It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Christmas is a magical time in Poland during which animals are said to speak and forgiveness is offered to those who have offended. And the most important one when the whole society is drunk or hungover, theyre not going to organise an uprising nor fight back. We love our lavish weddings, weekend barbecues, birthday AND name day celebrations, and, lest we forget, all those family gatherings. In the area of table wines, year on year, preferences are systematically shifting from sweet to semi-dry and dry wines. In Polish it is known as miod pitny, what means 'drinkable honey'. Statistically, a Polish consumer drinks some 92 litres of beer a year, which places it a third behind Germany. The oberek originated in the villages of Mazowsze in central Poland; it is danced by couples to instrumental music in triple meter. We do place in the top 10, but on the very last position. Although the Polish champagne market is still quite small, it is overgrowing. Spirytus vodka - o boe, Spirytus. z o.o. Borscht and other soups are de rigueur, as are pierogi (dumpling pies), dishes involving poppy seeds and sled loads of sweets. The Christmas Eve feast, known as Wigilia, is shared by family members. Centuries ago, when preparing tables for a Polish meal, alcoholic beverages were put on them, but not much was drunk during meals. Also, older generations of Poles tend to celebrate with vodka. In this way, it is possible to create styles that have not been known to consumers until now. Required fields are marked *. If you are a foreigner coming to work in Poland, you chose your future hometown with focusing on job opportunities and not nightlife (or did you?). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. This potent alcohol is moving around the tables, usually on significant events such as weddings or baptisms. It tastes great as a drink or addition to many meat dishes because it reflects their intense flavor and aroma well. * I have familiarized myself with the information regarding the personal data processing. Vodka is by far the most popular drink associated with Slavic countries in general. Cydr (Cider) Poland is the largest apple producer in the EU. 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. 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! 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! Vodka is drunk neat, chilled (but without ice) and usually in measurements of 50ml. Starka is a traditional Polish alcohol made from rye spirit, apple leaves and linden. Who knows! 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. You may change these settings at any time. The day after Christmas, Poles observe St. Stephan's Day, which extends the Christmas celebrations. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But if you still want to have fun na zdrowie (Eng. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Polski Daily is a platform for students of Polish Language. Its production was monopolized by the state, and it was used by everyone and practically everywhere. A massive amount of spirit was brought to Poland free of duty and taxes. Do bear in mind that from the legal point of view Poland may also have a slightly more strict approach to blood alcohol content while driving than in some other countries. Poland is a country full of unique traditions and customs, especially those rooted in the Catholic faith. The place where alcohol is consumed was important. The minimal number of people who knew how to write at that time meant that only the most important, essential information was written down. Under the influence of the fashion for French dishes, but only in the kitchen of wealthy people. With time, they started to introduce pop drinks into their menus. Home alcohol production is also connected with the beginnings of the free market in Poland in the 1990s. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Orangeade is a cooling carbonated soft drink with an intensely sweet, usually orange flavor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. What is Polish vodka made from? 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. 3-Food: Wedding party obviously starts with the dinner. Our domestic fruit growers suddenly stayed with tons of unsold fruit, the primary recipient of which was Russia. The most potent is Poltorak, characterized by a long maturation process somewhere 5-10 years. For example, during the II World War, when there wasnt enough food for people, the nazis would always keep the stores well suplied with vodka bottles. Only the beginning of the 21st century introduced a significant distinction on the Polish alcohol market. I mean, here in Poland we do drink relatively a lot of strong alcohol. [A1] Instrumental Case / Narzdnik Dialogues to learn Polish, [A1.1] Notes from a lesson Numbers and languages (free). The same research has shown that beer is the most popular drink among Poles, consumed by over half of the surveyed group. Which Polish beers should you try out? It is interesting that many excellent flavoured vodkas, such as lemons, nuts and oranges, were produced. And yet our candlesticks have great drinks, which win awards at international competitions, and several brands on the market certainly deserve attention. They are thinly rolled-out dough filled with a variety of fillings, savory or sweet. If you continue using our website without modifying the settings in your browser, you agree to cookies being placed on your device. When, after the outbreak of WWI, there was the widespread rushing of the samogon. Whether you are traveling to Poland for Christmas or spending the season with your Polish friends or family, there are certain facts you might wish to know about the Polish Christmas traditions. If the glasses are broken, it means they will leave together long and happy. At Polish wedding party this kind of alcohol you can find on each table. See our Polish Traditions Drinking Glasses and tip in style. If youre planning on sipping vodka, look for these brands: Pan Tadeusz, Belvedere, Zoladkowa Gorzka, or Zubrowka. Barszcz czerwony. Does champagne in Poland require rediscovery? Still one year after the war, the number of illegal distilleries reached 20,000. While your party vodka has an average of 80-90 proof, bimber comes with proofs as high as 180. This beverage gained the greatest fame in our country when Russia imposed an embargo on Polish apples in 2014. