History of Vodka

        Although the origin of vodka is open to speculation, there is no ambiguity as far as the birth of vodka is concerned -- it has been placed around the start of the 12th century. Popular vodka brands are made from rye, corn, barley and wheat after going through a distillation process. Initially prepared for medical use, vodka was used for disinfecting and as a rudimentary anesthetic.

        It was only in the mid 14th century when it was found out that vodka has intoxicating characteristics too. Russia started drinking vodka as well revering the drink, believing that vodka had its own spirit and started using it at sacred events. A gigantic cup of vodka used to be passed around, and anyone who refused to drink from it was looked at as impious. The start of the 17th century saw vodka become an important part of all Russian banquets held by the czar, and every meal began with vodka and bread.

        The US warmed up to this drink only when Smirnoff started producing their brand of vodka, in the 1930s. Today, vodka has a market share of 20 percent in the US, while in Eastern Europe and Russia it has left its competitors far behind.

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