In the British sitcom, “Absolutely Fabulous,” the only vodka that is worth drinking is “Stoli.” In that spirit, on October 4, we raise our shot glasses in celebration of National Vodka Day. To the uninitiated, vodka has a certain panache, elevating it above all other liquors. Housed in a beautiful glass, vodka is a status symbol — elegance personified.
This odorless, flavorless beverage is closely associated with Eastern Europe. Vodka has its roots in the Russian word, “voda,” which means “water.” Although Russia and Poland have a fierce rivalry over who actually invented vodka, it’s rumored that the drink was first produced in Russia in the 9th century. French and Russian soldiers scattered throughout Europe during the 19th century’s Napoleonic era, eventually popularized the drink. Today, vodka is the most widely-consumed spirit in the world — quite the accomplishment!
National Vodka Day Activities
Infuse your own flavored vodka
Cocktails aren't just for the bar. You can make a delicious concoction right at home in your pajamas! To create a vodka infusion, all you need is a few ingredients (like vanilla and citrus fruit), a bottle of vodka, a mason jar and the patience to wait between three and seven days.
Host a DIY Bloody Mary party
Invite your friends over for a fun cocktail-making party starring... the Bloody Mary. Set up a bar with all the ingredients your guests need to unleash their creativity: tomato juice, lemon juice, celery sticks, hot sauce, peppers, olives, horseradish and, of course, plenty of vodka.
Tour a vodka distillery
Each U.S. state houses its own unique vodka distilleries — Kansas produces vodka from wheat, while you can find potato-based vodka in Maine. Treat yourself and your friends to a vodka distillery tour, followed by a vodka-tasting. Don't forget to bring along a designated driver.
Why We Love National Vodka Day
Vodka Is a blank canvas
Because it is tasteless, colorless and odorless, vodka makes it possible for you to create any drinking experience you want. Want something fruity? Add cranberry juice. Prefer a savory experience? Mix up a Bloody Mary. Want to have the true Russian experience? Drink it straight and chase it with a crisp pickle. Za zdorovye!
Vodka Is way more than just a drink
Vodka is most popular for its inebriating properties, but it is also extremely versatile in other ways. You can use vodka to treat jelly fish stings and poison ivy, to repel bugs, to clean your windows, to make your hair shiny, to keep your flowers looking fresh and much, much more! Of course, who wants to waste perfectly good vodka on that when you can simply drink it and enjoy the burn!
Vodka heals wounds, too!
Because of its high alcohol content, vodka can prevent microbial infections on wounds. In Russian folklore, vodka cures a wide variety of ailments, ranging from headaches to hangovers. Got a toothache? Swish a little vodka around in your mouth and swallow it, if you dare!
National Vodka Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | October 4 | Saturday |
2026 | October 4 | Sunday |
2027 | October 4 | Monday |
2028 | October 4 | Wednesday |
2029 | October 4 | Thursday |