Drinks
Wódka — The National Drink
Poland and Russia have been arguing for centuries over who invented vodka. No matter — Polish vodka is top-notch:
- Żubrówka: The most famous — with a blade of bison grass (Hierochloe odorata) from the Białowieża Forest. Slightly sweet, aromatic, perfect mixed with apple juice (Szarlotka cocktail, “Apple Pie”)
- Wyborowa: The classic — pure, clear, elegant
- Belvedere: Premium vodka from Gdańsk, internationally celebrated
- Goldwasser (Goldwässerchen): Gdańsk specialty since 1598 — herbal liqueur with real gold flakes
Drinking ritual: Vodka is chilled, neat, and in one go from small glasses (Kieliszki). Always with a toast: “Na zdrowie!” Never drink alone, never without reason. Accompanied by a snack (e.g., pickled cucumber, herring, bread).
Craft Beer — The Revolution
Since 2010, Poland has been experiencing a craft beer explosion. In every major city, there are dozens of microbreweries and multitap bars with 20–40 taps. Polish craft beer is excellent and dirt cheap (a pint for 12–18 PLN / 3–4€).
Recommended breweries: Browar Pinta (pioneer), Browar Stu Mostów (Wrocław), Funky Fluid (Warsaw), Nepomucen (Kraków).
Coffee & Tea
Polish coffee culture is booming: specialty coffee roasters in every city, “Third Wave” cafés with their own roast profile. Traditionally, Kawa po turecku (Turkish coffee): ground coffee directly in the cup with hot water poured over — leave the grounds at the bottom!
Herbata (tea) is traditionally drunk in a glass with lemon — never with milk.
Kompot & Others
- Kompot: Cooked fruit water (cherries, apples, plums) — served warm or cold with meals. Available in every Bar Mleczny for 3 PLN
- Miód pitny: Polish mead (honey wine) — a tradition since the Middle Ages. Try “Półtorak” (the strongest: 1 part water to 1.5 parts honey)
- Piwo (beer): The mass brands Żywiec, Tyskie, and Okocim are solid lagers. For craft: head to the multitap bars
