Thai food like one kind of Thai culture, is the product of various influences. Starting with Sukhothai and early Ayutthaya was simple as mainly fresh or died fish mixed with rice and vegetables, a few spices, a salty sauce made of fish (fish souce) or shrimp. Contacting with foreign cultures as China India or Europe, it made the development of cooking Thai food.
Today it covers a wide range of dishes many of them regional specialties. Those of northeast are generally regarded as the spiciest. In the south seafood is plenty and Muslim food appears on the menu.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Beer


Beer is the world's oldest and most popular alcoholic beverage. Some of the earliest known writings refer to the production and distribution of beer. It is produced by the fermentation of sugars derived from starch-based material — the most common being malted barley; however, wheat, corn, and rice are also widely used, usually in conjunction with barley.

The starch source is steeped in water. Enzymes in the malt break down the starch molecules, producing a sugary liquid known as wort, which is then flavoured with hops, which acts as a natural preservative. Other ingredients such as herbs or fruit may be added. Yeast is then used to cause fermentation, which produces alcohol and other waste products from anaerobic respiration of the yeast as it consumes the sugars. The process of beer production is called brewing.

Beer uses many varying ingredients, production methods and traditions. Different types of yeast and production methods may be used to classify beer as ale, lager or spontaneously fermented beer. Some beer writers and organisations differentiate and categorise beers by various factors into beer styles. Alcoholic beverages fermented from non-starch sources such as grape juice (wine) or honey (mead), as well as distilled beverages, are not classified as beer.

Nigiri-zushi



Nigiri-zushi (hand-formed sushi). This is the most typical form of sushi in restaurants. It consists of an oblong mound of sushi rice that is pressed between the palms of the hands, with a speck of wasabi and a slice of topping called neta draped over it. This is possibly bound with a thin band of nori, and is often served in pairs.

Gunkan-maki (warship roll). A special type of nigiri-zushi: an oval, hand-formed clump of sushi rice that has a strip of "nori" wrapped around its perimeter to form a vessel that is filled in with topping(s). The topping is typically some soft, loose or fine-chopped ingredient that requires the confinement of nori such as roe, natto, oysters, and quail eggs. Gunkan-maki was invented at the Ginza Kyubey (Kubei) restaurant in 1931; its invention significantly expanded the repertoire of soft toppings used in sushi.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Jasmine Rice


Jasmine rice (: ข้าวหอมมะลิ; kao hom mali), sometimes known as Thai fragrant rice, is a long-grain variety of rice that has a nutty aroma and a subtle and pandan-like (Pandanus amaryllifolius-leaves) flavor caused by 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Jasmine rice is originally from Thailand. It was discovered as the Kao Horm Mali 105 variety (KDML105) by Sunthorn Seehanern, an official of the ministry of agriculture in the Chachoengsao Province of Thailand in 1954.[citation needed] The grains will cling when cooked, though it is less sticky than other rices as it has less amylopectin.
Jasmine rice is a particularly fine, medium-grain type of rice. It is fragrant when cooked, hence the name. The polished white rice is prepared without salt to balance the Thai flavors. Please do not serve ordinary rice from the supermarket with Thai meals!

The secret of perfect rice lies in the quantity of water used-measure holding your finger on top of the rice-the water should reach just below your middle finger's first joint. All the water should be absorbed during cooking, leaving the rice firm and fluffy.


Rice only takes 20-25 minutes, with little attention (but don't let it burn!).


Traditionally cooked in an aluminium pan over a charcoal burner, here in the West, we use a modern stove. With the introduction of electricity across the country, today the electic rice cooker is more common in Thailand.


  • 2 1/2 cups Thai jasmine rice
  • 3 cups water
Place rice in a small saucepan (approx. 2-1/2 qt). Rinse rice by running cold water over two or three times to cover and pouring the water out. This rids the rice of excess starch powder and broken rice which makes the cooked rice mushy and sticky. Add just enough water to cover the top of the rice by 1/2-inch (approximately 3 cups).

A convenient trick is to place your middle finger, just touching the top of the rice in the pan. The water level should be just below the first joint of your finger, from the tip. No measuring needed.
Cover the pot with the lid. Place over medium to medium high heat. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, another 10 minutes, until the water has completely evaporated.

