Drinking vodka straight may not seem like the most sophisticated way to enjoy this popular spirit, but it has its appeal. For one, it gets you drunk faster. And, if you’re of Russian descent or just love all things Russian, there’s a certain machismo to downing shots of cold vodka.
To drink vodka straight, pour the vodka into a shot glass. Hold the shot glass with your thumb and first two fingers, and support it with your ring finger and pinkie. Lean your head back, and tilt the shot glass, so the vodka slides down your throat.
In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to drink vodka straight and some tips on what to eat before and after your drinking session.
How To Drink Vodka Straight
If you’ve never drunk vodka straight before, it is important to start slow and go easy on yourself. Here are a few tips to help you drink vodka without getting too drunk:
1. Choose a Good-Quality Vodka
When choosing a vodka to drink straight, it is important to select a high-quality spirit that has been distilled multiple times. This will help ensure the final product is smooth and free of impurities.
In addition, many vodka drinkers prefer to chill their drink before enjoying it (covered in the next step), minimizing the burning sensation that can occur when consuming alcohol neat.
Whether you’re enjoying your vodka on the rocks or mixing it into your favorite cocktail, choosing a good quality vodka is essential to ensuring a great drinking experience.
If you are new to drinking vodka straight, start with a lower-proof vodka like 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). You can always move up to a higher-proof vodka later.
2. Chill the Vodka Thoroughly
Once you have selected your vodka, it is important to chill it thoroughly before drinking. This can be done by placing the bottle in the freezer for a few hours or adding ice cubes to a glass of vodka.
If you are using ice cubes, use distilled water so that the ice does not dilute the vodka too much.
3. Pour a Shot of Vodka
When you’re ready to drink, pour a shot of chilled vodka into a clean glass. If you are using a shot glass, fill it to the brim so that there is no air space at the top of the glass.
4. Take the Shot
Now comes the fun part! Pick up your glass and drink the shot in one smooth motion. If you can, try to avoid touching your lips to the glass as this will transfer heat from your body to the vodka and make it less pleasant to drink.
5. Eat Something
After you have downed your vodka shot, eating something is important. Try eating a small snack like a piece of bread or some crackers right after taking the shot.
This will help with the strong alcohol flavor as well as help soak up some of the alcohol and prevent you from getting too drunk too quickly.
Drinking a glass of water in between vodka shots will also help you stay hydrated, prevent hangovers the next day and avoid getting too drunk.
Benefits of Drinking Vodka Straight
Drinking vodka straight has many benefits. It gets you drunk faster, it is a macho way of drinking, and it numbs your taste buds. Below are other benefits of drinking vodka straight.
1. Vodka Is a Low-Calorie Alcohol Option
Many people choose vodka as their alcoholic beverage because it is a low-calorie option. A standard shot of vodka contains around 97 calories, which is significantly less than the calories found in most other types of alcohol.
This makes vodka a great choice for people watching their weight or trying to stick to a low-calorie diet.
2. Vodka Doesn’t Contain Congeners
Congeners are chemicals produced during the fermentation process and can contribute to the development of hangovers. Vodka is one of the few types of alcohol that does not contain congeners, which means that it is less likely to cause a hangover than other types of alcohol.
This makes vodka a great choice for people who want to avoid a hangover the next morning.
3. Vodka Can Be Mixed With Other Drinks
Vodka can be mixed with a variety of other drinks to create delicious cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summertime drink or a cozy winter cocktail, vodka is versatile alcohol that can be used in many different recipes.
Drawbacks of Drinking Vodka Straight
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to drinking vodka straight. It can be hard on your stomach, make you feel sick, and give you a nasty hangover. Below are other drawbacks of drinking vodka straight.
Vodka Is Hard on Your Stomach
The high alcohol content of vodka can be hard on your stomach. If you drink vodka on an empty stomach, you may experience nausea and vomiting.
In addition, drinking too much vodka can cause gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. It is best to avoid drinking vodka straight if you have a sensitive stomach.
Vodka Can Make You Feel Sick
Drinking too much vodka can make you feel sick. The alcohol in vodka can cause your blood sugar to drop, which can lead to feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness.
In addition, drinking vodka on an empty stomach can cause nausea and vomiting. If you start to feel sick after drinking vodka, it is best to stop drinking and get some food in your stomach.
Vodka Can Give You a Hangover
Drinking too much vodka can give you a nasty hangover the next morning. This is because vodka is a diuretic, which causes your body to lose water.
When your body doesn’t have enough water, you may experience headaches, dehydration, and fatigue. If you want to avoid a hangover, it’s best to drink vodka in moderation.
Conclusion
Drinking vodka straight has both benefits and drawbacks. It is important to weigh these factors before deciding whether or not to drink vodka straight.
If you decide to drink vodka straight, drink responsibly and eat something beforehand to line your stomach. This way, you will have an awesome experience.
