Vodka is a colourless liquid often mistaken at first sight for water, but since it is roughly 40% pure alcohol, this is usually a mistake you make only once. It was invented and developed many, many years ago, and is made by distilling the juice of various plants or vegetables such as corn, barley, or, especially in Russia where it is widely consumed, potatoes.

Although primarily designed to get you very drunk very quickly, Vodka can also be used as a sterilising fluid, a powerful solvent, or a low-grade fuel propellant.

Best enjoyed over ice, and definitely not necked straight from the bottle...