 2009, National Vodka Day has been mentioned by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and has also been noted on news websites such as CBS. Meanwhile, National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this beverage celebration. 

Vodka FAQ

Q. Is vodka odorless and tasteless?
A. Vodka is known for its neutral profile, but it is not odorless or tasteless. Connoisseurs can detect subtle differences and say high-quality vodkas are prized for their clean taste and smooth finish.

Q. Is vodka gluten-free?
A. YES! Vodka is gluten-free because the distilling process removes all gluten proteins, including those vodkas made from wheat or rye. The National Celiac Association supports vodka as a safe choice for people who have gluten allergies.

Q. Is vodka low calorie?
A. Ounce for ounce, vodka contains fewer calories than most distilled liquors. That said, vodka is usually mixed with other ingredients that increase the calorie count, though so do other distilled liquors. When added to other low-calorie ingredients, vodka is a winner when you're counting calories.