Turn off the burner and allow rice to sit, covered, for at least another 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature (especially with spicy curries). Serves 2 to 3.

Nescafé


Nescafé is one of the world's top-selling brands of instant coffee, made by Nestlé. It comes in the form of many different products. The name is a portmanteau of the words "Nestlé" and "café". Nestlé's flagship powdered coffee product was introduced in Switzerland on April 1, 1938 after being developed for seven years by Max Morgenthaler and team.


It was called Nescafé in its U.S. TV ads throughout the '50s and '60s, as well as in store packaging. Later, Nestle introduced a new brand in the United States called Taster's Choice, which supplanted Nescafé for many years. In 2003, the company reintroduced the Nescafé brand, and the product is now known as Nescafé Taster's Choice.

In 2003 and 2004, fashion gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine became the faces of Nescafé when they were featured in advertisements promoting the brand of coffee.
In Australia, it is known as Nescafé Blend 43.

Doi Tung Coffee


Coffee was introduced on Doi Tung as a commercial crop with the purpose of replacing the cultivation of opium and halting deforestation. Not only is the coffee plant a good commercial product due to its universal demand, but coffee trees can be cultivated over a long period of time without leeching the soil on which it grows. Along with the sustenance of coffee cultivation, the people of Doi Tung have the opportunity to work legitimately and earn a stable stream of income.
There are two types of coffee species in the world, Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee can grow at altitudes of 100 - 300 meters above sea level while Robusta must be grown above 800 meters. On Doi Tung, only Arabica coffee trees are cultivated.

Let us talk more about what growing coffee on Doi Tung is all about. In Thailand, coffee plants can be found growing in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Prae, Nan, Payao. Usually, coffee trees are fonder of the shade than the sun. The trees have to be grown apart from each other at a distance of about 2 meters, which amounts to about 400 trees per Rai. The pit used for planting a coffee plant should have dimensions of about 50 X 50 X 50 centimeters with the foundation being layered with rock phosphate and using about 2 kilograms of fertilizer. Watering should be done at least once a week.

Harvesting seasons differ based on the altitudes that the coffee trees are grown. For trees grown at 700-900 meters, harvesting is usually between September and October while cherry beans grown at 1000-1400 meters are usually harvested between December and February. After the harvest, the cherry beans will be stored using either one of two methods. The first method is wet storage. The beans are milled so that the inner bean is freed from its peel. They are then soaked in water for 2-3 nights and then dried in the sun for 7-10 days, after which their shells will be cracked and then stored.

The second storage method is the dry method, which is more suitable for those with relatively low labor capacity; however, this will produce lower quality beans. The beans are left to dry on the branches and then harvested to be dried out in the sun for 15-20 days. Their shells are then cracked.

With the cooperation of the private sector, namely Auerchookiate Co. Ltd., Bank of Asia, Siam Commercial Bank, and Mitsui & Company, a joint venture was formed. This company formed was established as "Navuti" meaning "90" in commemoration of HRH the Princess Mother's birth. The objectives of Navuti are outlined as follows:

1. To revitalize and develop the forest of Doi Tung in order to increase the economic value of the land of the Doi Tung Development Project.
2. To increase employment in the area and provide a stable income stream for the people of Doi Tung.
3. To serve as a model for other entities in both private and public sectors with regards to development efforts for rural areas of the country.

The simplified steps to making Doi Tung Arabica Coffee is as follows:
1. Harvest
2. Clean
3. Screen non-conforming beans using the Gravity Table
4. Crack off the shell
5. Screen more non-conforming beans
6. Soak beans in water for 12-15 hours
7. Lay beans out to dry in the sun .
There are different grades of coffee bean quality and all the coffee beans that are harvested are categorized into one of the following: Ex. Fancy, Fancy, No.1, Prime, or Peaberry.
With the exception of the full shell peaberry, all are crescent-shelled. It is said that the peaberry offers the best taste. About 11.5 kilograms are roasted at a time. The beans are roasted until their color is "moderately dark" since any lighter color will result in a more sour and tangy flavor.

You can get a taste of Arabica Coffee from Mae Fah Luang Foundation stores located at the Doi Tung Development Project, the Chiang Rai airport, and on the 3rd floor of Siam Discovery Center in Bangkok. Call +(662) 658-0424-5, 658-0427 for more information.

