The Best Vodka Mixers To Prepare For Saturday Night Tipples
Vodka is one of the perfect drinks for a night out. Big, strong and bold, the flavours of vodka are unmistakable and irresistible. With a long history of brewing and consumption, and a rich world of vodka mixology at your fingertips, vodka is one of the most complex, fascinating and delicious alcoholic beverages you’ll find. Vodka is the national drink of numerous nations worldwide, and it’s the alcohol at the heart of some of the world’s most brilliant cocktails, like the Vodka Martini, Screwdriver and Bloody Mary. In this guide, we’ll take you through all things vodka, including, most importantly, how you can best mix it to squeeze out every last drop of flavour from the bottle. Following that, we’ll explore some of the most reputable vodka brands in Singapore, showing you where you can go to find them at duty-free prices, that is on iShopChangi.
When was vodka first brewed?
The early history of vodka is vague. It’s most likely that vodka was first brewed in 8th or 9th century Russia or Poland, however, what is known is that the drink was present in Russia in the 14th century. As with many, many alcoholic beverages, we owe a lot of vodka’s early history to monks. In the Chudov Monastery, a monk called Isidore created a drink known as “bread wine”, a recipe which has a huge amount in common with present-day vodka recipes. However, it wasn’t until the mid-18th century that the word “vodka” was explicitly associated with the alcohol we know and love today. Empress Elizabeth of Russia set out a decree pertaining to vodka distilleries, regulating their production and ownership in the empire. The state-endorsed consumption led to a boom in the drink’s popularity, and by the mid-19th century, vodka had become the national drink of Russia.
There is some contention that vodka originated in Russia. Some scholars assert that the Polish word “wódka”, was used to describe a range of liquids including medicines, cosmetics and beverages. The similarity suggests that the Poles were the first to begin brewing, in their case a drink by the name of gorzałka. However, vodka production in Poland was not documented on a significant scale until the mid-16th century, so the jury’s out when it comes to pinpointing exactly who we can thank for this superb creation.
What is vodka made of?
Vodka is a distilled beverage made predominantly of cereal grains, such as sorghum, rye, corn and wheat, or potatoes. These ingredients are combined with water and heated, before yeast is added to the pulp to instigate fermentation. Once the sugars have been turned into alcohol, distillation commences, and only stops once the alcohol can pass the test of literally catching fire when it’s ignited. Different strengths of vodka are subject to different quantities of distillation, with pure vodka being distilled until it is totally flavourless and containing an ABV (alcohol by volume) of up to a whopping 95%. Most vodkas, however, are only distilled to approximately 35%-50% ABV. Following distillation, vodka is cooled, filtered, and flavoured, depending on the brand’s desired bottle. Fruits, berries, herbs, spices and extracts are concocted into a unique solution that enhances the vodka’s qualities. Once this process has been completed (or skipped, if the brewers prefer a clean taste), the vodka is bottled and ready to be consumed straight away. In other words, for the vast majority of vodkas, there’s no need to mature it over a lengthy period of time, as is the case for drinks like red wine, white wine or whisky. Some brands do choose to store vodka in oak casks for maturation to imbue it with woodier flavours, however, this is purely optional.
What does vodka taste like?
While vodka has a taste that has been described as spicy, briny or grainy water, variations of vodka flavours abound. Depending on the brewer’s unique concoction, vodka can taste creamy, citrusy or malty. The alcohol is naturally a strong flavour, and is the staple drink of many countries around the world (such as Russia, Poland and Sweden). In these countries, seasoned connoisseurs are more likely to drink vodka straight, in shots, appreciating its unique flavours for what they are. However, vodka is popular right across the world, and due to its versatile composition, it can be paired exceptionally well with a plethora of mixers.
When did mixers first hit the scene?
Cocktails have their origins in punches, and punches have their origins in India. Factory workers in Surat, a city in the western Indian state of Gujarat, made a drink containing water, rose water, citron and sugar. The British found this drink fairly enjoyable, and in 1632, they began producing their own variety of punch, which consisted of large bowls of spirits, fruit juices and a variety of spices. Cocktails were inspired by these drinks, and as we know them today, cocktails really hit the scene in America in the 1860s. A man by the name of Jerry Thomas published a series of 200 cocktail recipes, featuring punch, eggnog, juleps, sours, cobblers and more. Thomas’ signature alcoholic beverage was called the Blue Blazer, and its creation involved lighting whisky on fire and passing it between two mixing glasses. Not a bad claim to fame! Since then, mixology has become a well-studied art and craft, practised by expert connoisseurs and bartenders across the world. Today, cocktails are broadly defined as any liquor combined with sugars, water and bitters, and vodka is one of the most widely used alcohols in the process.
Which flavours mix well with vodka?
Vodka is a versatile alcohol that pairs well with a number of mixing ingredients. Zesty fruits, like orange and lemon, give a tangy, sour sensation which adds to the drink’s bright, strong flavour. They also enhance the inherent citrusy flavours present in some vodka brews. Other flavours, like pineapple, also add a wonderful sourness which makes for the ideal summer drink. Refreshing mixers, like grapefruit, cranberry and ginger beer, are more soothing and sweet, while vegetables and garnishes like celery, tomato and olive give a depth that is hard to match in other cocktails.
What are the top 5 vodka cocktails?
Credit to vodka’s warm reception across the world, there are hundreds of brilliant vodka-based cocktail recipes you’ll be able to find in your local bar, pub or restaurant. The five most famous are undoubtedly the Vodka Martini, Espresso Martini, Screwdriver, Cosmopolitan and Bloody Mary.
