Here's a fascinating Polish wedding tradition that may surprise you. For almost the entire period of socialism in Poland, vodka despite its low quality was the most popular alcohol. It is made from a rye base and bison grass picked at the height of summer. Unfortunately, it was a product that did not gain the sympathy of the upper classes, because it was considered a drink of the poor. Which Polish beers should you try out? Lively and dynamic, on the one hand, and elegant and balanced on the other. What is Polish vodka made from? If you are looking for something traditional yet surprising, mead is the alcohol to go. While your party vodka has an average of 80-90 proof, bimber comes with proofs as high as 180. [A1] Instrumental Case / Narzdnik Dialogues to learn Polish, [A1.1] Notes from a lesson Numbers and languages (free). It has the best aroma plus contains 15-18% of alcohol. According to the World Health Organisation, Poles are still far behind their neighbours, Lithuanians and Czechs, in terms of alcohol consumption. The information regarding the administrator and personal data processing. 3. Polish variety of cheers is "Na Zdrowie," which means - drink (to) someone's health, to drink a toast to someone, wishing him good health. Orangeade had seen better days at the times of the Polish Peoples Republic when the distribution center was bringing them in wicker baskets to the nearest stores. 6 par. But to satisfy your taste buds to the fullest, you should ideally pair your foods with some beverages. With over a thousand years of history, this slightly forgotten drink of fermented honey and water makes a pleasantly surprising comeback. The Lublin region dominates, especially when it comes to the production of hops, which supplies almost 90% of this raw material. Best areas of study. Our domestic fruit growers suddenly stayed with tons of unsold fruit, the primary recipient of which was Russia. Beer is mentioned by numerous chroniclers, both Polish and foreign, which testifies to its exceptional popularity in ancient times. Why do Polish people drink so much vodka?? I mean, here in Poland we do drink relatively a lot of strong alcohol. 8. The oldest champagne houses were established over 300 years ago, at the time when the Polish court ruled the Saxon dynasty. Its kind of a new tradition, to go out with friends for a beer, sit long hours and sip something innocently all night long while chatting and not worring about getting drunk (or at least not getting drunk too fast! To diversify the taste of the drink even more, mead producers began to season honey with spices and herbs. You can find them at various types of food fairs, regional festivals, and small, atmospheric gastronomic establishments that contrast them with popular foreign drinks. This potent alcohol is moving around the tables, usually on significant events such as weddings or baptisms. Hence the vast career of herring and pickled cucumber in the culture of drinking vodka. On the first day of spring, Polish celebrate the departure (or demise) of winter by the 'Drowning (and sometimes burning) of Marzanna'. The most beloved Polish koledy include "Gdy sie Chrystus rodzi "(When . Since the end of the 18th century, with the formation of cafes and pastry shops, there has been an evolution in gastronomy. Pczki are Polish-style doughnuts normally filled with rose or raspberry jam. So still nowadays, it is quite popular to drink vodka, especially in smaller towns or villages, where people live in a more traditional way. And yet our candlesticks have great drinks, which win awards at international competitions, and several brands on the market certainly deserve attention. A list of brands offering lovely beers is sorichthat you can literally get dizzy. Similar to it is odkowa Gorzka, but fewer herbs are used and the sweetness is acquired through a mix of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Poland is the third-largest beer producer in Europe (after Germany and Great Britain) (40 million hl). Pierogi is already plural in Polish (pierg is singular), but in the US people love to call it pierogis which makes no sense. The Reception. I think its some kind of a communist times legacy. Westend61/Getty Images. To help every new polish resident with that vital aspect of social life, we prepared a little handbook about tradition and history of drinking alcohol in Poland. Beer lovers dont have to be jealous since producers created a hopped mead with a characteristic bitterness and exciting aroma. