10 things you should know about vodka

Celebrate the culture of this centuries-old spirit by soaking up a bit of its fascinating history.

The word "vodka" comes from the Russian word for water, "voda." In Russian, vodka means literally "little water."

Vodka was first made for medicinal purposes, and to this day many Russians use vodka for its great medicinal powers.

In 13th century Russia, vodka was believed to contain its own spirit and it was used at religious events. A cup would be passed around and those who refused to partake would be considered impious.

According to Russian vodka drinking tradition, if you look into the eyes of the person you’re toasting, you can see into his soul. On a more racy note, it is said that if you do not look into the eyes of the person in front of you during a toast, then you are cursed with 7 years of bad sex.

Vodka was all that Napoleon’s soldiers took from Russia, carrying large quantities as they retreated back to France.

In 1751 the taxes on vodka were a key element of government finances in Tsarist Russia, providing at times up to 40% of state revenue.

Russian standards for vodka production were introduced in 1894 by Alexander III, based on a formula created by famed Russian scientist MendeleevDmitri, the inventor of the Periodic Table of Elements.

True Russian vodka is produced from hardy winter wheat from the southern steppes of Russia.

Vodka shouldn’t be stored in the freezer, because extreme temperatures begin s to undo the distillation process and overpowers the natural, wheat aroma of a good vodka. Ideally, vodka needs to be chilled between 5 and 7º C (41-44º F).

Russia represents the world’s largest vodka market today, and vodka has been part of Russian history for over a thousand years.