1. Vodka Martini
Vodka Martinis are perhaps the most iconic vodka drink in the West, in many parts thanks to their popularisation by the fictional spy character of James Bond (007). The drink is made by combining vodka, dry vermouth and ice, and is usually served garnished with olives and lemon.
2. Espresso Martini
Another notably popular martini is the Espresso Martini: vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and syrup are garnished with coffee beans, and, like the Vodka Martini, are served in a Martini glass. Vodka is not certainly not limited to Martini-style creations. Sweet varieties, like the Screwdriver and the Cosmopolitan, are immensely popular.
3. Screwdriver
A Screwdriver is a simple, delicious and brilliant cocktail, consisting of just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice. It’s sweet, simple and full of flavour. The history of its name is rather cute – American oil workers in the Persian Gulf were secretly enjoying vodka in their orange juice while on the job. Since they wouldn’t carry a spoon on that (and why would you?), they simply stirred their drinks with the screwdriver.
4. Cosmopolitan
Meanwhile, a Cosmopolitan – colloquially referred to as a Cosmo – is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime. It’s both sweet and sour, making use of the sweetness of triple sec and the sourness of lime.
5. Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary is probably the most jam-packed vodka cocktail you’ll find, with a number of vegetables, juices, spices, herbs and seasonings all in the one drink. In a Bloody Mary, you’ll find vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic, horseradish, celery, olives, pickled vegetables, lemon juice, lime juice, salt and pepper. It will taste, as you can imagine, somewhat like a well-seasoned meal, but with the delightful added punch of the alcohol we know and love!
The best vodka brands you can buy in Singapore
If all this talk of vodka has given you a craving you can’t resist, fear not. On iShopChangi, there are dozens of Singapore’s most exceptional vodka brands available online, which you can shop through to your heart’s content. Take home a bottle from some of the world’s most famous brands, like this bottle of Smirnoff Red. Founded in Russia during the 1860s, Smirnoff has grown into a Russian icon, one which is internationally renowned for producing some of the finest quality vodkas in the world. Alternatively, buy yourself a bottle of Absolut Vodka Original, and taste the divine qualities of vodka direct from Sweden. You’ll notice hints of dried fruit in this smooth, mellow, complex distillation, making you want to come back for more. From Absolut also comes a variety of flavoured vodkas, such as the Absolut Citron. This bottle comes with a free shaker, so you can create your own cocktails at home whenever the urge comes knocking!
Looking further abroad, beyond the traditional Northern-European homeland of vodka, several distilleries have been credited with distinguished vodka brands of their own. In France, Grey Goose has gained notoriety for creating a vodka reminiscent of the French countryside, from Picany to Cognac. Take home a bottle of Grey Goose Original to taste it for yourself. From Britain comes Chase Distillery and its signature vodka, with the nation’s emblematic Union Jack emblazoned across the box. Imbued with a creamy, buttery vanilla, this vodka brew is a gentle, sweet variety, one which will serve sensitive palettes well.
Beyond Europe, distilleries like Skyy in the United States, Nikka in Japan, and 23rd Street Distillery in Australia are must-tries. Check out this original bottle of Skyy Vodka, which has undertaken a quadruple distillation and triple filtration to refine an essential, pure vodka taste. Alternatively, introduce your taste buds to Nikka’s Coffey Vodka. Made within a coffey still, this vodka is a dazzling display of cashew nut, mint, raspberry and licorice on the top notes; cinnamon, cardamom, coconut, date, almond, lychee in the middle; and sweet pear with a hint of malted barley to finish. True to Nikka’s origins as one of Japan’s premier whisky distillers, the blend adds a unique complexity to vodka which is hard to match. You can also take a trip down under to try 23rd Street Distillery’s Vodka, direct from the quiet riverbanks of Renmark, South Australia. Five times distilled, filtered with charcoal, and containing a distinctive sugarcane sweetness, this down-under creation is certainly not to be missed.
Scrumptious vodka gifts
Niche vodka gift sets are also available on iShopChangi. For a sense of dignity and gravitas to your vodka gift, take a bottle of Beluga Allure Nobel to the checkout. This Russian-branded bottle comes with a beautiful leather box, which will take the importance of your gift to a whole new level. Also from Beluga comes the Beluga Noble with Caviar Dish Gift Set, which will work as a treat for those with a refined set of taste buds. Cocktail-lovers might enjoy receiving a Grey Goose Le Fizz Cocktail Limited Edition bundle, which features one bottle of Grey Goose Original Vodka, one bottle of St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and one Champagne flute. You’ll be able to mix together all of your favourite vodka-based cocktails, and enjoy the light, intricate notes of flowers and toffee as they swirl together and bring out the best of the vodka’s qualities. Alternatively, buy someone you love a Palate Mini Set from Compendium Spirits, and make the most of a combination of spirits. Your gift recipient will be able to enjoy not only an exquisite bottle of Straits Vodka, but also a bottle of Rojak Gin, Chendol Gin and Melaka Attack, giving them a variety of flavours in which they can dabble with friends or family.
Buy all your favourite vodka mixers on iShopChangi
Take home your next bottle of duty-free vodka from iShopChangi! Shop through the best brands in Singapore at the most competitive prices, and have your alcohol delivered for free when you spend $59 or more at the checkout. For more tasty guides on all things alcohol, check out our extensive wine and spirits buying guides, for more handy tips on how to appreciate and pair your favourite drinks. While you’re at it, why not sign up for Changi Rewards? Signing up is free and you’ll get 10% off your first product after joining!
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