What are we going to do without Russian Vodka?
by KIRSTEN PARK
Last week, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, in a show of solidarity with the threatened people of Ukraine, ordered that all-Russian made alcohols and liquors, both branded and produced, be pulled from Utah state liquor stores.
Utah is not the only state to do so—at this writing, at least 11 other states have joined in, as well as commercial liquor stores across the country. It’s a symbolic gesture, but a weak one: less than 1% of vodka consumed in the U.S. is produced in Russia, according to the Distilled Spirits Council, a national trade organization for spirit makers.
We wouldn’t expect members of Utah’s political leadership, nearly all of whom are teetotalers, to know that. But perhaps it’s a good time to learn the differences in the three kinds of vodkas that are available to Utahns.
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Vodka probably originated in Russia around the 8th or 9th century, with the potatoes and grains that were plentiful on farms. Vodka at its heart is simple: water-based, it’s starts with an organic source (a “mash”) that comes from either potato or grain. Yeast and sugar are added to begin the process of fermentation. At this point, the mash can then start being distilled creating an “ethanol.” That’s another name for grain alcohol, in this case, called vodka. Generally possessing a neutral flavor, vodka is revered by bartenders and mixologists as something of a blank canvas that can be used as the base in mixing cocktails.
Potato vodkas (hello, Idaho?) have few strong flavors of their own so they are particularly useful in mixed drinks. Noted potato-based brands in Utah stores include Monopolowa, Chopin, or by special order, Luksusowa. If you want something closer to home, Idaho supplies Utah with Blue Ice, made from Idaho russet potatoes.
Grain vodkas can be made from any plant but usually involve wheat, rye, or barley. They are often smoother than a potato vodka so they are common choices when you prefer a sipping vodka neat (straight) or in a martini. Most major brands have grain choices. The labels you’d recognize most easily on Utah shelves include Stolichnaya, Smirnoff, Svedka, New Amsterdam and Pinnacle. The Stoli Group (Stolichnaya and Smirnoff) would like everyone to know that while they are presented as brands with Russian roots, these labels are actually made in Latvia and they “unequivocally condemn the military action in Ukraine and stand in support of the Ukrainian people.”
Finally, fruit vodkas are a delightful twist on an otherwise simple spirit. Using a grain-based vodka, this dazzling vodkas are infused with fruit in order to impart light flavors, making a flavorful base for a cocktail or, with just a splash of soda, a refreshing summer drink. Look at the wide variety of Ketel One’s popular fruit vodkas for inspiration: Cucumber Mint, Botanical Grapefruit, Citroen, Oranje, and more. You might even find that your favorite fruit vodkas are those you make yourself! Pour your favorite grain alcohol (skip the higher-end brands for this one) over your favorite fruit (strawberries, blackberries, peaches, even jalapeños!) and let sit for a few days. Strain and bottle, and you have a lovely base for any kind of craft cocktail.
You won’t need to stand in line at the state liquor store, or navigate the next boycott, for that.
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