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Traditionally, vodka may be made from virtually anything; vodkas can be found made from [[grape]]s, [[soy]], [[beet]]s, [[bread]], [[potato]]es, and [[corn]], in addition to the more common wheat and rye varieties. Some vodkas are even made from leftover material in the oil refining process. In many Eastern European countries, vodka is not heavily filtered as it is in the west, and so the flavors, smells, and colors from the source materials still shine through.

Traditionally, vodka may be made from virtually anything; vodkas can be found made from [[grape]]s, [[soy]], [[beet]]s, [[bread]], [[potato]]es, and [[corn]], in addition to the more common wheat and rye varieties. Some vodkas are even made from leftover material in the oil refining process. In many Eastern European countries, vodka is not heavily filtered as it is in the west, and so the flavors, smells, and colors from the source materials still shine through.

Vodka has also traditionally been flavored in many countries, either for pure enjoyment or for health reasons. Pepper vodka, as that produced by [[Absolut]]'s fine line of vodkas is perhaps the most widely known flavoring, favored in Russia, but [[fruit]] vodkas and vodkas flavored with spices such as [[cinnamon]] or [[vanilla]] are also not uncommon. Many nations also have a tradition of infusing vodka with healing herbs, such as [[chamomile]], [[belladonna]], or [[comfrey]].

Vodka has also traditionally been flavored in many countries, either for pure enjoyment or for health reasons. Pepper vodka, as that produced by [[Absolut]] is perhaps the most widely known flavoring, favored in Russia, but [[fruit]] vodkas and vodkas flavored with spices such as [[cinnamon]] or [[vanilla]] are also not uncommon. Many nations also have a tradition of infusing vodka with healing herbs, such as [[chamomile]], [[belladonna]], or [[comfrey]].

The alcohol content of vodka varies widely, as it may be distilled to any level of alcohol. In most cases, vodka which contains 40% alcohol (80 Proof) is the most common, for a number of reasons. Historically, [[Alexander II]] of Russia set certain standards for vodka production in his country, one of which was a required alcohol level of 40%. This level continues to be the most popular, in part because the United States and many European countries set their tax levels of spirits based on the alcohol content, and 40% spirits have a reasonable amount of taxation. Vodka that contains 50% vodka (100 Proof) is also fairly common in the United States and Europe, as is watered down vodka of 20% (40 Proof).

The alcohol content of vodka varies widely, as it may be distilled to any level of alcohol. In most cases, vodka which contains 40% alcohol (80 Proof) is the most common, for a number of reasons. Historically, [[Alexander II]] of Russia set certain standards for vodka production in his country, one of which was a required alcohol level of 40%. This level continues to be the most popular, in part because the United States and many European countries set their tax levels of spirits based on the alcohol content, and 40% spirits have a reasonable amount of taxation. Vodka that contains 50% alcohol (100 Proof) is also fairly common in the United States and Europe, as is watered-down vodka of 20% (40 Proof).

[[Category:Alcoholic beverages]]

[[Category:Alcoholic beverages]]