Vodka Day is a great time to raise your glasses to one of the world’s favourite alcoholic drinks. While vodka is often associated with Russia, and some of the finest and most expensive vodkas in the world come from there, it is a drink that is produced in many countries and enjoyed all over the world.

Vodka is the Slavic word for ‘little water’ and is traditionally made by mixing water with distilled grains or potatoes, although today many popular brands add flavourings such as fruits and sugars. Purists drink vodka neat, but it makes the perfect mixer and is the main ingredient in many favourite cocktails, including the martini, the screwdriver and the Bloody Mary.

Vodka Day is a great opportunity to enjoy a new cocktail or try one of the hundreds of different brands of vodka. Many bars and restaurants hold special promotions and tastings to encourage drinkers to celebrate this well-loved spirit.

VODKA DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Infuse your own flavored vodka

   Cocktails aren’t just for the bar. You can make a delicious concoction right at home in your pajamas! To create a vodka infusion, all you need is a few ingredients (like vanilla and citrus fruit), a bottle of vodka, a mason jar and the patience to wait between three and seven days.

2. Host a DIY Bloody Mary party

   Invite your friends over for a fun cocktail-making party starring… the Bloody Mary. Set up a bar with all the ingredients your guests need to unleash their creativity: tomato juice, lemon juice, celery sticks, hot sauce, peppers, olives, horseradish and, of course, plenty of vodka.

3. Tour a vodka distillery

   Each U.S. state houses its own unique vodka distilleries — Kansas produces vodka from wheat, while you can find potato-based vodka in Maine. Treat yourself and your friends to a vodka distillery tour, followed by a vodka-tasting. Don’t forget to bring along a designated driver.

NATIONAL VODKA DAY DATES