Vodka is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world due largely to its neutral flavor. However, flavored or infused vodkas are gaining popularity with drinkers and mixologists alike. Infused vodkas deliver a punch of flavor that is often more intense than the infused ingredient itself and are a good way to incorporate the flavor of something that is normally solid into a beverage. Vodka can be infused with almost anything, from fruit to spices to chocolate to meat, and can be used to create clever and inventive flavor combinations.
History
People have been making their own infused vodkas for as long as vodka has been in existence. Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia all have long-standing traditions of flavoring vodka with herbs, peppers and honey. Although people continue to make infused vodkas at home, many restaurants offer traditional house-made vodkas in different flavors. However, mass-produced flavored vodkas are a relatively new invention. Finlandia Vodka was one of the first major producers to bring a flavored vodka to market, with their Cranberry Fusion Vodka in 1994 (http://www.pr-inside.com/finlandia-vodka-flavor-declared-the-r838907.htm). Since then, nearly every major vodka producer, including Absolut, Smirnoff and even Grey Goose, has come out with a line of flavored vodkas.
Types
Mass produced infused vodkas come in many popular flavors, including lemon, orange, pear, pepper, raspberry, watermelon and more. Those who choose to make their own infused vodkas can get much more creative, blending herbs, spices or fruits and vegetables to create a one-of-a-kind drink. Someone even created a hot dog-infused vodka (http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=91731)!
Function
Infused vodkas are quite useful to mixologists. Since vodka has a hefty alcohol content (usually around 40%) and no distinct flavor of its own, it is the perfect vehicle for delivering the flavor of an infused ingredient to a drink without diluting it. For instance, using orange-flavored vodka in place of regular vodka in a classic Cape Cod simply adds a hint of orange flavor to an already perfectly balanced cocktail, whereas adding orange juice to attain the desired orange flavor would result in a weak, acidic drink. Also, using a vodka infused with a solid ingredient like coffee beans, hot peppers or basil gives a more intense flavor to cocktails than simply muddling those ingredients in at the last moment or using them as a garnish. It also keeps the person drinking from having to pick around inedible or undesirable additions!
Effects
Infused vodkas have the same alcohol content as plain vodka. However, the alcohol flavor in them may be masked by the infused flavor, so be sure to exercise caution when drinking infused vodka.
Warning
When making infused vodkas at home, be sure that all ingredients and storage containers are clean and unspoiled. The high alcohol content of the vodka will preserve the infusion ingredients to a certain degree, but if you notice any strange odors or signs of spoilage, discard the vodka.
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