The name "vodka" is a derived from the Slavic "voda" (water) and interpreted as little water. Vodka is one of the most popular spirits. At the close of the 20th century, vodka accounted for 25 percent of the distilled spirits produced. The more expensive brands tend to be smoother. The difference between the two is drinkability. For the budget-conscious, there are at least two ways to make cheap vodka smoother. One is to filter it four or five times using an everyday charcoal water filter. The other is to fool your palate by using a few tricks.

Make vodka smoother by cooling it. Place cheap vodka in the fridge until it is cold. Put a damp glass in the freezer until it frosts. Put ice in the frosted glass and pour the vodka over it. The cold desensitizes your taste buds and makes the vodka taste smoother.

Make vodka smoother by changing its viscosity. Take a 750ml bottle of vodka and replace 5ml of vodka with 5ml of edible glycerin. Maintain a 5ml per 750ml ratio for different volumes of vodka. Recap the bottle and shake. The glycerin masks the harsh flavor.

Make vodka smoother by adding flavorings. Make blackberry vodka by filling an empty bottle of cheap vodka with alternate layers of blackberries and 4 tsp. sugar. Pour in as much vodka as the bottle holds, covering all the fruit. Recap the bottle and leave it for six months. Turn the bottle slowly 360 degrees every day. Top the bottle up with more vodka if required.