Types of Vodka

• Vodka has more versatility than wine; you can create a plethora of flavor combinations using it as the base liquor in mixed drinks. But it isn't something you usually serve with dinner -- that's wine's turf. Serve a combination of mixed drinks made with regular, inexpensive vodka throughout the evening and have three or four different bottles of quality vodka chilled for the connoisseurs.

Food and Vodka

• If you have a night of appetizers planned, go with vodka and don't be afraid to turn up the heat. Vodka clears the palate of capsicum -- the chemical responsible for heat in foods such as peppers -- more effectively than other drinks. If you like to tempt fate, indulge in spicy foods you normally wouldn't and drink a small shot of vodka if it gets too intense.