Drink Vodka in Krakow, Poland

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Vodka is a staple in Krakow, as it should be since Poland is well situated in the “vodka belt,” which spans across Eastern Europe, the Nordic and Baltic States. The country has been producing vodka since the early Middle Ages. There are plenty of well-known and high-end vodkas exported from Poland including Belvedere and Chopin. That said, when visiting Krakow that’s likely not the kind of vodka you’ll be drinking. Instead, to drink like a local consider trying some of the flavored vodkas served at the bars. There are a few varieties worth sampling. The most common style is the cherry-flavoredWiśniówka, which also happens to be one of the cheapest flavored vodkas available. For something sweeter try Krupnick, which is made from honey and herbs.Żołądkowa Gorzka is a type of vodka with medicinal properties and has a sweet spiced taste. Perhaps one of the oldest Polish vodkas is Żubrówka. It’s smooth, sweet, and when mixed with apple juice it’s called a “tatanka.” Many restaurants in Krakow offer “nalewaka,” which is vodka infused with herbs and fruits – usually a family recipe. Tasting the different types of vodka is an experience, but don’t try to drink like a local or attempt to keep up with them drink for drink. Polish vodka consists of about 40 to 45 percent alcohol content. It’s served chilled and straight in glasses a bit larger than a shot glass. It is drunk like a shot with just one gulp and followed by a piece of herring or a sip of water and then promptly refilled. Pacing and skipping rounds is advisable. Finally, don’t order vodka mixed with any other beverage. In Krakow vodka is not an ingredient in a cocktail, it’s a drink that stands on its own.

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