While enjoying a night of drinking with friends, most people don’t think about how the alcohol is made. All spirits are crafted using unique processes that produce distinct flavors and the ABV (alcohol by volume) content. If you’re a fan of vodka but have never considered how it’s created, here’s a closer look at what goes into making this famous liquor.

What Are the Primary Ingredients in Vodka?

Most varieties of vodka use water as the main ingredient. The alcohol content consists of malt, yeast, and a plant that is high in starch or sugar. Some common grains used include wheat, rye, and corn. 

These grain-derived varieties have less flavor notes than other ingredients used to create the alcohol, such as fruit or sugar cane. Water makes up about 60% of the spirit, with the ABV typically around 40%.

How Is Vodka Made?

The spirit is created through a process that consists of four main steps: fermentation, distillation, dilution, and filtration. The fermentation phase begins by heating a mixture of grains, water, and malt. When the mix heats up, the malt converts the starch into fermented sugar. 

The liquid is strained into a vat and yeast is added, where it sits in the sealed container for several days while the sugar converts to alcohol. The resulting mix is heated again.

Then, the spirit is distilled for purification, removing anything that could affect the quality of the liquor. While some brands only go through the distillation process once, other makers do it up to five times. The product is then filtered or demineralized before bottling so that the liquid retains its clarity.

How Is Vodka Used?

Some people prefer to drink vodka on its own, such as taking shots or sipping it on the rocks. However, it’s also a primary ingredient in many classic cocktails, including martinis, Moscow mules, and gimlets. 

In addition to drinking vodka, you can also use it for cooking. It adds flavor when used for pasta or meat sauces and can also be used as a glaze for fish or poultry.

If you’re interested in trying high-quality vodka made from organic ingredients, check out Western Reserve Distillers in Lakewood, OH. This craft distillery uses locally grown products like corn to create delicious spirits that you can taste test at their location or purchase by the bottle to enjoy at home. Their inviting establishment makes it easy to relax with friends over their many handcrafted cocktails. Call (216) 333-9291 to ask about their products, or visit them online to view their menu.