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Its part of the tradition! Polish Traditions. cheers)! Beer-drinking pub culture is more or less the same all over the world, but do not forget that Polish people usually take vodka in shots, not in drinks, accompanied by a chaser in the form of some juice or soda. These cookies do not store any personal information. Bartosz is a travel writer, photographer & founder/editor of theuniquepoland who tells stories of adventure, history and current affairs. Normally the Polish eat Pczki on this day. ubrwka is a Polish vodka flavored with bison grass (Hierochloe odorata), and each bottle contains a blade of bison grass. For those who prefer to enjoy a sweet, fruity taste, the one made from strawberries may be the right choice. Its a really fashionable thing to drink these crazy flavoured beers, you can find all kinds, even stuff like banana or hemp beers! In 1782, the Baczewski family opened the first industrial distillery in the world in Lviv. Of course the easiest way of preventing this nasty feeling is not going overboard with drinking in Poland. Lets take a look! Your email address will not be published. The Latin in vino Salus, or health in wine, is a confirmation of the use of alcohol in medicine. It can be traced back to Polish nobility, who consumed the drink as part of family traditions during the 1400s. Honey in these forms is widely used and has healing properties, and its taste has won many supporters. Do Polish people party a lot? In Poland, it became widely known during the times of Wadysaw Jagieo. Wdka is the Polish term for vodka - a worldwide famous drink from Russia, Poland, or Ukraine. Welcoming with Bread and Salt is also tradition for greeting important guests in Poland. It was our exchange currency on international markets. Fat Thursday in Poland Christmas Cheer in Poland 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. We wish to invite you to share your opinions about Poland. In the following years, this percentage decreased but never disappeared. The Old Polish tradition claims that medium-dry and semi-sweet fruit liqueurs nalewka should be served with meat dishes, while sweet nalewka is a . If youre after an intense aroma of cherry fruit which btw goes perfectly with tea giving it a unique character, pick cherry in a honey liqueur. Lets start strong. So still nowadays, it is quite popular to drink vodka, especially in smaller towns or villages, where people live in a more traditional way. It is produced by fermentation of honey. This bread and salt welcome has a symbolic purpose. Beer has always been brewed on Polish soil. Polish Vodka can be made from rye, barley, oats, wheat, triticale, or potatoes. 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! Feel free however to spend a night out in a cosy pub or a loud club - there are so many to choose from! Majors of the present and the future. It was during his time that in the books of many Polish magnates we find orders confirming that champagne was present in Poland from the very beginning of its existence. Bride and Groom and Their First Dance The party officially starts when the couple comes back from the church and steps to the podium to take their first dance. Best areas of study. Usually, Poles say that before sharing a drink, though, we say that phrase also when someone sneezes. More than half a thousand years ago, mulled wine was considered a great product that warms up and is an excellent means of prevention against demons and evil spirits. Polish variety of cheers is "Na Zdrowie," which means - drink (to) someone's health, to drink a toast to someone, wishing him good health. When we hear about beer, the first thing that comes to mind is the Czech Republic and Germany. 20 Polish slang words you wont find in coursebooks. 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 website uses cookies to improve your experience. Later on, beer is already a regular feature on the pages of our history, because it was one of the major branches of the industry at that time and generated colossal income. What Are The Most Popular Polish Christmas Carols? We drink vodka in kieliszki - short glasses. Poles are known for their excellent cuisine and hearty dishes that evolved over centuries. Westend61/Getty Images. What can we say? But before you give it a go, it would be wise to contact your physician. If you would like to taste something different with a rich flavor, then you should try out linden mead. 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. So how does it look like in Poland? Both areas are well-connected with the rest of Europe and largely enjoyed by visitors. How many did you know. However, it is most famous for the fact that it quickly quenches thirst and refreshes, which is why it works well in hot weather. The most considerable demands on beer styles are placed on people between the ages of 26-29. Poland has a variety of delicious drinks to enjoy, from soft ones to alcoholic beverages. France, in turn, is the home of the best wines and champagne. All rights reserved. The beer revolution is taking place before our very eyes. 12 Things you should know about Christmas traditions in Poland. Alcohol, due to its properties, affects practically every aspect of our lives: physiological, psychological and economic. What can party animals enjoy in Poland and which cities are the best for a night out after a long working day. Like, for example, on their wedding. Traditional to Podhale, Poland's southernmost region, bryndza is made from sheep milk and hence has a very distinct smell and salty flavour. I consent to using my computer / laptop / tablet / mobile phone and any other telecommunication equipment for the purpose of receiving Polish Tourist Organisation newsletters. The culture of Poland is influenced by the position of the country at the confluence