Your Best Guide to National Vodka Day

Vodka is one of the most popular spirits in the entire world, and it is enjoyed by many different groups of people. National Vodka Day is a fantastic way to celebrate this iconic clear liquor, and it is a great time to enjoy Vodka responsibly, whether in a cocktail or by itself as a shooter.

There are many different simple cocktails that are perfect for National Vodka Day, and it is also a great time to spring for a top-shelf bottle to enjoy the best of what Vodka has to offer.

History of Vodka

It is estimated that Vodka was the first spirit that humans successfully produced, and its roots can be traced back to Russia and Poland back in the ninth century. Early representations of Vodka were very different from modern versions and were only distilled once.

Vodka is a distilled spirit that can be made using a number of different fermented vegetables, including corn, grain, and potatoes. Over time, Vodka producers learned that distilling the spirit multiple times led to higher purity and alcohol concentration.

For centuries, the production and consumption of Vodka were largely confined to the Eastern Europe area, and it did not gain popularity in the United States until after the prohibition period of 1920 to 1933.

Legend has it that many of the top bartenders and industry professionals left the United States during the prohibition period, where many of them were introduced to a number of iconic Vodka based cocktails that were gaining popularity throughout Europe.

After the prohibition of alcohol was repealed in the United States, many of these prominent bartenders and restaurateurs returned home and began mixing up Vodka based cocktails and importing Vodka using connections they had made overseas.

During World War II, the supply chain was greatly disrupted and the United States began producing Vodka domestically, along with many other Western countries that had developed a taste for the traditionally Eastern European spirit.

Today, Vodka is produced all over the world, and some of the top-selling bottles are made in France, Sweden, and the United States, as well as its two homelands of Russia and Poland.

Today, Vodka is a huge part of American drinking culture, and it is featured in everything from “breakfast drinks” like Bloody Marys to high-end dinner cocktails like Martinis. It is one of the most versatile spirits in the world and “disappears” when mixed properly.

National Vodka Day

National Vodka Day is celebrated in the United States on October fourth of every year, and it has been in existence since the year 2009. It is a day meant to celebrate America’s love affair with Vodka, and it is observed by thousands of people annually.

It is estimated that Vodka surpassed Bourbon Whiskey as the most prominent type of liquor in the United States sometime between 1975 and 1980, and today Vodka sales account for at least 25 percent of all spirits sold domestically.

There are many different ways to celebrate National Vodka Day, and one of the best options that truly celebrates the social spirit of Vodka is to attend a large party or event dedicated to the holiday.

Toasting with friends and meeting new people while enjoying a high-end Vodka cocktail is one of the best ways to mark this annual holiday, and there are many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that host National Vodka Day-themed parties.

Many people also choose to throw themed parties in honor of National Vodka Day every year and having friends and family over to enjoy Vodka-based cocktails and shooters is a fantastic way to mark this yearly occasion.

It is also one of the best days of the year to purchase a high-end bottle of Vodka, as many liquor stores and locally owned shops tend to run specials on National Vodka Day that give customers huge discounts on some of the most prominent and recognizable bottles.

Best Cocktails for National Vodka Day

Vodka is well known by bartenders around the world as the best spirit to use when mixing a drink for someone that would like to taste as little alcohol as possible in their cocktail. It is very versatile and is used in many different styles of cocktails.

The Bloody Mary is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is most often served with breakfast or brunch. It is considered by many to be the “ultimate hangover cure” as it provided nutrients with vegetable juice with a bit of Vodka to take the edge off.

Bloody Marys are made using a tomato juice base, along with a number of spices and worcestershire sauce. Lemon and Lime juice adds an acidic kick to the flavor profile, and it is rounded out with celery salt and just under two ounces of quality Vodka.

The Martini is one of the most simple and elegant cocktails that can be ordered, and it has become so popular that it is served in its own signature glass in high-end cocktail bars and restaurants nationwide.

The prominence of the Martini as a pop culture staple can largely be attributed to the movie character James Bond, who famously ordered his Martinis “shaken, not stirred.” There are many different variations of the Martini, but the James Bond version is a favorite of many.

The Cosmopolitan is a favorite among many Vodka drinkers, as it offers much more flavor and is less “Vodka forward” when compared with the more famous Martini. It combines the iconic mixture of cranberry and Vodka for a deliciously tart beverage.

The Cosmopolitan is often served in a Martini glass, though it can quickly be distinguished from a Martini by its distinct light red to pink coloration. Lime juice and a lime garnish work alongside a splash of Cointreau for a fantastically balanced cocktail.

Best Vodkas for National Vodka Day

Grey Goose Vodka is produced in the country of France, and it is one of the most popular labels of Vodka on the market. It is highly regarded for offering above-average quality while remaining relatively affordable compared to luxury brands.

A bottle of Grey Goose Vodka can usually be purchased for around $30, making it a great value considering its quality and reputation. It is the Vodka of choice for bartenders when it comes to making Vodka Cranberry mixed drinks.

Belvedere Vodka is produced in Poland, and much like Grey Goose, it has developed a good reputation within the mixology community for providing solid quality for mixing cocktails without breaking the bank.

One of the best uses for Belvedere is to use it in a Martini, as it is clean and crisp while providing plenty of flavors. It has a distinctly clean finish that is a favorite among many Vodka enthusiasts who always request Belvedere Vodka by name.

For those who are looking for an affordable bottle of Vodka that is suitable for mixing, Skyy Vodka, which is produced in the United States, is one of the best options on the market when it comes to economical Vodka.

Skyy Vodka is best used for mixing in sweet and juice-based cocktails, as it is not as smooth as other high-end Vodkas that are meant to be served alone or in more “Vodka forward” cocktails such as Martinis.

Where to Celebrate National Vodka Day

There are many different large-scale parties and celebrations in honor of National Vodka Day every year, and it is important to check in with your local bars and nightclubs in the months leading up to National Vodka Day to find out what they have planned.

For example, Ed’s Tavern Sports Bar and Restaurant near Sarasota, Florida honors National Vodka Day every year by offering a number of different drink specials as well as signature Vodka-based cocktails that are only available seasonally.

Tito’s Tacos is a chain restaurant based out of Austin, Texas that has fully embraced this unique holiday. Every year, National Vodka Day and National Taco Day fall on the same day, and Tito’s Tacos celebrates both of these iconic staples with a giant party in Culver City, California.

National Vodka Day – Conclusion

National Vodka Day is one of the most celebrated beverage-based holidays in the United States, which is fitting considering it is also one of the top-selling spirits in the country.

From college parties to country clubs, many different variations of Vodka-based cocktails are enjoyed each year on National Vodka Day, and it is a great day to get out and support your local bartender as well!