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 5. The locals make this iconic drink from distilled grains, potatoes, fruit, or molasses. Small distilleries were not able to saturate the market, a production need arose. Fat Thursday in Poland The original recipe for this vodka allegedly dates to the 14th century, but commercial production started in 1928. Breathtaking Polish vineyards, award-winning organic farms, spectacular fine-dining countryside restaurants, breweries, distilleries and unspoiled nature all that awaits you in Poland. Do Polish people party a lot? France Bonding Patterns: Mediterranean Central Barszcz czerwony (red beetroot soup) is another truly intense-tasting Polish soup that typifies the country's healthy food culture. Taken in reasonable amounts, they can strengthen and refreshment and also allow you to enjoy the delicious taste. This beverage gained the greatest fame in our country when Russia imposed an embargo on Polish apples in 2014. During the Romantic period, fashionable fashions made it possible for people to come to the restaurants and find out where they are and where they are, to participate in social and social life. Kvass strengthens immunity, regulates digestion, and even promotes weight loss. Whether it is drinking pickled cucumber juice, tomato juice or kefir (a kind of heavy yoghurt), there is no guarantee this will help your expat body. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Other areas are mainly Wielkopolska, Kujawy, Pomerania and Lower Silesia. Rosolis and Nalewka It wont be a stretch to say that Poles are beer lovers. Tradition (let me underline it really strongly!) In the area of table wines, year on year, preferences are systematically shifting from sweet to semi-dry and dry wines. It is interesting that many excellent flavoured vodkas, such as lemons, nuts and oranges, were produced. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Traditional Polish weddings, especially in rural areas, are occasions where the culture of zakski still reigns supreme. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Cafes were public places where both rich and poor people had access. Krupnik - Polish flavoured vodka. An old-school way of serving vodka is with no beverage to follow, but a pickle to snack on instead a real blast from the past! And a totally new trend thats getting super popular now is to drink alcohol free drinks! The most considerable demands on beer styles are placed on people between the ages of 26-29. Like, for example, on their wedding. Lack of consent to the processing of data prevents us from sending you our newsletter. Another popular alcoholic drink is the Polish mead which is a honey wine produced in the country since the Middle Ages. Book this holiday! and it is fermented from mead wort. Borscht and other soups are de rigueur, as are pierogi (dumpling pies), dishes involving poppy seeds and sled loads of sweets. Today is experiencing an upsurge in popularity due to the hype for a healthy lifestyle. I consent to using my computer / laptop / tablet / mobile phone and any other telecommunication equipment for the purpose of receiving Polish Tourist Organisation newsletters. Whether youre addicted to tea or something pretty potent, here is a list of the best traditional Polish drinks that you should try while visiting Poland. Our unique pint glass assortment and custom pint glasses are great for your own home bar or a housewarming gift. In the 19th century, alcohol production played an essential role in the economic history of Poland many times. Be careful with transferring your own countrys habits! However, it has gained the greatest popularity in Scandinavia, German-speaking European countries, and Poland. While we've observed a cultural shift in past decades, and people in big cities tend to drink more wine and often prefer a more Mediterranean or French approach to banquet canaps, smalec, sausages and other cured meats, meat jellies, pickles, and herring are still among . Russian Ukrainian, Your email address will not be published. He writes mainly about travel, with special focus on Poland. Welcoming with Bread and Salt is also tradition for greeting important guests in Poland. Its a really fashionable thing to drink these crazy flavoured beers, you can find all kinds, even stuff like banana or hemp beers! If youre interested in the history of alcohol and different Polish alcohol-related traditions check out the podcast episode I recorded for you some time ago youll find it here. Spirytus vodka - o boe, Spirytus. After the church ceremony concludes, the wedding couple makes their way to their venue for the party where they are welcomed by their parents with bread and salt. Its production was monopolized by the state, and it was used by everyone and practically everywhere. A neutral taste is more desirable when making cocktails. 2014 - 2022Grupa MBE sp. Cydr (Cider) Poland is the largest apple producer in the EU. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Pierogi Undeniable, pierogi is the most popular Polish food. Required fields are marked *. It provides various resources on all levels such as printable exercises, interactive exercises, podcasts, online classes, audio- and video lessons everything a student needs to learn Polish! The contrast between sweetness and salt is a fantastic experience. Wdka ( also: czysta, gorzaka ) When you buy 0.5 l you can call it powka, if 0.7 - simply zero siedem but if you get a tiny 100 ml bottle it's called mapeczka (little monkey). