Vodka where did the name come from. Who invented vodka - the Poles or Mendeleev? The emergence of modern recipes and production technology

Many foreigners associate vodka with Russia, is it really the national drink? Who invented vodka anyway? Many people may be interested in this question.

It is known that back in the Middle Ages, conducting various experiments, alcohol was discovered in Europe, which is associated with alchemists. But regarding vodka, many believe that it was invented in Russia.

Indeed, the well-known chemist Dmitry Mendeleev came up with the ideal ratio of water and alcohol - 40% to 60%. Does this mean that he invented vodka?

How humanity discovered alcohol, no one knows. Archaeologists have found out that the Papuans of New Guinea could not yet kindle a fire, but they already knew how to make intoxicating drinks. The earliest graphic references to wines were recorded in the 4th millennium BC. e. Sherds of vessels made of clay with traces of wine on them date back to an even earlier period. But, strong alcohol at that time had not yet been invented.

The distillation of liquids was first described by the greatest philosopher Ancient Greece- Aristotle, born in 384 BC. e. One must think that similar experiments on the extraction of alcohol were carried out before, there is simply no documentary evidence of this.

The first drink resembling vodka was invented by the Persian physician Ar-Razi. The distillation of alcohol-containing elements made it possible to identify ethyl alcohol. This gave rise to the emergence of alcoholic beverages.

But the Arabs did not take alcohol inside, it was used as a medical and cosmetic means.

Reference! What year was vodka invented? It is believed that an Arab doctor invented an alcohol-based drink in 860 - it was then used only in medical purposes.

In the Middle Ages, alchemists developed and improved various techniques and methods for distilling fermenting raw materials into the “soul of wine”. Who first invented alcohol will probably forever remain a mystery to mankind.

An irresolvable dispute of scientists

The Italians invented the distillation apparatus in the 9th century. Around the same time, the secret of obtaining spiritus vini was revealed to scientists in other countries. A doctor, scientist, alchemist - the Frenchman Arno de Villeger became the founder of the extraction of wine alcohol in Europe, he managed to separate alcohol from fermenting raw materials. The idea was picked up by the monks of France, and then Italy. In 1360, a rare church economy did not actively trade in the "water of life."

Vodka in its truest sense was invented by the Poles. Then they called the drink bread wine and used it as a medicinal tincture. It was in the distant Middle Ages. All adult citizens of the country could produce and sell such vodka. The word itself also came from the Polish language, which means “water”, Wikipedia also mentions this.

In the 16th century, Tsar Ivan the Terrible ordered the boyars to secure a monopoly on the production of this drink.

But the myth regarding the origin of vodka arose during the period of the Soviet Union, when the then-famous culinary specialist William Pokhlebkin published the book “The History of Vodka”. It says that alcoholic drink appeared in Moscow when Rus' was under the yoke of the Golden Horde. Many researchers argued about who invented vodka. Violent discussions continue today. Wikipedia, for example, displays the conflict between Pokhlebkin and Pidzhakov. The latter, as evidence of the false theory of the scientist-researcher, refers to the absence of any direct documents confirming this fact. There is no historical evidence that unequivocally gives an answer to who invented vodka, and when exactly the discovery was made. Many professors and just amateurs are still trying to find the answer to this question.

There is no authentic data on this fact, so the version is classified as false. But in the minds of many people, the idea was entrenched that vodka appeared precisely on Russian land.

A little about the product

Vodka in its composition has the following components:

1. Water- the main component;
2. Ethanol;
3. Methyl alcohol — hazardous component, however, it is contained in small doses even in the most the best varieties alcohol;
4. Fusel oils- their presence indicates the low quality of the product.

The taste of classic vodka is characterized as burning and bitter. In some types, various flavors are added to soften the water-alcohol composition. It can be pepper, cinnamon, chocolate (no sugar), vanilla, etc.

Reference! What are they made of classic vodka? The raw materials for it are potatoes or cereals, purified water.

Many Russian poets and writers sang of vodka, for example, Vladimir Mayakovsky wrote: "It's better to die from vodka than from boredom!"

Aurelius Markov owns the words: “A bottle excellent vodka good substitute for knowledge of foreign languages.

The emergence of an alcoholic drink based on alcohol in Russia

A prototype vodka was brought to Russia in the 14th century, when a merchant from Genoa delivered "Aqua Vitae" or "Water of Life". It was back in 1386.

Alchemists from the Provence region by that time had learned to turn grape must into alcohol in the manner of an Arab alembic.

Reference!"Alcohol" in Latin means spirit. In Rus', vodka was called bread wine, as they made it from cereals of wheat, rye, barley.

