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Vodka ("horilka" in Ukrainian) stands high among the top stereotypes used to describe Ukrainians.

Anyone new in the country can tell that vodka is indeed a highly popular national drink, simply by viewing the vodka section at any supermarket -- it runs several meters, showcasing an amazing variety of vodka brands.

There are no less than 40 of them produced in Ukraine, while an average supermarket holds as much as 20.

Besides, most brands offer a number of different kinds each.

Naturally, Ukrainian vodka is one of the common souvenirs any tourist tries to take home.

And that's where he faces the difficulty of choice.

A classical definition of vodka is "a drink of water and ethanol, containing a small amount of impurities, sometimes with berry or fruit flavorings as well as spices."

One of the widespread myths is that of vodka as an original Russian/Ukrainian drink.

In truth, the first to obtain liquid similar to vodka was Persian Doctor Al-Razi -- in the XI century he managed to extract ethanol by distillation.

But of course with Persia being a Muslim country which prohibits alcohol entirely, the new liquid was used only for medical purposes.

The first to distill alcohol in Europe was an Italian monk-alchemic, Valentius.

Using Arab methods to distill grape must and turn it into ethanol, Italians obtained "aqua vitae," which later gave birth to all modern spirits -- brandy, cognac, whiskey, schnapps and of course, vodka.

The history of vodka in Russia began in 1386 when Genoese merchants first brought "aqua vitae" to Moscow.

Instead of grapes, Russians used rye to extract ethanol, thus the Russian called vodka "bread wine" at first.

Back then vodka was frequently flavored with herbs, berries or spices, and in 16th-17th centuries anise vodka was very common.

It lost its popularity long since, but anise is still used in many world-famous spirits: Turksih raki, Greek ouzo, Italian sambuca, and French pastis.

It started with tsar monopoly on vodka production in 15th century, which allowed only tsar-owned factories to produce it and sell it exquisitely in Tsar kabaks (taverns).

Because a lot of vodka was sold on credit, it led to "kabak debts" and consequently to the enslavement of those who couldn't pay up.

The first patented vodka "Moskovksaya Osobennaya" ("Moscow Special") contained 40 percent alcohol, which was said to be an ideal alcohol content by the great Russian chemist Dmitriy Mendeleyev.

In 1914 Tsar Nikolay the Second announced prohibition for the time of war.

"Sometimes you gotta take a chance in life," Tobi Foster said.

"I put all my eggs in this basket."

Actually, he put all his potatoes in this basket and distilled it all with local glacier water into what he says is a very successful operation -- Permafrost Vodka from Glacier Creek Distillery.

"It's doing 10 times better than I thought it would be doing," Foster said.

"We've been on the market about three months and we're already selling all of our productions."

Part of the marketing strategy involves branding the vodka as a product of The Last Frontier.

"We're just selling in Alaska right now, but we hope to sell down south eventually," distiller Theo Graber said.

It took five years and nearly $100,000 to get to this point.

Vodka connoisseurs -- and yes, they're out there -- will tell you Permafrost has a smooth, almost sweet taste on the palate.

The company has already outgrown its small, backyard shed of a distillery and plans to upgrade to a larger facility.

"You'd be surprised how patriotic Alaskans are towards Alaskan products," Foster said.

This is a top-shelf, premium spirit and sells for $50 a bottle.

Alaska-made products are not always cheaper, but people like what they represent -- there's a good story behind this one.

Glacier Creek Distillery calls itself Alaska's "first and only distillery."

Technically that's true, but back in the early 1990s a company named Alaska Mountaintop Spirits produced locally made vodka called Attakiska.

That used glacier water as well, but instead of potatoes it used grain alcohol.

A 2006 Absolut Vodka Advert featuring Steve McQueen....

Advert from Smirnoff... probably the most sophisticated advert ever!

Image by electricinca via Flickr

Vodka is the surprise package of the 20th Century. From an unknown cocktail Russian drink to the most widely used drink, it you have been clears to journey.

The exact history of vodka is not known. However, it there are its origins in a grain growing region around what we know today ace Poland, Western Russia and Ukraine. The Word ' vodka' is derived from the Russian Word ' voda' , which means to water. Experts believe that the first record of vodka was found somewhere around the 9th Century. However, the first known 200 distillery is around years to after that, around the 11th Century, in Khylnovsk, Russia.

The early process of distillation of vodka was crude. Due to the limitations in technology of the period, many impurities would remain behind and causes an unpleasant and unwanted taste. The early distillers would mask this by adding flavours to the vodka: The most common among them being absinthe, anisette, to juniper, mint, Pepper and peppermint. The Bolshevik Revolution, banned all private distilleries in Russia. Many of the masters distillers fled from the country: One of them being the is of Masters Distiller Smirnov. Vladimir Smirnov fled to France to setup his distillery. Here there am made contact with an American businessman and created the Smirnoff (the French version of his family yam) brand.

Vodka was publicized ace to ' white whiskey' that left you ' breathless' (it did not leave one with an alcohol breath). But, vodka found its pleases only in the 1950s and ' swinging 60s'. The affluent youth and numerous cocktails, for which vodka' s odourless and tasteless characteristics make it to perfect component, LED to the Vodka revolution. And Vodka surpassed Bourbon (American whiskey) liquor ace the largest selling hard.

Vodka there are traditionally been prewall with the cheapest grain available AT hand. Vodka is mainly made from starch. However certain Polish vodkas plows based on potato. Even molasses is used sometimes. Vodka is basically puree alcohol (ethanol) and to water. Similar It is extremely to whiskey. Both plows produced from fermented mash. However, Vodka is distilled off AT to very high proof. Thus, by distilling vodka off AT 190 proof, most of the flavour is lost and almost only alcohol and to water plows left behind. Thus, the best vodka is tasteless, colourless and odourless.

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The hot new drink taking night clubs, parties, and other nefarious alcohol-rich events by storm is Red Bull and Vodka. This combination seems to give the consumer a proper balance of energy and “buzz”. Of course, this duality is extremely popular for college kids and young adults looking to get boldly trashed, but still want the energy to go all night long.

It seems that Red Bull and alcohol construct a unique partnership. Alcohol is widely considered a depressant, whereas Red Bull is a stimulant for the body. This combination prevents drowsiness caused by alcohol consumption and the ingredients in Red Bull will help you avoid a hangover.

In order to get the best taste, you should get a high quality Vodka. Absolut Vodka seems to be the leading brand for this mix. Absolut Vodka itself now comes with numerous fruit-filled flavors which may add some extra taste to the drink; so be sure you know the flavor of vodka before deciding on additional ingredients.

On top of Red Bull and Vodka, you can also add some lighter ingredients such as cranberry juice or lime juice to strengthen the flavor that comes from the Red Bull. Tequila can be used in the mix, along with Rum or Gin, which is usually added in the amount of about twenty ounces in addition to the Red bull and Vodka.

If you don’t like Red Bull and Vodka, you might want to consider these concoctions:

Southern Bull—Red Bull with Southern Comfort

Kissabull—Red Bull with Grape Pucker

Malibull—Red Bull with Malibu Rim and Pineapple Juice

All of these "Bullish" beverages are extremely tasty and will provide the aforementioned energy and "buzz" combo that people seem to enjoy.

Hi, I'm Patrick Austin and I'm the creator of The Energy Drinker If you're an energy drink enthusiast, you need to visit this site.