[Tade0]

Specifically in Polish "wódka" (vodka) historically could describe any alcohol-based fluid, be it drinks, perfume or topical medication, so I guess it's this broader term that's used here.

[dredmorbius]

Etymologically, "vodka" (and its various, mostly Slavic, cognates) means "little water".

Similarly, whiskey means "water of life". Alchemists had aqua vitae, in Latin, with the same meaning, and the French eau-de-vie.

<https://www.etymonline.com/word/vodka>

<https://www.etymonline.com/word/whiskey>