of various regions of Europe with their distinct cultures. And some younger generations still continue these traditions. In turn, when choosing alcohol for snacks, it is worth to follow several rules. Not to mention, potato vodka is easier to make at home. Because of its origin, many over the years have tried to put an end to this tradition, unsuccessfully. I agree to receive tourist information newsletters from the Polish Tourist Organization via electronic channels of communication to the e-mail address indicated by me in accordance with the Act of 18 July 2002 regarding electronic services. often with a touch of comedy added, along with the singing of carols. Mead is an alcoholic beverage whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally, this dance was literally the first. Meads are sometimes made with various juices to improve their taste, as well as with herbs and spices. It wont be a stretch to say that Poles are beer lovers. Polish policemen frown upon drinking alcohol in public places such as parks, town squares and other tourist spots. Mid Pitny (Mead) Literally translated as a "drinking honey", this Polish alcoholic drink is made of the fermented honey and water. Check out job offers for foreigners in Poland. Other areas are mainly Wielkopolska, Kujawy, Pomerania and Lower Silesia. On this day, all over Poland, people eat their favourite sweet and sugary snacks. Its alcohol content ranges from 15 to 18% vol. During the winter season, numerous mountain resorts, ski slopes, restaurants, and bars offer delicious mulled wine that is loved by tourists and locals alike. And wine makers are following the brewers! They were always tasty and most often used for making nalewkas. The beginning of alcohol abuse in Poland came in the 16th century, with the appearance of vodka. Tradition (let me underline it really strongly!) According to the World Health Organisation, Poles are still far behind their neighbours, Lithuanians and Czechs, in terms of alcohol consumption. Small distilleries were not able to saturate the market, a production need arose. The contrast between sweetness and salt is a fantastic experience. Cicha Noc (Polish version of Silent Night) Bg Si Rodzi (The God Is Being Born) Przybieeli do Betlejem (Shepherds Came Running To Bethlehem) Lulaje Jezuniu (Hush-a-bye Baby Jesus) Pjdmy Wszyscy Do Stajenki (Let Us All Go To The Little Barn) Unfortunately, it was a product that did not gain the sympathy of the upper classes, because it was considered a drink of the poor. This sweet drink Poles often link with blissful childhood, holidays at grandmas, or Christmas Eve where the compote reigns on the table and has its place among Christmas Eve dishes. We can even talk about a specific fashion for enjoying new wines, learning about other customs and tasting specialities from countries with a high culture of wine. Interestingly enough, in the 1960s and 1970s, Poland was the centre of vodka supplies for the entire Warsaw Pact. Kvass strengthens immunity, regulates digestion, and even promotes weight loss. France Bonding Patterns: Mediterranean Central Only the last two decades prove that wine is gaining popularity in Poland, and the dynamics of its consumption is overgrowing. The glasses from the toast will then immediately be tossed and broken. Both wine and beer, the oldest percentage of drinks, contain vitamins, sugars, iron, minerals, regulate digestion, and so on. Over the centuries, it has also become one of the most essential alcohols of all time. All of those little breweries try to outdo each other with new flavours and types of 0% beers wheat, fruity, IPAs, APAs, all kinds now all good for you no matter if youre driving, taking some serious meds or simply not in the mood for drinking! In Polish tradition, the bread and salt at the reception are ritual food. Poland's traditional drinks Vodka is by far the most popular drink associated with Slavic countries in general. Besides, they are a perfect addition to your dinner. This changed only at the end of the 18th century. The consent is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time by sending an e-mail to our data protection officer (dpo@pot.gov.pl) from the e-mail address to which the consent relates. In 2018 Poles broke a record for beer consumption, 100.5 liters per person. Beer is mentioned by numerous chroniclers, both Polish and foreign, which testifies to its exceptional popularity in ancient times. Contrary to stereotypes, the wine drinking culture in Poland is much more vibrant and developed, although very problematic. The information regarding the administrator and personal data processing. Soon the last Polish king Stanislaw August Poniatowski was to sit on the throne. Szarlotka (Polish Apple Pie Cocktail) Saveur 87 chamomile, vodka, apple juice Traditional Polish Christmas Eve Compote Everyday healthy recipes cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, sugar, nutmeg, lemon rind, water and 2 more Grzane piwo, Polish mulled beer Electric Blue Food 14 lemon slice, cinnamon stick, honey, lager beer, water, cloves The drink has been around since the 15th century. 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. The illegal rush fell to flourish after the outbreak of the Great Depression. 5.8 litres per year for women. Breathtaking Polish vineyards, award-winning organic farms, spectacular fine-dining countryside restaurants, breweries, distilleries and unspoiled nature all that awaits you in Poland. So still nowadays, it is quite popular to drink vodka, especially in smaller towns or villages, where people live in a more traditional way. Not only classical bitter hops are produced and delivered to breweries, but also hops, which give the beer a specific aroma. Drinking beer as a basic drink was typical during the Middle Ages. WE'RE LOCALS We're Polish and live in Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk The Lublin region dominates, especially when it comes to the production of hops, which supplies almost 90% of this raw material. With over a thousand years of history, this slightly forgotten drink of fermented honey and water makes a pleasantly surprising comeback.