For years, vodka has been my drink of choice at parties and bars. I remember the first time I downed a shot at a pre-party at my old college.

Most of us think of vodka as being a Russian concoction, but Poland and Sweden also claim credit for the popular drink. The word vodka is a diminutive of the Russian word voda, (in Polish, woda) meaning water. Most evidence indicates that the Eastern Slavic countries (Ukraine, Belarus and Russia) established vodka distilling during the 15th Century. There is no doubt that, in the beginning, vodka was an integral part of life in Poland, Sweden and the Eastern Slavic countries.

The production of vodka also varies from region to region. In Western Europe, vodka is most often made from grain or molasses. Eastern Europe also uses these ingredients, as well as potatoes or rice. Beyond these base ingredients, many vodka companies add their own twists to spice up the flavour or appearance. Blavod vodka from England has added food colouring to create a black drink. Even in the early days of vodka, some Polish distillers would add anise seeds, which produced a rich aroma.

Currently, the variety of vodkas is growing rapidly, creating endless possibilities for the vodka connoisseur.Russia, Ukraine and Belarus are known as the leaders in vodka production. They produce a broad range of vodka types. Only the best of these brands, which are distilled from rye and wheat, are shipped to the West. Stolichnaya (Stoli) is the best known Russian vodka.

Moskovskaya Russian vodka, with its distinctive green label, is the second-biggest selling vodka in the world. Both of these vodkas are high-quality, smooth-tasting drinks. In the Ukraine, vodka is called horilka. The Ukraine produces the popular Goldenbarr vodka, which is a delightful combination of chocolate and alcohol. The eastern Slavic countries run the gamut from sweet and rich to dry and smooth vodkas.

Poland also boasts many popular brands of vodka. Grain and potato based vodkas are produced and exported from the region. Starka vodka is one of Poland's most elite drinks. It is also one of the priciest vodkas, which makes it difficult to find in most areas. Starka is made from a recipe dating back to 1614, of raw rye spirits mellowed for years at a constant temperature in specially designed oak barrels stored deep in ancient cellars. Other, less-expensive vodkas from this region range from the popular corn-based drink, Wodka Barowa, to the potato-based Harnas vodka, with its distinctive taste of pepper and rum.

Swedish brands have established world-wide popularity by having one of the most widely exported varieties of wheat-based vodkas. Absolut vodka is one of Sweden's best-loved brands and is available in Citron, Mandarin, Kurant and Pepper flavors.

Znaps is a relatively new brand of Swedish vodka, but has already developed a great reputation. Stars Madonna and Rupert Everett have sung Znap's praises. It comes in a variety of flavors from the salty licorice taste of its Blackjack flavor to the fruity sweetness of the Wild Strawberry flavor. For those who desire a more simple taste, Sweden also produces some plain vodka such as Svensk.

This vodka has a clean, neutral aroma and a slightly oily taste. Compared to the other regions, the United States and Canada have a hard time measuring up. American vodkas are unflavored and neutral by law, which makes the distinction between brands more a matter of price and aesthetics than taste.

North America's vodkas do use a variety of bases from grains (including corn) to molasses. Some of the most popular American vodkas include Smirnoff and Skyy. Smirnoff is distilled through a patented, hardwood charcoal filtration process and goes through 47 quality control checks before it is approved for sale.

There are endless numbers of vodka brands out there to sample. From Russian to Swedish to New Zealand's Below 42, and glitzy to simple, vodka offers a powerful kick for all drinking enthusiasts, so take some time to find your favorite brand.