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.
There is an old saying that goes:
The Russians drink
water with vodka.
The Finns drink vodka with
water.
The Poles drink vodka like
water.