The libation is clear liquid which consists of mostly water and ethanol purified by distillation — often multiple distillation — from a fermented substance such as potatoes, grain (usually rye or wheat) or sugar beet molasses, and an insignificant amount of other substances such as flavorings or unintended impurities.
The beginning of the 19th century inaugurated the production of potato vodka, which immediately revolutionized the market.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodka