Another Vodka Article…

Jun 24th, 2007

Sometimes I think vodka is man’s best friend. Yes dogs do own this saying, but vodka sure is giving dogs a run for their bones.

Not only can you drink it numerous ways - cocktails or neat as I prefer it. But recently, we had a real medicinal need for it. And no, it’s not a medicinal need whenever I want a shot, although that might be a good argument… My wife had an ear infection of sorts. Now typically, you would put a cotton swap in some rubbing alcohol and clean the ear out with it. We were out of rubbing alcohol, but had a bottle of Smirnoff Blue Label Vodka, the 100 proof stuff (50% alcohol). She used it as a substitute and about 24 hours later after using it a few times, everything cleared up. Guess the alcohol killed any bacteria that was in there. Now that’s Russian ingenuity!

Smirnoff Blue Label Vodka - 100 proof!

Some other things I learned about vodka:

What is less well known is that vodka as a neutral spirit can be used in cooking. Only a small amount is needed in order to enhance and bring out flavors in things like soups or cooked vegetables.

According to legend, vodka was originally made with potatoes, but it is now produced almost entirely from the cheapest grain available. The top brands use only grain (usually barley and wheat or rye). Some Polish vodkas are made entirely from potatoes.

James Bond takes his vodka martinis shaken, but not stirred.

You can flavor or infuse your own vodka with the flavor of choice.

I found that vodka has absolutely no nutritional value - imagine that.