Pick Your Poison: Vodka

Clear, Cold, and Historically Complicated

Vodka. The crystal-clear staple of shots, martinis, and questionable college decisions. It’s so smooth you might forget what it really is: a distilled poison.

But before we get too dark, let’s rewind.

The Birth of the Bottle

Vodka’s origins are murky—claimed by both Russia and Poland as their liquid legacy. Its name comes from the Slavic word “voda,” meaning water, and it’s been around since at least the 8th or 9th century. Originally used for medicinal purposes (ironically), vodka was more of a remedy than a recreational drink.

By the 14th century, it had graduated from monasteries and medicine cabinets to royal courts and taverns, eventually becoming a cultural cornerstone—and export commodity—for Russia.

So… Why Do We Love It?

Vodka is versatile. It’s the blank canvas of cocktails, the low-key wingman at weddings, the go-to when you “don’t want anything too sweet.” With a typically neutral flavor, it blends effortlessly—making it easy to drink… and easy to overdo.

But Here’s the Thing: It’s Still a Toxin

Alcohol, no matter the packaging or pedigree, is a toxin. Ethanol—the active ingredient in vodka—is processed by your liver, which works overtime to break it down. The real villain? Acetaldehyde. That’s the byproduct your body creates when breaking down ethanol—and it’s significantly more toxic than the alcohol itself.

This is where the “poison” part of Pick Your Poison comes in. Whether you’re sipping vodka neat or swimming in a sea of cosmopolitans, your body’s dealing with a chemical storm behind the scenes.

Where Antivenom Comes In

We’re not here to tell you not to drink (we’re also not here to babysit your espresso martinis). But we are here to help your body bounce back. Antivenom is formulated to support your liver, bind toxins like acetaldehyde, and replenish what your night out took from you.

Because even if vodka goes down like water, your body knows better.

Get the Antivenom