Vodka Sauce

Vodka sauce is a creamy tomato-based pasta sauce that gets its name from the addition of vodka. The alcohol in the vodka cooks off during the sauce-making process, leaving behind a subtle flavor enhancement and a smoother texture. It is typically made with tomatoes, cream, onions, garlic, and sometimes herbs.

Manufacturers use vodka sauce to add a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor to pasta dishes. The creaminess also helps to coat the pasta evenly. It is most commonly found in refrigerated pasta meals and sauces.

Vodka sauce is a food product and not a single ingredient evaluated by regulatory bodies. The primary ingredients, such as tomatoes and cream, are common food items. The small amount of vodka used is generally considered safe as the alcohol is mostly evaporated during cooking. The U.S. FDA has not set specific regulations for vodka sauce as a whole, but its individual components are subject to general food safety standards.