Despite the fact that the concept of vodka was already in Rus', exactly how tradename of this drink, it sounded only in the USSR. This happened in 1936 according to GOST.

Rectified alcohol made from raw materials based on grain or potatoes was taken as the basis. Subsequently, in Russia, vodka began to be produced only on the basis of grain crops.

The mass planting of vodka began to be carried out during the time of Ivan the Terrible, this was done to replenish the royal treasury. Sometimes people were forcibly forced to buy this drink, and it cost, by the way, not cheap.

Before the spread of vodka, Russian people did not drink strong intoxicating drinks, preferring:

• mead,
• weak berry wines,
• beer.

Ivan IV forbade, under pain of death, the production of alcoholic beverages at home.

As a result, the tsar's treasury was replenished, but for a long time people considered the sale of vodka shameful, and drunkards were not respected. But gradually Russian society began to decompose. There was such a thing as an alcoholic.

Reference. Many have heard about the concept of "Royal vodka". But you can't drink it. The composition includes hydrochloric and nitric acid. Their goal is to dissolve gold. The liquid has no color, later the solution becomes orange.

There are many interesting facts in history regarding this popular drink in Russia. To learn more about him, you can visit the Museum of the History of Vodka, located in Moscow.

It highlights the history of this drink for 500 years, presents 600 types of vodka, and other exhibits related to it. Similar museums, but with fewer exhibits, are open to visitors in Uglich (RF), St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, and Kharkov.

The veracity of the expression "to drink in buckets"

popular expression "drink vodka in buckets" has historical meaning. Since during the time of Catherine II, this drink was sold in buckets of 12.3 liters.

Back in 1533, the first establishment opened where you could have a couple of glasses of strong drink, by the way, vodka was sold there as elite drink. Bottled vodka was sold later in 1894.

Penalty glass

Where did the concept of penalty vodka come from? It turns out in Ancient Greece, and this is back in the 4th-5th centuries BC. the inhabitants loved to arrange feasts.

The number of dishes and drinks was not limited, but there were certain rules of etiquette, according to which a person who was late for a feast had to pay a fine.

Patent for sale

In 1894, the Russian government opened a patent for the sale domestic drink called "Moscow Special", where 40 parts of the weight ethyl alcohol were passed through carbon filtration.

This drink has become Russian national brand.

Toast to health

The concept of “toast to health” appeared during the time of Ivan the Terrible, when various medicinal tinctures, based on berries and medicinal herbs.

Reference! Such strong drinks were taken only for medicinal purposes.

Drinking medal

The heaviest award in the world was the “Medal for drunkenness”, which was established by Peter I. It was in 1714.

So the king came up with a panacea for alcoholism.

• The emphasis was on the inscription, which informed everyone around about the status of a drunkard and on the weight of the award.
• Given the collar and medals, such an insignia weighed 8 kilograms.
• "Rewarding" was carried out in the police. The medal was attached to the neck in such a way that it was impossible to remove it.
• A person had to go through a week with a similar label, this was enough to realize their actions.

About Mendeleev

The creation of vodka is associated with the Russian chemist Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev.

Reference! Indeed, he submitted to the judgment of his fellow scientists a dissertation entitled "On the combination of alcohol with water." But the work has nothing to do with vodka and the establishment of a fortress of 40%.

Until 1886, the standard strength of this alcohol-containing drink was established in Rus' as 38.3%. But since it was also planned to “shrink” vodka so that it had a guaranteed 38 degrees, it was decided to round this number up to 40%.

D. I. Mendeleev himself took the concepts of metrology as the basis of his work, and not the goal of creating alcoholic drink.

Science for health

Allergy to alcohol. A diagnosis that sounds like a curse. If gluten is recognized as an undesirable component for the body, there is hope for salvation. Today, many world vodka producers, knowing about the number of people with rejection of cereal grain protein, produce alternatives. What is this vodka made from? Alcohol is extracted from potatoes, grapes, fruits.

According to the regulations of the European Union, any plant crops are considered acceptable for the manufacture of vodka.

No alcohol law

Even under M. S. Gorbachev, a dry law was introduced. But it turns out that this has been done several times in Russia.

The first stage took place in 1914. With the coming of the Bolsheviks to power, a number of laws were also passed to reduce the production of vodka.

The next ban was in 1960. It was from this time that moonshine and other surrogates produced underground became popular.

Prohibition of sale in the regions

Currently, some regions of Russia have their own rules regarding alcoholic beverages.

