Host a Vodka Tasting
A fun and unique idea for hosting a party with your of-age friends is a vodka tasting. Think of vodka, and you'll likely think of snow, fur and Russia. The word "vodka" means "water" in Russian, and people there take this drink very, very seriously. Delight your friends by hosting a vodka blind taste-tasting party. You'll teach your friends how vodka should be served, and how it should be rated, and you'll all have a great time in the process.
What You'll Need
Vodka can be made from nearly any type of vegetable, from beets to potatoes. Look for four to five different types of vodkas, made with different source materials by different companies. Steer clear of flavored vodkas; you want your guests to discern between similar drinks. This will help them learn the most about the vodka.
Aside from the vodka, you'll need:
- Plastic bags
- Paper snowflakes
- White tablecloth
- Russian music (consider the soundtrack from the movie Dr. Zhivago)
- Pitchers of water
- Paper cups
- Clear shot glasses, 2 to 3 oz. capacity
- Cooler filled with ice
- Snacks, including pickles, crackers, rye bread and caviar
- Paper plates and napkins
- Paper scorecards and pens
Set the Mood
Suspend white snowflakes from your ceiling, and scatter more along your tables. Cover your table with a white tablecloth. Play your Russian music at a low volume. Vodka is a high-octane drink, so you'll want to ensure that your guests eat plenty of snacks and drink lots of water. Place small bowls of pickles, crackers and bread around the room, along with pitchers of ice water. Place bowls, cups and napkins at these stations as well.
Preparing the Vodka
Place your vodka bottles in plastic bags, and secure the bags on the bottles with rubber bands. Place a small numbered label on each bottle. Vodka should be served absolutely ice cold, with no ice in the glass whatsoever. Keep the vodka in the freezer until the party begins. Then, transfer the vodka to the coolers filled with ice.
Scorecards
Create a grid with one row for each vodka you'll be serving. Create one column for each category below.
- Aroma (5 points)
- Appearance (5 points)
- Taste (10 points)
- Total
Decorate your scorecards with more snowflakes. Print up enough scorecards for every guest, and hand them out as guests arrive.
Pouring
Begin with the vodka you've labeled "1." Pour a half-ounce into each person's glass. Ask your guests to sample the vodka and rate it on their scorecards. Wait at least 15 minutes between samples, and ask your guests to clear their palettes with water and snacks. Once your guests have sampled each vodka, ask them to total up their scores. Remove the bottles from their plastic bags. Ask your guests to talk about which vodka they liked best and why.
Words of Caution
Remember to keep your tasting pours small, and make sure everyone can get home safely, without driving. Offer any designated drivers extra snacks and coffee.