Coffee World

The Concept
Coffee World is a premium specialty coffee house that offers a comprehensive range of hot and iced coffees with fresh complementary foods such as waffles and sandwiches. The company places a lot of emphasis on picking and roasting the finest arabica beans to create rich brews prepared by its highly trained baristas (professional coffee-makers). To offer high quality beverages Coffee World favors the use of fresh ingredients to prepare its iced and ice blended coffees, instead of just using pre-mixes. Coffee World operates a variety of outlets, ranging from large outlets of up to 160 sq m to small kiosks of 25 sq m. The outlets are designed to give the look and feel of luxurious and comfortable living rooms. Coffee World constantly innovates by frequently introducing new food and beverage creations.

The Mission
Continuously innovate to increase customer satisfaction by offering high quality coffee drinks & complementary foods in a comfortable, inviting and luxurious environment.

Black Canyon (Thailand)


Black Canyon (Thailand) Co. Ltd. was established in 1993 to operate restaurants serving food, coffee and drinks under the "Black Canyon Coffee" name. The company is the registered owner of the "Black Canyon" trademark and all associated service marks.
The company's business is the operation of coffee houses serving food and coffee of the highest quality, located in shopping centers, movie theaters and gas stations throughout Thailand, as well as an increasing number of overseas countries. Black Canyon owns and operates some branches directly, while others are owned and operated by franchisees. All branches are decorated to the same high standard, with overall designs selected from a palette of available options depending on the type of location. Black Canyon's excellent reputation is based on serving coffees of the highest quality, with the best aroma and taste, made from 100% fresh coffee beans imported from around the world, as well as those grown in Thailand under Royal patronage.
Black Canyon coffee houses also serve an extensive food menu. The menu combines Western dishes such as soups, salads, pasta and French fries with Eastern favorites like fried rice and noodles; and Thai specialties tom yum, som-tam, etc. A unique feature of the menu are the "fusion" dishes which combine East and West, examples of which are spaghetti with green curry sauce, Japanese Udom noodles in tom yum soup, fusilli with a tuna tom yum sauce, spaghetti with red panang shrimp sauce, etc.
Black Canyon now has more than 160 branches all around Thailand. Black Canyon also operates kiosks under the "Black Canyon X'press" name in several stations of Bangkok's elevated commuter train system (BTS Skytrain). Each year, Black Canyon serves more than one million cups of coffee to Thais and foreigners visiting Thailand, who appreciate the flavor and aroma of real coffee, and keep coming back for more. Experts at Black Canyon monitor and control the quality of every batch of coffee to ensure that our customers get the same experience every time they visit a Black Canyon restaurant.
Black Canyon is the largest and most well known operator of franchised coffee houses in Thailand. The management and every employee has as their goal to continually develop and improve the Black Canyon Coffee brand.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Special Sushi


Her name was Rachael, she said. She was blond and wore a disarming, gleaming-white smile. Her smile, however, was about the only thing she was wearing, with the exception of a few chrysanthemums affixed to her underwear and banana leaves carefully positioned along the length of her body.

Rachael was a human sushi platter for the evening, the centerpiece of an opening party last month for Hadaka Sushi on the Sunset Strip. Taking gentle breaths, she kept as still as possible so as not to disturb the clusters of oil-infused sushi rolls, sashimi and other pieces of raw fish artfully arranged on the banana leaves in a style known as nyotaimori.

Nyotaimori is a Japanese term that translates as “female body arrangement.” It is also known as body sushi.

Hadaka’s executive chef and owner, Edward Brik, said he designed Hadaka to compete against not just other sushi purveyors in Los Angeles but also the other offerings on Sunset Boulevard. “Sex sells, especially on the Strip,” Mr. Brik said.

Nyotaimori is associated, in legend at least, with Japanese organized crime, but solid facts on its origins are extraordinarily difficult to pin down. Several representatives of Japanese cultural societies and Japanese-American trade groups as well as East Asian scholars said they had heard of nyotaimori but knew almost nothing specific about it.

William Marotti, who teaches modern Japanese history at U.C.L.A., speculated that its peak in popularity might have been during Japan’s bubble economy in the late 1980s, “when the Japanese were trying to find new ways to spend all of their money.”