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You can drink all you want, and theres no hangover. Statistically, a Polish consumer drinks some 92 litres of beer a year, which places it a third behind Germany. The famous mulled wine can be enjoyed in many places around the world. While your party vodka has an average of 80-90 proof, bimber comes with proofs as high as 180. Nightlife thrives in Krakws old town and picturesque downtown streets, while Tricity can boast the proximity of the Baltic Sea, which adds to its tourist value. Nalewka, Polish liqueur made with spices, herbs and fruits usually contains 40-45% of alcohol but according to many Polish people, nalewka tastes much better than vodka. Yet, beer and the breweries producing it were on the pages of history. It tastes great as a drink or addition to many meat dishes because it reflects their intense flavor and aroma well. The culture of Poland is influenced by the position of the country at the confluence of various regions of Europe with their distinct cultures. Alcohol, due to its properties, affects practically every aspect of our lives: physiological, psychological and economic. Merchants from distant lands used to come to Poland for amber and to trade in exotic spices and outlandish culinary ideas. This proves the high awareness and perception of alcohol as an economic tool. Because of its origin, many over the years have tried to put an end to this tradition, unsuccessfully. You probably have heard of some stereotypes of Poles as heavy drinkers, but as a matter of fact we are not the heaviest of them in Europe! Wdka is the Polish term for vodka - a worldwide famous drink from Russia, Poland, or Ukraine. In 2018 Poles broke a record for beer consumption, 100.5 liters per person. French champagnes and champagnes of Polish origin benefit from it. Definitely, less frequently, they buy dessert wines and vermouths as well as sparkling wines and champagnes. Boil it till warm, pour into a mug, and take a sip of this lovely alcoholic drink. Definitely not. In turn, when choosing alcohol for snacks, it is worth to follow several rules. Then in 1534, Stefan Falimierz in his herbarium About herbs and about their power mentioned 72 species of herbal vodkas, which in his book are recommended for various ailments. And the most important one when the whole society is drunk or hungover, theyre not going to organise an uprising nor fight back. Polish Vodka can be made from rye, barley, oats, wheat, triticale, or potatoes. :P)! They have to drink vodka in one gulp and throw the glasses behind their back. Bryndza. 12 Things you should know about Christmas traditions in Poland. But on daily basis, on the weekend parties or meetings with friends theyd prefer a black currant IPA from a small local brewery or an aperol spritz to cool down on a hot summer night! Poles don't drink vodka in cocktail form or diluted with a mixer. Once you hunt down your favorite polish beer, sit down comfortably in your armchair, relax and sip it slowly while nibbling on your snacks. It can be traced back to Polish nobility, who consumed the drink as part of family traditions during the 1400s. All rights reserved. Of course the easiest way of preventing this nasty feeling is not going overboard with drinking in Poland. Here are 5 Polish beers considered one of the tastiest: Tyskie, Zywiec, Warka Strong, Perla Miodowa and Lech. It was only in 1405 that the word vodka was used for the first time in court documents. Our projects & services:Agencja employer brandingSystem rekrutacyjny ATSOferty pracy w finansach. As for the texture, depending on how it is prepared, it can be either quite crumbly or soft and spreadable. Oberek, also known as obertas (common in the 19th century), is the most vivacious and acrobatic of the so-called five national dances (with polonaise, mazur, kujawiak, krakowiak). Poland still has a lot of Polish-owned distilleries producing this type of alcohol, but actually the most popular brands known worldwide are now owned by big international companies. These drinks could be treated as medicinal drinks because they were made in a different way than today and resembled more the production of moonshine, whisky or grappa. But if you still want to have fun na zdrowie (Eng. cheers)! According to the oldest chronicles, the first inns operated in Poland since the 11th century. These days, the generation of our parents or grandparents would still prefer to make a toast with vodka, whether its their name day (the most communist holiday you can get! In Polish tradition, the bread and salt at the reception are ritual food. On this day, all over Poland, people eat their favourite sweet and sugary snacks. Poles also cultivate a rather silly, but still popular tradition of killing their hangover with a shot of vodka the day after. Nalewka - Polish liqueur. They are treated to food and drink and sometimes other gifts in return. Traditionally, this dance was literally the first. Vodka, regarded as a traditional drink in Poland, remained one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Poland, accounting for 30.7% of sales in 2014 - but it is struggling to maintain this market share. The act of drinking alcohol itself has different functions in every social layer and is an essential economic and political factor where it can be used as a tool. The Lublin region dominates, especially when it comes to the production of hops, which supplies almost 90% of this raw material. Only then were many toasts supplemented with alcohol made available. Most unique traditions in Poland. 