• So, for example, in the Ulyanovsk region, alcoholic beverages are not sold on Saturday and Sunday, as well as every day after 20:00.
• Dagestan has introduced legislation banning the sale of alcohol on certain public holidays.
• In Yakutia, they went even further, they do not sell alcohol here, starting from 20:00 and until 14:00 the next day.

Culture of consumption and serving

Slavic peoples most often drink vodka in pure form, Europeans and Americans usually use strong alcohol for making cocktails. The most delicious, opening its specific, burning bouquet, will be vodka chilled to 7-10 °. It is poured into glasses containing no more than 50 gr. It is not customary to add water to alcohol; vodka is considered completely ready for use. For the same reason, ice is not put into it.

Drinking vodka is not a sign of bad taste or a violation of alcohol ethics. good option for this is alkaline mineral water. It reduces the concentration of alcohol in the blood, prevents severe intoxication. Next come vegetables and fruit juices, pickles, compotes. Sweet carbonated drinks due to content carbon dioxide accelerate the absorption of alcohol. The punishment for betraying vodka and drinking other drinks after it will be a painful hangover. In extreme cases, they drink it after weaker products: wine, liquor, but not vice versa.

Good vodka is a noble drink. You should not drink it hastily, the varieties differ in aromas, taste, pungency. If not intended for use decent snack, it is advisable to eat a hearty meal the day before. fatty, hearty meals weaken the intoxicating influence of vodka and allow you to drink it with pleasure, without fear of suddenly disappearing into oblivion.

What is served with vodka for a snack?

You can talk about it for a long time, but many people like to just drink it. But, everything is good in moderation. And yet, a special snack is needed for vodka. Another famous Leopold Staff jokingly said:

“Vodka should be drunk only in two cases: when there is a snack, and when it is not. But this one is better strong drink eat well."

Previously, it was believed that these should be various dishes, such as sausages, caviar, sturgeon, salmon, pickled mushrooms, dumplings or pancakes.

IN later times, not so satisfying, people were content with pickles as a snack, green onions, boiled potatoes.

It is good with first courses: homemade noodles on chicken broth, red borscht, soups, fish soup. It is not customary to put vodka on the table at the same time as:

• melon;
• sweets, chocolate.
• watermelon;

From a health point of view, fried foods do not go well with alcohol. fatty varieties meat, hot peppers, hell, adjika. These products additionally load digestive system and the liver "distracting" them from the neutralization of alcohol in the blood. Vinegar-canned vegetables (pickled), unlike salted counterparts, create an extra stressful situation for the kidneys.

Watch a video about who actually invented vodka:

January 31 marks 154 years since the "birthday" of vodka. On this day in 1865, Dmitry Mendeleev defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic "On the combination of alcohol with water."

Vodka is a strong alcoholic drink, a mixture of rectified (food) ethyl alcohol with water. To prepare vodka, a mixture of alcohol and water (sorting) is passed through activated carbon, then filtered.

By adding infusions of herbs, seeds, roots and spices to vodka, various tinctures are prepared.

Other types of vodka are obtained by distillation of fermented sweet liquids.

Types of vodka

Ordinary vodka in Russia is a 40% solution of alcohol purified from fusel oil in water. Purification is carried out in a hot way at distillation plants or cold - in vodka. Alcohol here is diluted with water (to a strength of 40-45%) and filtered through a series of vats filled with charcoal(best birch), which absorbs fusel oil(traces remain). The best vodka prepared from rectified alcohol.

Special vodka is prepared by dissolving in ordinary vodka or alcohol of various essential oils and aromatic substances.

For fruit vodka ripe berries crushed, squeezed out the juice, sweetened and forced to ferment (adding yeast). The fermented wort is distilled.

History of vodka

The prototype of vodka was made in the 11th century by the Persian doctor Ar-Razi, who was the first to isolate ethanol (ethyl alcohol) by distillation. The Koran forbids Muslims from drinking any alcoholic beverages, so the Arabs used this liquid (vodka) exclusively for medical purposes, as well as for making perfumes.

In Europe, the first distillation of an alcoholic liquid was made by the Italian alchemist monk Valentius. The alchemists of Provence (France) adapted the invention invented by the Arabs alembic to convert grape must into alcohol.

Vodka appeared in Russia at the end of the 14th century. In 1386, the Genoese embassy brought the first vodka (aqua vitae - "living water") to Moscow and presented it to Prince Dmitry Donskoy. In Europe, all modern strong drinks were born from "Aqua Vita": brandy, cognac, whiskey, schnapps and Russian vodka. The volatile liquid obtained as a result of the distillation of the fermented must was perceived as a concentrate, the "spirit" of wine (in Latin, spiritus vini), from where it comes modern name this substance in many languages, including Russian - "alcohol".

