Three Cocktails to Celebrate National Vodka Day, October 4

This clear, often neutral-tasting liquor has a history that is anything but boring. 

Vodka was introduced to Americans in the 1950s with the Moscow Mule, setting off a new craze in the United States. But our friends in Eastern Europe—the Russians and the Poles—have been imbibing their national drink for centuries (both claim to be the originators of vodka). And, to help celebrate this popular drink (so popular, it’s said to be the world’s number-one selling alcoholic beverage), we’ve gathered some fun facts — and a few great cocktail recipes — to get you into the spirit for National Vodka Day on October 4.

Did you know?

• Vodka is considered to be the national drink of Russia.

• In 1546, the King of Poland issued a decree extending the right to make vodka to every citizen.

• It’s said vodka became so popular in Russia because it didn’t freeze. Maybe that’s why we love it here in Minnesota, too.

• Thank the James Bond movies for popularizing the vodka martini (shaken, not stirred).

• In Poland, vodka has been used as an aftershave.

• Vodka was used as a disinfectant and an anesthetic to treat soldiers in many wars.

• Vodka can be made from nearly any grain, fruit, or malt meal (including potatoes, wheat, rye, and grapes).

• The two most popular vodka cocktails are the Bloody Mary and Vodka Martini.

Classic Bloody Mary

It seems everyone has a favorite recipe, so let’s start with a classic bloody mary. Go ahead and make it your own by adding your favorite garnishes.

Ingredients:

• 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce (about 1/4 teaspoon)
• 2 dashes black pepper
• 2 dashes cayenne pepper
• 2 dashes salt
• 1 dash lemon juice
• Ice
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 4 ounces tomato juice (low-sodium tomato juice can be used)
• 1 lime wedge

Place Worcestershire sauce, peppers, salt, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker or a wide-mouth jar. Add ice, vodka, and tomato juice. Shake well. Pour into a highball glass or goblet. Garnish with lime and serve.

Classic Vodka Martini

Ingredients for a classic vodka martini:

• 1 ounce dry vermouth
• 2 ounces vodka, chilled
• Green olives or lemon (optional)


Pour the dry vermouth in a chilled martini glass and swirl to coat the inside of the glass. Dispose of excess vermouth. In a shaker full of ice, gently swirl or stir the vodka before straining into glass. Serving suggestion: Garnish with olives or lemon twist and add rocks if you like.

Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• Ice cubes
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup chilled ginger beer
• 1 lime wedge

Fill tall glass with ice. Add vodka and lime juice, then ginger beer; stir to mix. Garnish with lime wedge.

You’ll often see a Moscow Mule served in a copper cup. What’s that all about? Here’s the story about the legend.