Next Friday, October 4, International Vodka Day is celebrated, highlighting not only its rich history, but also its place in the Argentine palate. With an annual consumption of 20 million liters, vodka is positioned as the fourth best-selling beverage category in the country, surpassed only by wine, beer and aperitifs. Between 2019 and 2023, its consumption grew by 13% annually on average, according to the International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR).
Vodka has a rich and controversial history. Although many immediately associate it with Russia, its origin is disputed between this country and Poland. Both countries claim to have been the first to produce this distilled beverage, which emerged in the 15th century due to the impossibility of growing grapes to make wine in their cold lands. Initially made from potatoes and grains, vodka soon became a popular drink, mainly due to its simplicity in production and availability of ingredients.
Curiously, it was monks who began distilling vodka in the Middle Ages, spreading its consumption among Russian peasants in the 18th century. Starting in the 20th century, and especially after World War II, vodka gained popularity worldwide, reaching countries such as the United States, Sweden, Finland and Germany, where today it is also produced in large quantities.
How to enjoy vodka at its best? Vodka should be served at an ideal temperature of between 4 and 7 degrees, and a good vodka is recognized by its crystalline transparency. When tasting it, experts recommend looking for a light touch of wheat and nuts, characteristics that denote its quality and authenticity.
VERTIGINOUS GROWTH
The growth of vodka in Argentina is largely explained by the popularity of infused vodkas. More than 80% of total consumption belongs to this category, highlighting fruit flavors such as raspberry, green apple and watermelon. Among the fastest growing brands, SKYY Vodka consolidates itself as a leader with an increase of more than 100% in sales between 2021 and 2022. Its line SKYY Infusionsincludes flavors of raspberry, pineapple, coconut, passion fruit, apricot and blood orange, its most recent launch, capturing the attention of the most daring and exploring consumers.
CREATIVE COCKTAILS AND LOWER ALCOHOLIC LABEL
The new post-pandemic preferences show a growing interest in lower alcoholic beverages and creativity in mixology. In this context, SKYY Vodka leads with its versatility in cocktails, offering flavors that blend perfectly with fresh ingredients and botanicals. In this regard, Sabrina Traverso, bartender and owner of SOFÁ– a bar, comments “Vodka is one of the favorite drinks in bars because, when preparing a cocktail, bartenders often look for its neutrality and silkiness to mix with other flavors.”
Source: Ambito
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