In 1429, Aqua Vita was again brought to Moscow by foreigners, this time as a universal medicine. At the court of Prince Vasily II Vasilyevich, the liquid, apparently, was appreciated, but due to its strength, they preferred to dilute it with water. It is likely that the idea of ​​diluting alcohol, which in essence was "aqua vita", served as an impetus for the production of Russian vodka, but, of course, from grain.

The method of producing vodka became presumably known in Russia in the second half of the 15th century and was probably due to the appearance of grain surpluses that required rapid processing.

Already at the beginning of the 16th century, "burning wine" was taken not to Russia, but from it. This was the first experience of Russian vodka export, which was later destined to conquer the world.

The very word "vodka" appeared in Russia in the XVII-XVIII centuries and, most likely, is derived from "water". At the same time, in old times the terms wine, tavern were also used to refer to vodka (this was the name for vodka made illegally, under the conditions of the state monopoly introduced in the 18th century), tavern wine, smoked wine, burning wine, burnt wine, bitter wine, etc.

With the development and improvement of vodka production in Russia, remarkable results have been achieved in terms of purification and taste characteristics drink.

In the Petrine era, the beginning of the dynasties of Russian "vodka kings", breeders was laid. In 1716, the first Emperor of All Russia offered the nobility and merchant classes the exclusive right to engage in distillation on their lands.

In the middle of the 18th century, the production of vodka in Russia, along with state-owned factories, was carried out by noble landowners, owners of estates scattered throughout the country. Empress Catherine II, who patronized the nobility, granted them many different benefits, made distilling an exclusive privilege of the nobles. A significant part of the vodka was produced in the estates of the landlords, and the quality of the drink was raised to an unimaginable height. Producers sought to achieve a high degree of purification of vodka, they used natural animal proteins for this - milk and egg white. In the 18th century, Russian "home-made" vodkas, produced in the households of the princes Kurakins, Counts Sheremetevs, Counts Rumyantsevs, and others, enjoyed an excellent reputation.

At the end of the 19th century, for the first time in Russian history, a state standard for vodka was introduced. This was largely facilitated by the research of well-known chemists Nikolai Zelinsky and Dmitry Mendeleev - members of the commission for the introduction of a vodka monopoly. The merit of the latter is that he developed the composition of vodka, which was supposed to correspond to 40 ° in strength. "Mendeleevsky" version of vodka was patented in Russia in 1894 as "Moscow Special" (later - "Special").

In Russian history, the state (tsarist) monopoly on the production and sale of vodka was repeatedly introduced. For example, in 1533, the first "Tsar's tavern" was opened in Moscow, and the entire trade in vodka became the prerogative of the tsarist administration; in 1819, Alexander I reintroduced the state monopoly, which lasted until 1828; observed in 1906-1913.

The state monopoly on vodka existed throughout the entire period of Soviet power (formally - since 1923), while the production technology of the drink was improved, and its quality was at a consistently high level. In 1992, by decree of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, the monopoly was abolished, which led to a number of negative consequences(financial, medical, moral and others). Already in 1993, a new decree was signed, which returned the monopoly, but the state was unable to tightly control its implementation.

The history of prohibitive measures against vodka is noteworthy. So, during the Russo-Japanese War, there was a ban on the sale of vodka in some provinces of the empire. "Dry Law" was introduced in Russia at the very beginning of the First World War, continuing to operate even after the establishment of Soviet power (only in 1923 they allowed the sale of liquors with a strength of no more than 20 °, in 1924 the permissible fortress was increased to 30 °, in 1928 restrictions were lifted , in 1986, under Mikhail Gorbachev, an unprecedented campaign was launched to combat drunkenness, in fact, the use of alcohol, which was unsuccessful and led to the massive destruction of vineyards, the development of low-quality "underground" alcoholic products, the growth of drug addiction, etc.).

As an element of everyday culture, vodka has taken a specific place in the history of Russian life, marked by such verbal symbols - "signs" such as "mentikov dime", "katenka", "kerenki", "monopolka", "rykovka", "andropovka", "smirnovka". "(by the name of one of the largest domestic producers of vodka), etc., and also became an invariable solid payment unit ("a bottle of vodka"), especially in rural areas. Vodka is often perceived as a national symbol of Russia, on a par with the samovar, balalaika, matryoshka, caviar. Remaining one of the most common Russian national drinks until the end of the 20th century, vodka was the basis for huge amount tinctures, the preparation of which has become a special branch of home production in Russia.

