THE Russians, for whom vodka is the most popular drink second to none, not only invented the spirit but have also proudly refined it over generations.

Hardly surprising that they have gone on to dedicate voluminous, gushing praise in tribute to a spirit which mitigates their harsh wintry spells.

When toasting to it, which apparently they do so often, they join up to say: "A glass for the vodka, for the beer a mug, and for the table, cheerful company."

The Russian vodka drinking tradition, according the website vodkarocks.com, holds that "if you look into the eyes of the person you are toasting, you can see into his soul. If you do not look into the eyes of the person in front of you during a toast, then you are cursed with seven years of bad sex."

In Russian, vodka literally means "little water" and true Russian vodka is produced from hardy winter wheat, according to winemag.co.za.

In a country where vodka consumption is the largest in the world by far, I suppose it should be forgivable for any Russian home to run out of water instead of the national drink.

Or why else would the Russians immortalise the spirit in this popular saying: "There cannot be enough snacks, there can only be not enough vodka.

"There can be no silly jokes, there can only be not enough vodka.

"There can be no ugly women, there can only be not enough vodka.

"There cannot be too much vodka, there can only be not enough vodka."

Advice is that vodka should be chilled between 5°C and 7°C, but never stored in the freezer as this will unravel its make-up.

Like many other spirits, vodka is much more than a willing partner to any cocktail concoction. This is in addition to enjoying it - neat - over ice. So the spirit is as versatile as it is open to infinite possibilities.

Being summer, the climate naturally lends itself to ice cold cocktails that leave a glaze in the eye. In solitude, they provide as much heart-warming companionship as they do to one in a room full of strangers. Small wonder author Jerzy Kosinski once wryly observed: "It is possible to stand around with a cocktail in one's hand and talk with everyone, which means with no one."

This, from a man who once observed that there were many types of participation.

"One can observe so intensely that one becomes part of the action, but without being an active participant."

Here are a few cocktails from SKYY Vodka to exorcise summer's heatwave blues and coax tipplers into a dreamy state. These recipes use as a base the SKYY Infusions range comprising three flavours - citrus, passion fruit and raspberry.

SKYY InfusionsT Raspberry Cosmo:

• Two tots SKYY InfusionsT Raspberry
• A tot triple sec
• Splash of cranberry juice
• Fresh lime juice
• Shake up all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Top with fresh lime.

SKYY Infusions Sole Toscano:

• Two parts SKYY Infusions Citrus
• A part Triple Sec
• ¾ parts Amaretto
• A part squeezed Lemon Juice
• ½ part Simple Syrup
• Mix recipe in mixing pint over ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a pilsner glass and garnish with Lemon Zest.

SKYY InfusionsT Campari Passion:

• One and half tots
• SKYY InfusionsT Passion Fruit:
• ½ tot Campari
• ½ tot mango juice
• ½ tot orange juice
• ½ tot freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ tot simple syrup
• Pour ingredients in mixing pint over ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with lemon zest or orange.

SKYY Infusions Lampone fizzante:

• Two parts SKYY Infusions Raspberry
• Three muddled fresh Raspberries
• A part Limoncello
• Two parts Prosecco
• Muddle fresh Raspberries. Add ice, SKYY Infusions Raspberry and Limoncello. Shake and strain into flute and top with Prosecco.
• Garnish with two Raspberries and a Lemon Zest.

Additional info and quotes sourced from website brainyquote