Originally Posted by
mosburger
Would some knowledgeable FT'er be so kind as to explain the US drinking etiquette regarding vodka. Mostly martinis, right? Is this really just a steakhouse/steak dinner thing to do?
I'm still more or less stuck in the Russian/Polish/Ukrainian/Scandinavian idea of having clear vodka shots with pickled herring, boiled tongue and other small delicacies before the actual meal starts...Or at least with bread and salt.
As others have said, you can be pretty inventive with vodka without rousing any suspicions. If you're trying to keep it "classy" (and thus don't want something fruity-colored), a vodka tonic is a great drink.
For my money, Russian Standard is as good as it gets. It's becoming easier to find in the US now, too. Absent that, I reach for the Stoli.