While Hadaka may be the first Los Angeles restaurant to offer nyotaimori, it is not the first in the country. A “gentlemen’s club” in Midtown Manhattan plans to introduce nyotaimori this month, but establishments in other cities have ended the practice because of protests or waning interest. Bonzai nightclub in Seattle became a target of feminist groups when it started promoting body sushi nights in 2003.

Rachael — her full name is Rachael Biggs, a publicist said — seemed to enjoy the evening as much as anyone could while lying supine and being poked by chopsticks. To an onlooker, the most disturbing aspect of her job might be Hadaka’s rule that forbids a model to eat the sushi that rests inches away from her mouth.

So far, Hadaka Sushi has had just two takers for its nyotaimori presentation. (The cost is $1,100 for the model; the food is extra.) A restaurant spokeswoman said several servers were eager to be assigned work as sushi platters. Customers have also requested male models, and the restaurant is trying to oblige.

History of Starbucks


To summarize something as phenomenonally successful as Starbucks coffee history might be a challenge. Many volumes have been written on the subject, it is examined and taught in business schools, and whole semesters are dedicated to the marketing genius of the company. The amazing success of Starbuck’s business model certainly deserves commendation if not adoration in the business world.

The story of Starbucks coffee history begins in Seattle in 1971, when three friends with a passion for fresh coffee, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker, opened a small shop and began selling fresh-roasted, gourmet coffee beans and brewing and roasting accessories.

In 1980 Zev Siegl sold out to pursue other ventures. By that time Starbucks was the largest roaster in Washington with six retail outlets. In 1981 the small coffee company caught the attention of Howard Schultz, a plastics salesman that noted the large quantity of plastic drip-brewing thermoses that they were buying from Hammarplast, the Swedish manufacturer that Shchultz represented here in the U.S.

In 1982 Starbucks coffee history was changed forever when Baldwin hired the energetic Schultz as the new head of marketing and shortly thereafter sent him to an international housewares show in Milan, Italy in 1983. Schultz found himself infatuated with the vibrant coffee culture of Italy. While in nearby Verona, Schultz had his first caffe’ latte’ and, as he observed the cafe patrons chatting and laughing joyously while sipping their coffees in the elegant surroundings, inspiration struck.

In what he describes as an epiphany, the idea hit him, "why not create community gathering places like the great coffee house of Italy in the United States?" he wondered. This idea would place Starbucks coffee history into the annuls of business journals for decades to come.

However, his idea was not well received by Baldwin as he wasn’t too keen on getting into the restaurant business and distracting him from his original plan of selling whole beans. But he did let him test a small espresso bar in the corner of one of the stores. It was an immediate success and Schultz branched out on his own and opened Il Giornale, a coffee house named after Italy’s largest newspaper, ‘The Daily’.

In 1987 Starbuck’s was up for sale and Schultz raised the $3.8 million by convincing investors of his vision, one hundred and twenty-five outlets in the next five years. Schultz modified the Starbuck’s bare-breasted mermaid logo into a more socially acceptable figure, changed the name of Il Giornale to Starbuck’s and converted the six existing Starbuck’s roasting shops into elegant, comfortable coffee houses. Starbucks coffee history was just was beginning to take shape.
Shultz exceeded his goal of one hundred and twenty-five stores in five years, in 1992 there were 165 cafes in operation. Today there are over 8,000 stores in 30 countries and annual revenues in excess of $7.5 billion.

Coffee


Coffee is a widely-consumed stimulant beverage prepared from roasted seeds, commonly called coffee beans, of the coffee plant. Coffee was first consumed in the 9th century, when it was discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia. From there, it spread to Egypt and Yemen, and by the 15th century had reached Armenia, Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. From the Muslim world, coffee spread to Italy, then to the rest of Europe and the Americas. Today, coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide.

Coffee berries, which contain the coffee bean, are produced by several species of small evergreen bush of the genus Coffea. The two most commonly grown species are Coffea canephora (also known as Coffea robusta) and Coffea arabica. These are cultivated in Latin America, southeast Asia, and Africa. Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted, undergoing several physical and chemical changes. They are roasted to various degrees, depending on the desired flavor. They are then ground and brewed to create coffee. Coffee can be prepared and presented by a variety of methods.
Coffee has played an important role in many societies throughout modern history. In Africa and Yemen, it was used in religious ceremonies. As a result, the Ethiopian Church banned its consumption until the reign of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia. It was banned in Ottoman Turkey in the 17th century for political reasons, and was associated with rebellious political activities in Europe. Coffee is an important export commodity: in 2004, coffee was the top agricultural export for 12 countries, and in 2005, it was the world's seventh largest legal agricultural export by value. Some controversy is associated with coffee cultivation and its impact on the environment. Many studies have examined the relationship between coffee consumption and certain medical conditions; whether the effects of coffee are positive or negative is still disputed.

