A drink commonly associated with
Russia, but actually invented in 14th century Poland. Polish peasants created it naming it "wodka" (meaning water, because it was a clear alcohol) as a cure for the Black Plague, however it also become a substitute for the spoiled water supply from disease and
death commonplace back during the plague'
s terror.
It spread throughout Poland, (which then included a large part of Ukraine and Belarus) reaching
Russia.
Made from either grain alcohol or potato. Vodka from Finland and Poland is generally stronger than Russian vodka.