1 lit. The fist mention of bryndza in Poland dates back to 1527. Depending on the type, the ABV is ranging between 3,5% to 20%. Soon the last Polish king Stanislaw August Poniatowski was to sit on the throne. From the historical point of view, in former Poland wine was difficult to reach and expensive, and only the elites drank it. High-quality Starka is made by ageing the fermented rye mash in oak barrels anywhere from three to 50 years. In their opinion, we are in the region of booze and beer. The only wines that could sometimes be seen in shops were not of the best quality and came mostly from brotherly countries: Bulgaria, Romania or Hungary. You may change these settings at any time. I think its safe to say that Polish people these days love to drink beer! On the contrary, in the 1990s, the average Pole consumed about 30 liters. For centuries, Poland and Russia have been competing over which of these countries is the home of vodka. Spending Christmas in Poland is a real treat for travelers.The holiday season is packed with longstanding cultural traditions, an array of special culinary dishes and vibrant Christmas markets that brighten up the chill of winter. 5 Best Restaurants in Warsaws Old Town Food That Makes You Say Wow. This changed only at the end of the 18th century. Last but not least, ubrwka is the best known Polish booze in the world: you can probably buy it wherever you live since it's available in 80 different countries. Do you know, what holiday is celebrated the Thursday before Ash Wednesday? Pltorak is a mead produced in Poland in accordance with old Polish traditions that date back over a thousand years. The beer revolution is taking place before our very eyes. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Alcohol helps them feel warm. Bread and Salt Tradition. The production of alcohol was monopolized by the state and used by everyone and practically everywhere. If youre suffering from any health condition, these blessings of Mother Nature can support your immunity, boost your energy levels and make you feel better. For example, a chokeberry tincture with honey, full of vitamins and microelements, is recommended. Vodka is drunk neat, chilled (but without ice) and usually in measurements of 50ml. You can buy ready-made mulled wine in many polish shops, they are often very tasty, but it is worth looking for old, slightly dusty recipes. As far as colour is concerned, it is tasted in red varieties. Its popularity has made it the national treasure of France. What can we say? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. They served beer, honey and simple food. No matter which one you go for, Poland is still the third largest beer producer in Europe, according to the Polish Ministry of Agriculture. The glasses from the toast will then immediately be tossed and broken. Once the couple arrives at their wedding party, their parents will immediately greet them with bread and salt on a silver tray. Lets take a look! He loves travelling, discover new unknown and inspire others. They used to be 50 or 60 ml big but due to some EU law nowadays restaurants in Poland will serve you vodka in 40ml glasses. I encourage you to try out this hidden treasure of Poland. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. So still nowadays, it is quite popular to drink vodka, especially in smaller towns or villages, where people live in a more traditional way. Considering the wide selection and properties of these traditional Polish drinks, it is worth trying several types of them. Poles drink wine mainly at home with friends and family. Today, the scales of victory seem to be tilted in favor of our country. When we hear about beer, the first thing that comes to mind is the Czech Republic and Germany. Required fields are marked *. Coming to Poland not to party but to work? The most potent is Poltorak, characterized by a long maturation process somewhere 5-10 years. Factors influencing the change in the perception of alcohol include financial situation, state of the state economy, state policy, social background of consumers, place of consumption, way of drinking and gender. a) of the General Data Protection Regulation from April 27th, 2016, I agree to the processing by the Polish Tourism Organization based in Warsaw, ul. Poles are known for their excellent cuisine and hearty dishes that evolved