Sushi


In Japanese cuisine, sushi is vinegared rice, usually topped with other ingredients, including fish (cooked or uncooked) and vegetables. Outside of Japan, sushi is sometimes misunderstood to mean the raw fish by itself, or even any fresh raw-seafood dishes. In Japan, sliced raw fish alone is called sashimi and is distinct from sushi, as sashimi is the raw fish component, not the rice component. The word sushi itself comes from an outdated grammatical form of a word that is no longer used in other contexts; literally, sushi means "it's sour."

There are various types of sushi: sushi served rolled inside nori (dried and pressed layer sheets of seaweed or alga) called makizushi or rolls; sushi made with toppings laid with hand-formed clumps of rice called nigirizushi; toppings stuffed into a small pouch of fried tofu called inarizushi; and toppings served scattered over a bowl of sushi rice called chirashi-zushi.

History
The main idea in the preparation of sushi is the preservation and fermentation of fish with salt and rice, a process that has been traced back to China and Southeast Asia where fish and rice fermentation dishes still exist today. The science behind the fermentation of fish in rice is that the vinegar produced from the fermenting rice breaks the fish down into amino acids. This results in one of the five basic tastes, called umami in Japanese. The oldest form of sushi in Japan, Narezushi still very closely resembles this process. In Japan, Narezushi evolved into Oshizushi and ultimately Edomae nigirizushi, which is what the world today knows as "sushi".

Modern Japanese sushi has little resemblance to the traditional lacto-fermented rice dish. Originally, when the fermented fish was taken out of the rice, only the fish was consumed and the fermented rice was discarded. The strong-tasting and -smelling funazushi, a kind of narezushi made near Lake Biwa in Japan, resembles the traditional fermented dish.

Beginning in the Muromachi period (1336–1573) of Japan, vinegar was added to the mixture for better taste and for preservation. The vinegar accentuated the rice's sourness, and was known to increase its life span, allowing the fermentation process to be shortened and eventually abandoned. In the following centuries, sushi in Osaka evolved into oshi-zushi, the seafood and the rice were pressed using wooden (usually bamboo) molds. By the mid 18th century, this form of sushi had reached Edo (contemporary Tokyo).

The contemporary version, internationally known as "sushi," was invented by Hanaya Yohei (1799–1858) at the end of Edo period in Edo. The sushi invented by Hanaya was an early form of fast food that was not fermented, (therefore prepared quickly) and could be eaten with one's hands roadside or in a theatre. Originally, this sushi was known as Edomae zushi, because it used freshly-caught fish in the Edo-mae (Edo Bay or Tokyo Bay). Though the fish used in modern sushi no longer usually come from Tokyo Bay, it is still formally known as Edomae nigirizushi.

HOW TO DRINK TEQUILA


Tequila is a fine and complex liquor and as such it must be sipped slowly. It should be served at room temperature, although some like it ice cold keeping a bottle in the freezer (alcohol does not freeze). Traditionally most people serve it in a "caballito", a 2 ounce glass made exclusively for this purpose.

The famous Riedel Glass Company from Austria has introduced a 6 3/4 oz Tequila glass. This company was the first to recognize the effect of the shape of a glass on perception and drinking pleasure of wines and alcoholic beverages.

Riedel reports that “This elegant slender glass has a tall stem, meant to lift fine tequila to the level it deserves, to accord it the appreciation and respect of which it is worthy.”

However, the traditional “caballito” still is the favorite glass to enjoy Blanco and Reposado. Añejo is preferably served in a snifter so that its aroma is fully appreciated.

Blanco and Reposado may be accompanied by "sangrita" made of tomato and orange juice with salt and chile.

The tequila shot with salt on one hand and a bite of lime is Hollywood stuff and few people drink it that way, mostly tourists. However, some people do put some lime juice in the tequila or bite the lime before sipping it. In many restaurants throughout Mexico they bring you a small tray with your favorite brand, a caballito with sangrita, salt and half a lime.

