What is Vodka Made from? What’s Inside Matters.

Learn what goes into vodka and how it influences the taste and quality of your favorite drinks.

Ever been curious about the ingredients in vodka, one of the world’s most loved spirits?

Behind every sip of vodka lies a fascinating story of carefully chosen ingredients and precise methods, inviting connoisseurs and casual drinkers to discover its origins. From its humble beginnings to its esteemed status, the evolution of vodka’s contents reflects cultural richness and artistry.

We obviously use the best ingredients, but in this article, you’ll learn about all the different ingredients used in its creation and how these factors contribute to the unique flavors and characteristics of this alcoholic beverage.

Do All Vodkas Have the Same Taste?

Vodka experts note that distillation temperature impacts taste. But, overall, vodka is typically a clear, tasteless liquor, deriving its flavor mainly from the burning sensation when consumed. Hence, it’s a popular choice for mixing because of its neutral taste.

Vodka tastes even better when chilled, so remember to do that before taking a sip. Serving vodka at a cooler temperature brings out its nuances more distinctly. Also, trying different food pairings can amp up the flavors of this smooth spirit.

The Foundational Vodka Ingredients

As a simple spirit, vodka is crafted from only a handful of ingredients:

• Fermentable base – The base ingredient is the source of sugar fermented into alcohol. Potato vodka is a classic liquor recipe, but the main raw ingredients for vodka are a blend of cereal grains like wheat, sorghum, or rye.
• Water – In vodka production, water dilutes the high-proof spirit to reach the desired alcohol by volume (ABV). To be labeled as vodka in the US, the finished vodka needs to have an alcohol content of at least 40% ABV; in the European Union (EU), at least 37.5% ABV is required.
• Optional additives – Vodka producers may add some ingredients to differentiate their products. Some brands add fruit extracts for a flavored version, like lemon, raspberry, or vanilla.

Base Ingredients: From Potatoes to Grains

Vodka can be distilled from just about anything that ferments to make alcohol, but it’s mostly made from potatoes, sugar beet molasses, and grains. And the ingredients used will greatly impact its flavor.

Potato Vodkas

Associated with traditional vodka-making. Potato vodkas have a unique texture and flavor compared to grain-based vodkas. They have a fleshy mouthfeel and are more savory, with earthy, nutty flavors that express the terroir of where the potatoes are grown.

Potatoes are used for their high starch content, which can be converted into sugar and fermented. Statistics show that only about 3% of vodka sold worldwide is made from potatoes.

Grain-Based Vodkas

The most common type of vodka is grain-based, making up most of the vodka produced nowadays. Popular grains used are wheat, rye, and barley, but can include corn, buckwheat, or quinoa.

Each grain presents a distinct flavor profile. For example, rye vodkas lean towards the spicy spectrum, while corn vodkas offer a rich, buttery taste.

Wheat vodkas (Our favorite), on the other hand, are often described as light, crisp, and subtly sweet, making them highly favored. They are clean, mild in taste, blend harmoniously, and are well-suited for chilled consumption.

The prevalence of using grains in vodka production led the EU to specify in its regulations (No. 110/2008) that “To take into account consumer expectations about the raw materials used for vodka, especially in the traditional vodka producing Member States, provision should be made for adequate information to be provided on the raw material used where the vodka is made from raw materials of agricultural origin other than cereals and/or potatoes.”

This means vodkas produced from grapes and other non-traditional ingredients must disclose this information on their labels.

Water Source: Importance in Vodka Production

The composition of vodka primarily consists of ethanol and water. During the production of vodka, water is used at least twice – first in the fermentation stage, where it is combined with raw ingredients to create a mash, and then after distillation to dilute the concentrated alcohol to a palatable level, usually around 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Approximately 60% of vodka is water, so the quality and purity of this ingredient play a crucial role in the final product.  That is why our water comes from a deep well in Åhus where it’s protected from impurities.

Distilleries are often set up in areas with abundant water supply, preferably soft water low in salts like sodium, chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and magnesium. They typically source water from artesian wells or natural springs.

Vodka makers nowadays use modern water purification technology to demineralize water through reverse osmosis. This process produces pure, tasteless water that doesn’t impact the flavor of the final vodka product.

Flavored Vodkas: Adding a Twist to the Classic Spirit

Vodka has a history of being a neutral spirit, but flavored vodka has gained popularity in recent years.

Initially, flavored vodkas were created to mask the harsh taste of vodka resulting from primitive distillation methods. However, when Absolut introduced its Pepper flavor in 1986 to create the perfect Bloody Mary, it marked the debut of flavored vodka in the market.  Today some of our most popular flavors are Vanilla Vodka and Lime Vodka. 

Today, vodka makers have taken this trend to a whole new level, creating endless flavors such as lemon, raspberry, and even salted caramel.

Other Ingredients Used for Vodka

Although potatoes and grains are vodka’s most common base ingredients, other materials can be used to create this popular spirit. Each adds a unique flavor to the vodka, creating a unique tasting experience. Some of these include:

• Sugar cane
• Quinoa
• Grapes
• Olives
• Rice
• Whey
• Maple sap
• Honey
• Apples
• Corn

Ways To Serve and Drink Vodka

Here are some of the most common ways people enjoy their vodka:

• Straight up – The most straightforward method to enjoy vodka is to have it neat, poured into a glass and sipped as is. This approach is favored by genuine vodka enthusiasts, allowing them to savor the spirit’s flavor and aroma fully.
• On the rocks – Vodka on the rocks is an equally simple way to enjoy your drink. It’s served over ice cubes, where the ice slowly melts and dilutes the vodka as you sip it. Be cautious not to weaken the flavor with excessive ice. A couple of cubes should suffice.
• In a cocktail – Vodka is used as a base in many mixed drinks, such as Cosmopolitan or Espresso Martini. It’s mixed with other ingredients to create diverse flavors and textures.

A Toast to Craftsmanship

Vodka’s simplicity can be its strength, and its possibility of experimenting with ingredients makes it versatile. From traditional potato vodkas to modern flavoured versions, vodka has no stopping from evolving and adapting to consumer preferences.

Whether you prefer your vodka neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a cocktail, one thing is for sure – this clear spirit is here to stay. So, why not explore Absolut’s wide variety of plain, flavored, and infused vodka to find your perfect sip? Discover your next favorite vodka and learn the stories behind each bottle.