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.