It is a sound practice to order the waiter to bring the tequila bottle to your table and have it poured in front of you. Some places do not keep a fair stock of brands, but they might say they do and serve you something different than what you ordered.

Choose the tequila that you like and enjoy it. There is really not a right way to drink, sip, or gulp tequila. Life is, after all, a matter of taste.

Tequila


Tequila is a Mexican liquor distilled from the fermented juices obtained from the hearts of blue agave plants grown in the Tequila Region. The liquor gets its name from the town of Tequila located in the state of Jalisco where production started more than 200 years ago.

The blue agave (agave azul tequilana weber) has long bluish green spiny leaves with sharp points and a large heart (called piña or pineapple) from which the juices are extracted and then distilled twice. One liter of distilled tequila requires between 6 and 8 kilos of agave pulp. Tequila is not distilled from pulque nor is it produced from any cactus.

Tequila is famous around the world for its unique taste and bouquet and it is also the great mixer used in Margaritas that have become one of the most popular cocktails ever.

Tequila can only be produced in Mexico, in the Tequila Region, and must comply with strict Mexican government regulations. In order to satisfy an ever-growing demand and a multitude of consumer's preferences and tastes, tequila is produced in two general categories and four different types in three of those categories. The two categories are defined by the percentage of juices coming from the blue agave:

Tequila 100% Agave. Must be made with 100% blue agave juices and must be bottled at the distillery in Mexico. It may be Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo.

Tequila. Must be made with at least 51% blue agave juices. This tequila may be exported in bulk to be bottled in other countries following the NOM standard. It may be Blanco, Gold, Reposado, or Añejo
The NOM standard defines four types of tequila:
Blanco or Silver
This is the traditional tequila that started it all. Clear and transparent, fresh from the still tequila is called Blanco (white or silver) and must be bottled immediately after the distillation process. It has the true bouquet and flavor of the blue agave. It is usually strong and is traditionally enjoyed in a "caballito" (2 oz small glass).
Oro or Gold
Is tequila Blanco mellowed by the addition of colorants and flavorings, caramel being the most common. It is the tequila of choice for frozen Margaritas.
Reposado or Rested
It is Blanco that has been kept (or rested) in white oak casks or vats called "pipones" for more than two months and up to one year. The oak barrels give Reposado a mellowed taste, pleasing bouquet, and its pale color. Reposado keeps the blue agave taste and is gentler to the palate. These tequilas have experienced exponential demand and high prices.
Añejo or Aged
It is Blanco tequila aged in white oak casks for more than a year. Maximum capacity of the casks should not exceed 600 liters (159 gallons). The amber color and woody flavor are picked up from the oak, and the oxidation that takes place through the porous wood develops the unique bouquet and taste.
Reserva
Although not a category in itself, it is a special Añejo that certain distillers keep in oak casks for up to 8 years. Reserva enters the big leagues of liquor both in taste and in price.

Vodka


Vodka is one of the world's most popular distilled beverages. It is a clear liquid containing water and ethanol purified by distillation - often multiple distillation - from a fermented substance such as potatoes, grain or sugar beet molasses, and an insignificant amount of other substances such as flavorings or unintended impurities.
Vodka usually has an alcohol content of 35% to 50% by volume. The classic Russian, Lithuanian and Polish vodka is 40% (80 proof). This can be attributed to the Russian standards for vodka production introduced in 1894 by Alexander III. According to the Vodka Museum in Moscow, Dmitri Mendeleev, a Russian chemist, found the perfect percentage to be 38. However, since spirits in his time were taxed on their strength, the percentage was rounded up to 40 to simplify the tax computation. At strengths less than this, vodka drunk neat (without ice and not mixed with other liquids) can taste "watery": above this strength, the taste of vodka can have more "burn". Some governments set a minimum alcohol content for a spirit to be called "vodka". For example, the European Union sets a minimum of 37.5% alcohol by volume.
Although vodka is traditionally drunk neat in the Eastern European and Nordic countries of the "Vodka Belt", its popularity elsewhere owes much to its usefulness in cocktails and other mixed drinks, such as the Bloody Mary, the Screwdriver, the vodka tonic, and the vodka martini.