National Vodka Day is an unofficial holiday in the United States which is celebrated annually on October 4th. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate vodka – an alcoholic beverage which is made by distilling fermented cereal grains or potatoes.

Vodka is the number two beverage consumed in the world, behind whiskey, and almost eleven billion dollars of it is sold worldwide every year. So if you’re partial to celebrating this intoxicating holiday, and you’re of legal age to do so, then you may want to pour yourself a drink and enjoy this day with your friends.

The History of Vodka

While the lineage of many of the alcoholic beverages that we enjoy today can be traced back in time, it appears that the history of vodka is something that continues to elude modern scholars. This is due to the fact that there just isn’t enough historical information on the subject.

All that scholars know is that for many centuries vodka-like beverages have been brewed for consumption. And to muddy the waters even further, many of these alcoholic beverages were significantly different from each other and often were made in a wide variety of different flavors and smells.

What scholars do know, however, is that vodka was made during the Middle Ages in Poland. That’s because this beverage was mentioned in court documents from the Palatinate of Sandomierz during the 15th century.

During this time, vodka wasn’t widely consumed for recreational purposed. Instead, it was used as a cleanser or for medicinal purposes. It wouldn’t be until the following century that vodka would become a popular beverage for recreational drinking. Vodka also became popular in Russia during this time.

However, most of this vodka had an alcohol content of only about 40% ABV. In many parts of the country, this beverage replaced the more expensive grape wines. Eventually, Russians began to produce a drink called vodka that was about 75% ABV. However, this drink wasn’t really meant for recreational drinking but was only meant to be used for its medicinal properties.

During the 19th century, vodka spread all over Europe thanks to Russian soldiers who were involved in the Napoleonic Wars. As it spread across borders, it continued to pick up followers and as a result, gained in popularity.

Unfortunately, the demand for vodka became so great, many distilleries began to produce it using lower grade products such as potato mash. This was remedied by the end of the 19th century when standards were put into place that guaranteed the quality of vodka in Russia and many parts of Europe.

During the 20th century, Russians began to emigrate and as they did so, they brought their vodka making techniques with them to all parts of Europe and the United States.

The History of National Vodka Day

Currently, it’s unknown exactly when National Vodka Day was invented. However, it was most likely invented sometime between 2004 through 2008. This is about the time when television programs in the U.S began acknowledging the holiday.

Intoxicating Vodka Facts

• Vodka is lighter than water
• Vodka was used to make gunpowder during the 15th century
• Vodka can be used to make aftershave

Top Vodka Drinks

• Screwdriver
• Bloody Mary
• White Russian
• Black Russian
• Vodka Martini
• Moscow Mule
• Vodka Salty Dog
• Sex on the Beach
• Sea Breeze Cocktail
• Vodka Tonic

Celebrating National Vodka Day

Celebrating National Vodka Day is quite easy. All you have to do is to pour yourself a glass of this alcoholic beverage or have a glass of it with friends. If you prefer to go out to the local tavern, pub or bar, you can also order one of your favorite vodka-based drinks. Just be sure to drink responsibly.

Real vodka fans may even opt to cook with this beverage on this day. And if you’re on social media and enjoying a stiff drink, then you might want to use the hashtag #NationalVodkaDay as you post drunken pictures of yourself.

Conclusion

National Vodka Day is the perfect day to enjoy a nice cold glass of vodka, or one of your favorite vodka concoctions, and contemplate the history of a beverage that was born in Eastern Europe and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.