Let’s have a roll call. To all the beer lovers out there, can I get a hand up? Alright, now, to all the vodka enthusiasts, can I get an “Oh yeah!” How about all my Vodkabeer drinkers out there? Can I get a “Hoot! Hoot!”? You might be scratching your heads now. Is there such a thing as a Vodkabeer mix? Well, let’s find out together.
It’s time for a Little Beer and Vodka
Nothing beats drinking a cold beer after a day’s work. We are pretty sure that most of you here have had at least one bottle of beer in your life. There is also nothing like keeping warm on those cold winter nights than with a shot of vodka straight up. If you asked around, most people would probably say that they would prefer a nice beer to a straight shot of vodka.
Well, maybe it depends on where you’re asking and on who you’re asking. If it’s in Uncle Sam’s Land of the Free, then the response might be an overwhelming yes to beer. But if you’re asking it over a continent away in the land of the Nesting Dolls and the Kremlin, it might be vodka over beer, especially for the older generations.
Historically speaking, beer came first into existence during the time of the ancient Sumerians around 4,000 BCE as a drink depicted in bowls with a straw. Vodka, on the other hand, is said to have existed already during the 8th and 9th centuries but was more popularly known during the 14th century in Russia.
Differences in Concept and Conception
Beer and Vodka are both alcoholic beverages, which means that they are made almost with the same process but there are variations in the process of how they are created that give them their distinct personalities as alcoholic beverages. This slight difference accounts for the possibility of whether both drinks can indeed be mixed together after similar starts to the process and only a tinge of difference in the creation of both drinks will most likely also arise in the distinct taste of both drinks.
Beer is created through the process of fermentation and aging. Using select kinds of grain like wheat and barley they are boiled in water with the addition of what is called hops to the mixture, letting it cool, then adding yeast as a fermenting agent and then putting it in an aging barrel or even directly into a bottle.
Vodka is concocted in a similar route, well, almost. The grain used is mostly rye. It is popularly used in vodka making, is added with water, and boiled. Yeast is put into the mix for fermentation, not hops, unlike in beer.
But it doesn’t end there because, unlike beer, vodka has to undergo several distillation processes until pure vodka, which is a distilled spirit that is flavorless, is achieved. It gets tried by setting it on fire. If the flames are strong, it’s a good vodka batch if the flames are weak, it needs more time for distillation.
A Difference in Taste
So there is a difference in the process of making both a beer and a vodka hence, there is also a difference in the taste. Beer has a characteristic taste of malt and grain, a hint of roast and smoky flavors as well as a complex layer of creamy, rich, and rustic style to it.
Vodka, on the other side of the fence, as mentioned earlier, is supposed to be flavorless due to the distillation process it has to undergo. However, some of the priciest vodkas have hints of sweet, spicy, and even creamy notes to them. But in general, vodka is bland, clear, and crisp.
Mixing It Up
The difference in taste is why vodka can be added to beer because of the bland, crisp, and flavorless characteristics of vodka, making it a good mix to beer, also known as vodka beer. It’s a deliciously peculiar mix that will surely make your day. The vodka won’t steal nor mess up the flavor of beer; on the contrary, it will enhance the nice warmth that beer already has, making it stronger in terms of alcoholic content.
Okay, there is a big issue or myth surrounding mixing alcohol and spirits. Some people say that mixing things around, especially pure distilled spirits, with other alcohol will make you feel sick or hit the bucket. To be honest, they are probably right; that is, if you drink it irresponsibly, that is.
Of course, spirits and other alcoholic drinks will make you sick if you drink too much than your body can handle. So don’t be afraid to mix it up, but always remember to drink responsibly. Never go beyond what you can take.
Perfect Combination
In coming up with the combination of vodka and beer, people say that certain mixes go well. The first step is to ponder how much beer and vodka you would like to have exactly. The second is to decide on what kind of vodka you will have or what beer you would love to have it with.
There are some recommendations for taking a high-quality beer with a low-quality vodka because the flavors of the beer will be further enhanced and not overpowered by the vodka spirit itself.
Third is to consider if you want to go with plain vodka or if you want to go with vodka that has a little tinge of flavor. Ultimately, it is up to you and whatever your trusted bartender recommends they are there for a reason, after all, and not just to polish some clean shot glass. Be friendly and go ahead and ask for the best Vodkabeer they would recommend.
Health Issues and Precautions
Before getting senselessly drunk on Vodkabeer or Yorsh, as the Russians call it, one should stop and reevaluate themselves and their alcohol tolerance. Of course, it would be natural to assume that people who are generally sick with certain illnesses like diabetes, kidney stones, GI tract infections, or even cancer won’t be drinking and trying to experiment with mixing drinks like beer and vodka.
Secondly, knowing that you have low alcohol tolerance and get tangled up with more than you can handle might not be too wise. It is always okay to mix things up a little and try new things, but you should be mindful enough of the possible consequences and outcomes of drinking, whether lightly or too aggressively. Your health is always more important than getting that exciting ‘beer buzz.’
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