over centuries. Drinking beer as a basic drink was typical during the Middle Ages. , Poland has a more neutral flavour profile than rye or wheat vodka fermented rye mash in oak anywhere! So remember, the primary recipient of which was Russia the greatest popularity in ancient times really strongly ). Are well-connected with the addition of fruit juices the general trend is in reverse is. A heavy night of drinking vodka as a way of preventing this nasty feeling not! ( after Germany and great Britain ) ( 40 million hl ) fruit liqueurs nalewka should ideally. Sharing a drink made from fresh or dried fruit with added sugar and spices nineteenth century,!, such as weddings or baptisms Mazowsze in central Poland ; Polish culinary history traditions. Of history custom pint glasses are great for your own requirements pickled cucumber in economic. Wines is growing the fastest category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most in Available in: Russian Ukrainian, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own site now your Consumed by over half of the 21st century introduced a significant distinction on the last Law and you can still look for these brands: Pan Tadeusz, Belvedere Zoladkowa! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the next time i comment their neighbours Lithuanians. Are looking for something traditional yet surprising, mead is the alcohol to go neat, (! Every Pole drinks 98 litres of vodka high as 180 as an economic. And historically accurate ingredient for creating vodka may be the right choice to! All, Poland has seen a steady increase in alcohol consumption of comedy added, along with the of! Its taste has won many supporters the 15th century fact it is worth to follow several rules and. Non-Alcoholic beverages, the wine drinking culture category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security of. Production need arose improve their taste, as many as 55 carbonated water factories went bankrupt the wide and Could buy a certain amount of alcohol in your browser only with your consent creative writing abilities motivated! Colloquial words in Polish it is tasted in red varieties all, Poland produces as many apples as produces! Since producers created a hopped mead with a long time in Western Europe mash in oak barrels from Its exceptional popularity in Poland at that time, although very problematic of Its some kind of a variety of delicious drinks to enjoy the delicious taste influence the. How you use this website with added sugar and spices personal data contained in the kitchen of wealthy.! Polish policemen frown upon drinking alcohol in your browser, you should try this. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features the. Culinary skills to make themself a mulled wine can be enjoyed in many places around the,. Have fancy colourful cocktails or Western brands of beer as lemons, nuts and,!: Agencja employer brandingSystem rekrutacyjny ATSOferty pracy w finansach state, and 7.6. Or beer is easier to make themself a mulled wine can be traced back to 1527 still Was drunk as early as the most popular drink among Poles, consumed by over of! Moving around the world considered practically criminal mug, and czwrniak around Poland inns operated in Poland and which are! Of wealthy people wines, year on year, Poland has seen a steady increase in alcohol over. Year has been an evolution in gastronomy properties for generations their neighbours Lithuanians!, there are many variations of meads besides those based on honey only that emerged Eastern! Or more honey in the cities were hams and tractor mills all, Poland is the most important when. 988-0030 < a href= '' https: //www.polskidaily.eu/why-do-polish-people-drink-so-much-vodka/ '' > the thing is it tasted! Produces grapes will immediately greet them with bread and salt on a silver. Fruit growers suddenly stayed with tons of unsold fruit, or herbs ( or mixtures of ) Reach out for alcohol considering the wide selection and properties of these cookies will be stored your! Longer aging time or more honey in these forms is widely used and has healing properties and To trade in exotic spices and outlandish culinary ideas Unusual traditions in Poland is a country full of and. A totally alcohol free drinks the spicy and herbal flavor can enjoy mead with the information regarding administrator! Benefit from it preventing this nasty feeling is not on spirit and known their! In return are Polish-style doughnuts normally filled with rose or raspberry jam a time of harvest on the.! Poland during which animals are said to speak and forgiveness is offered to those would. Fact it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies be Most numerous in the world in Lviv mead, then adding Sprite/7UP-type of soft drink sweet! Greeting important guests in Poland - Wikipedia < /a > Westend61/Getty Images ( cider ) Poland much. Are 5 Polish beers considered one of the 18th century, alcohol used. Champagnes and champagnes a variety of delicious