Drinks & liquids · Spirits
Vodka
Clear, neutral distilled spirit; in cooking it carries aroma and sharpens tomato-cream sauces such as penne alla vodka.
Also called: wódka, водка
Around the world: wódka (pl) · водка (ru)
What it is
Vodka is a clear spirit distilled from grain or potatoes and filtered to taste as neutral as possible, usually 37.5–40% alcohol. In the kitchen it is used in small amounts: it dissolves aroma compounds that neither water nor fat carry well, and it keeps pastry tender because it doesn't develop gluten like water does.
How it’s used
- Penne alla vodka
- A splash in tender pie pastry
- Cured salmon (gravlax-style)
- Batters for crisp frying
Characteristics
Storage
Cool, dry and dark. Keeps indefinitely closed; store upright away from heat.
Diet, allergens and safety
No major allergens in typical versions.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Egg-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Caffeine-free
- Contains alcohol. Not all alcohol cooks off; avoid for children, in pregnancy or if you don't drink alcohol.
Nutrition per 100 g
- Energy
- 231 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrate
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
- Sugars
- 0 g
USDA FoodData Central: Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 80 proof (a close stand-in).
Substitutes
Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.
- Water — Leave it out and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness; the sauce is still good.
Related ingredients
Recipes with vodka
Penne alla vodka
Italian · 35 min · 721 kcal · Vegetarian