Vodka is a clear spirit, usually distilled from grain. Fermented, distilled to a high proof, filtered, diluted, and bottled. Many varieties of schnapps are like this too, so they're in this list as well. If you're a schnapps purist, please forgive my vodka-centrism. Also included here are flavoured vodkas and some vodka-based liqueurs as well. Akvavit (or aquavit), though named like whisky (the water of life), is pretty much flavoured vodka. The home of vodka is north-eastern Europe, with various countries (usually Poland or Russia) claiming the invention of vodka. Whatever the case, the best vodkas are Polish, with Russian and Finnish vodkas close behind. You might prefer Western-style vodkas with less-flavour.
And how to drink it? Straight, and in company. Keep the bottle in the freezer if you want. Friends, a bottle, a table and a few glasses are all you need. Western tradition, unable to cope with such a strong drink, usually insists on mixing spirits. Vodka, with its unobtrusiveness, is an ideal mixer. Vital to Black Russians, vodka-tinis, screwdrivers and many others, also goes well with everything from cola to coffee.

Vodka is often considered a tasteless, odourless spirit suitable only for mixing or inducing drunkenness. But there is a lot more to vodka than that. True, the U.S. government might define vodka as a clear neutral spirit of no discernable flavour or aroma, and many vodkas aspire to this standard. But even among these, there is a quite noticeable variation in quality. Eastern-style vodkas have a lot more flavour, or "character." Vodka is one of the commonly homemade spirits, although this practice is illegal in most countries.