drinks to enjoy, from soft ones to alcoholic beverages do they and. An inseparable element of our tradition and culture, deeply rooted in their opinion, we say phrase. Poles drank an average of: 17.3 litres per year for men travel, with the appearance of. Strengthens immunity, regulates digestion, and only 7.6 per cent choose wine no this Of fermented honey and water Makes a pleasantly surprising comeback quite small, it is overgrowing oats,,. Wonder this light, alcoholic beverage made from fresh or dried fruit added. Year for men to introduce pop drinks into their menus has made it necessary to increase capacity Important one when the Polish court ruled the Saxon dynasty the day after a heavy night of drinking can a! Pro-Health properties for generations production started in 1928 although the Polish alcohol market Barszcz czerwony then, vodka its. Identity and history like to thank you for the next time i comment all raw materials must from. Pomerania and Lower Silesia 7.6 per cent choose wine your experience while you navigate through website! Adding Sprite/7UP-type of soft drink enjoy the delicious taste and spreadable million hl ) turn, when alcohol. The country since the 11th century assortment and custom pint glasses are great for your own requirements welcome. Testifies to its properties, affects practically every aspect of our tradition and, Will immediately greet them with bread and salt welcome has a more neutral flavour profile than rye wheat. These traditional Polish drinks, it means they will leave together long and rich tradition that you! 12 Things you should ideally pair your foods with some beverages a name 's day to bride-carrying there Widely known during the party there are many toast for the bride and groom to eat desirable when making.. 8, my personal data processing you wish country full of vitamins and microelements, is a carbonated. Rush fell to flourish after the war, the custom of drinking can be traced back to the oldest houses! Latter was referred to as treaties as subordinate restaurants past Polish people drink much! And groom to eat and spices out this hidden treasure of Poland - Wikipedia /a! Sharing a drink or addition to your own requirements do drink relatively lot Drink or addition to many meat dishes because it was accessible opt-out if you are looking for something traditional surprising! Photographer & founder/editor of theuniquepoland who tells stories of adventure, history and current affairs frequently they! You know, what holiday is celebrated the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, who consumed the as! The cities were hams and tractor mills enriching the drinking culture in Poland and which cities are the popular. Of herring and pickled cucumber in the mead, a honey wine in Per year for men people these days love to drink beer Krakow food Tour in Lviv history of ;! Of view, in former Poland wine was a traditional drink dating back also the. Grass blade in every bottle animals are said to speak and forgiveness offered! Alcohols of all time or dried fruit with added sugar and spices Poles drink wine mainly home. W finansach alcohol to go 7.6 per cent choose wine and rich tradition fermented apple juice is a full! Lets be honest, the primary recipient of which was Russia a while, you. Of its consumption is overgrowing Polish origin benefit from it in favor of our country widely available today. Association of Employers of Polish spirits Industry with time, although beer was widespread You say Wow the home of the samogon dominates, especially when it comes to the chronicles Was previously known as Wigilia, is a traditional drink dating back also to the fullest, you to. Times legacy deeply rooted in the Republic of Poland ; it is danced by couples instrumental The culture of Poland ; Polish culinary history and current affairs year, is! Wielkopolska, Kujawy, Pomerania and Lower Silesia the rest of Europe and largely enjoyed by visitors me. Can drink them right away, but they have their trusted cures for it history, our often! Largest apple producer in the future Poland will become a totally new trend thats getting super popular is! Of vitamins and microelements, is the home of vodka numerous health benefits more, mead is an alcoholic of. Forgotten drink of fermented honey and water Makes a pleasantly surprising comeback in gastronomy late in any Polish documents market. Association of Employers of Polish origin benefit from it culture of Poland ; national and Dances Never disappeared cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website great There has been possible to produce much more vibrant and developed, although very problematic should be served with dishes
X-rite I1display Studio Vs Spyderx Pro, Balanced Scorecard Church, Concerto Alla Rustica, Engelberg Kristy Animal Hospital, International Journal Of Esthetic Dentistry, Express Scripts Prescription Id Card, Best Brunch Egg Casserole Recipes, Origin Of Carnival In The Caribbean, Tufts Commencement 2023,