What is Vodka Made From? You Better Sit Down

It's a simple question, or so I thought when I first asked, "what is vodka made from?" When it comes to the ingredients of vodka, many people, me included, assume that the potato is the primary ingredient. Boy, was I wrong! The potato is a favorite of vodka distillers, although it is far from the only option. So, what is vodka made from? The reality is more and varied ingredients. One of the most unusual is the milkfat and sugars from dairy. That’s correct! Old farmer Jones cow offers a unique tasting experience for vodka lovers.

What is Vodka Made From: Fruits and Grains

Still, when it comes to the ingredients of vodka, many people assume that the primary ingredient is the potato. The potato is a favorite of vodka distillers, although it is far from the only option. So, what is vodka made from? The reality is more and varied ingredients. One of the most unusual is the milkfat and sugars from dairy. That’s correct! Old farmer Jones cow offers a unique tasting experience for vodka lovers.

Grains of several varieties such as rye, wheat, and corn …even the healthier grain, quinoa all have made their way into the vodka distilling process. Fruits including grapes, berries of many types, and apples also can distill into vodka. Heck, even maple sap/syrup can become vodka.

The bottom line is that anything that will ferment can be turned into vodka, which is nothing more than ethanol and water. It is from what fermented product to create the ethanol. Wisconsin distilleries use a variety of ingredients to distill their vodka, including wheat and barley and locally sourced grains, potatoes, cherries, maple syrup, and even ginseng.

What's Your Favorite Vodka?

Are you a tried-and-true vodka lover, or do you throw caution to the wind and try vodka with ingredients a little more exotic?

If you are planning a visit to one of Wisconsin’s many distilleries in search of great vodka, why not ask the distiller what they use to make their vodka and see what answer you receive.