On January 1, 2010, in order to combat illegal alcohol trafficking in the country, Russia introduced a minimum price for a 0.5-liter bottle of vodka in the amount of 89 rubles. The corresponding order was signed by the Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation (Rosalkogolregulirovanie). If the bottle is of a different volume, the minimum price will be calculated in proportion to the capacity.

So now the consumer can do conscious choice between legal and illegal producers. According to experts, taking into account the excise tax on alcohol planned for 2010, the cost of a bottle, VAT and minimum retail and wholesale markups, the price of a bottle of vodka really does not exceed 89 rubles.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources

Such an alcoholic drink as vodka is known to everyone and everywhere. Once upon a time, this name was associated with most people with Soviet Union. Today, after hearing about this drink, many people immediately draw a parallel with Russia. However, why is vodka called vodka, and is it right to associate it with the Russian Federation? Let's look into this issue.

Why vodka was called vodka: where did the name come from

According to some reports, vodka was created in Russia or Ukraine, but if you rely on more reliable sources, the origins of the history of this drink lie in Poland.

And exactly Polish word Wodka was used to give a name to such an invention, which eventually became a cult.

As for the translation of the Polish name, in Russian this word has the meaning of “vodichka” or “little water”. That is how this name arose, known today, perhaps, to all people.

It is noteworthy that, despite the unspoken parallels that residents of many countries draw between vodka and Russia, the United States is the largest exporter of alcoholic beverages in the world. The second place is legally occupied by Russian Federation.

The origin of brand names of vodka products

Today the vodka market represented in Russia is more than impressive. The number of brands and manufacturers is dizzy, and they all offer vodka products not only in a different price niche, but also with the use of various ways production.

However, among the list of brands present on the shelves of modern supermarkets and alcohol stores, there are several that have rightfully become cult. One of these is Putinka vodka, produced since 2003. But why is this vodka called "Putinka"? Let's look into this.

It is quite obvious that the President of the Russian Federation is a symbol of the country, its face, and goods, souvenirs, symbols with his name and face have always been in demand. Guided by a similar trend, Stanislaf Kaufman, the creator of the brand "Putinka", and decided to assign such a name.

As we learned today, he did not fail with the name.

It is also necessary to understand why vodka is called "Tsarskaya", because this brand is also by no means the last one on the modern domestic market. And here, as in the case of "Putinka", everything is extremely simple.

Royal vodka are called a mixture of concentrated acids that can dissolve even gold in themselves.

And on this concept, its prevalence, the manufacturer "played in his favor", turning another representative of the alcoholic beverage market into a sought-after brand.

The first Russian alcohol monopoly was established in 1474 by Ivan III. Strict state control over the production and sale of alcohol was introduced.

Under Ivan the Terrible, the taverns, where vodka was usually served, were replaced by "royal taverns", which were farmed out by the treasury. Having paid a certain amount of money, the farmer received the right to trade in alcoholic beverages.

In 1648, under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, "tavern" riots swept through Moscow and other cities. The artisans, who were also supported by the peasants, demanded the abolition of the "farms" for the tavern business and distilling. But the confusion was suppressed. In 1652, the tsar convened the Zemsky Sobor, which reformed the "drinking business." From now on, feudal lords were forbidden to keep taverns on their estates and estates, as well as to trade in wine, which had previously been widely practiced.

Another state monopoly was introduced in 1696 by Peter I. To increase profits, a system of farming out was again established, which was combined with the state-owned sale of wine. The term "vodka" itself was officially enshrined in Russia in 1751 by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna.

IN early XIX century, the treasury began to lose control over the alcohol business, and revenues fell. In 1817, a decree was issued re-introducing the "state sale of drinks" at a single price - 7 rubles per bucket.

At first, this gave a result and money flowed into the treasury. But gradually sales of wine began to decline. As it turned out, there were many abuses in the drinking departments. In this regard, Nicholas I in January 1828 abolished the state wine monopoly and once again introduced a system of farming out. However, the arbitrariness of tax-farmers, as well as widespread drunkenness, led to the fact that in 1863 the authorities were forced to replace the tax-farmers with excise duty.

On May 14, 1885, the law "On the crushing sale of drinks" was passed, abolishing taverns and replacing them with takeaway liquor stores in glass bottles. But sales began to fall again, and in 1893 the Minister of Finance S.Yu. Witte submitted a proposal to the State Council to return the monopoly on wine. It extended to the purification of alcohol, as well as the sale of strong liquor.