Vodka

The glory of Russian vodka rattles around the globe, and none can imagine Russia without vodka, a bear and matryoshka doll, but it was not always so. Where did the vodka come from, and how long ago has this strong drink become truly Russian?

The history of "vodka" began around the 14th-15th century, at that time the so-called strong herbal and berry tinctures were invented. There is an opinion that the first time such a drink was made by Ar-Razion - a Persian doctor. Another version is the invention of Arabs who used vodka as a medicine or for the production of perfume. As a medicine, vodka was also used in Europe since the XIII century and in the 15th century in Russia the European ambassadors for the first time presented it as a treatment to lubricate the wounds at the court of Basil the Dark.

In those days Russia was considered to be almost the most sober country, nobody used strong alcohol, only weak drinks: berry wine, beer, honey. These drinks with a small degree housewives did themselves at home, and they was drank on great holidays only.

As an alcoholic beverage, vodka became more widespread in the times of Ivan the Terrible, which began the forcible imposition of bitter consumption, and its actions were quite brutal. The reason for this was the development of Siberia - by introducing a state monopoly on vodka, the proceeds went to the development of new lands. People were literally dragged into taverns and forced to drink unusual, and besides very expensive vodka, completely limiting the domestic production of alcoholic beverages. That's roughly since in Russia and began to drink, and revenues to the treasury to come

Antimicrobial and warming properties of this drink are known to the people for a long time. There are many recipes based on vodka, both for indoor and outdoor use. The simplest and most popular of them: to drink a glass of vodka with the addition of pepper for the night if you feel unwell. It is also an excellent analgesic if there is no other anesthetic at hand.

But not only in Russia it is customary to drink vodka. Analogues of this drink exist in many countries. In Normandy and France there is "Calvados" - apple vodka, in Indonesia "Bambuse" - bamboo vodka, the main ingredient of which is bamboo seeds. It's amazing that bamboo blossoms only once in 30 years! They drink this drink exclusively for ritual purposes, as It causes hallucinations.

Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Macedonia and Herzegovina are famous for plum vodka Slivovice. In Japan, there is "Sake" - 20-degree rice vodka, which is served in a warm form and is drunk with small sips. In China, there is its own wheat vodka called "Hanshina", it is a cloudy yellow drink made of millet. In Israel, "Peysahovka" is a raisin vodka with a soft, delicate aroma. In the Netherlands, "Ginever" is popular vodka made on the basis of barley malt and juniper berries, rarely in pure form, more often in the form of cocktails.

Cactus vodka "Pulke" in Mexico, grape "Chacha" in Georgia, cherry vodka "Kirschwasser" in Germany and many analogues of this strong drink around the world. And if you have to get on a holiday somewhere in another country and there will serve your local vodka, remember the main thing is a measure and a good snack!