The Curious Bartender's Vodka Chronicles: Discovering and sampling the world's most versatile and purest spirit

From the newly crowned WINNER of the Drink Book category at the 2026 Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards. In his latest book, master mixologist, best-selling author, award-winning bar owner, popular podcaster and emerging distiller Tristan Stephenson turns his gaze to vodka, featuring 20 classic and modern vodka-based cocktails.His journey begins in the historic home of vodka, the so-called 'Vodka Belt' of northeastern Europe, where he uncovers the fables and ancient production techniques of a spirit inextricably linked to the identity of these heartlands. But vodka has broadened its boundaries and traveled into Asia, North America, and Australia so Tristan shines a light on 40 of the most exceptional vodka operations in the world, many with extraordinary histories and characters as memorable as the spirits they produce. With the prevalence and diversity of vodka brands available today, it’s easy to forget that it was only in the 1990s that super premium vodka was born. The success of vodka’s premiumization continued in the 21st century as consumers began to prioritise quality and craftsmanship, and this extended into the 2010s, with the evolution of ethical consumerism. Vodka seems destined to continue its march onwards and upwards, adapting and evolving to suit consumers’ changing tastes. But one thing that hasn’t changed is vodka’s versatility as a cocktail base. Read more