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Ever wondered what it’s like to sip on a piece of Polish folklore? Enter the world of Zubrowka, also known as ZU—a vodka that has been the toast of Poland for centuries. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill vodka; it’s steeped in a rich history, flavored by grass that bison graze on in the wild expanses of a remote Polish forest. Yes, you heard that right—bison grass. It’s the secret ingredient that turns this vodka from just another bottle on the shelf into a sip of botanical brilliance.
Imagine a vodka that does more than just provide a neutral base—it introduces a world of flavors. With its grassy undertones and subtle notes of vanilla and almond, ZU brings a layer of complexity that most vodkas simply can’t match. It’s like nature’s own blend of earthy and sweet, making it the perfect canvas for creative cocktail concoctions.
So, what can you mix up with this fascinating spirit? We’ve got three tantalizing cocktails that’ll make you the star of your next gathering, each one easy to whip up with just a few ingredients—and yes, one of them even involves a simple infused syrup (but don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds).
Easy: ZU and Cider
The classic combination of ZU and apple juice has been a favorite for centuries, offering a taste that’s deliciously reminiscent of apple pie. But why stick with tradition when you can elevate it? By swapping out the apple juice for hard cider, you’ll introduce a delightful complexity, a bit of effervescence, and a touch more kick to your drink.
Instructions:
Add 1 1/2 ounces ZU to a tall glass with ice, and top with about 4 ounces of hard cider. Apple slices make a logical (and good-looking) garnish.
Intermediate: Raspberry
Typically, when fruit and vodka team up in a cocktail recipe, you can expect a sugar overload. Not with this one. The generous splash of ZU infuses the drink with intriguing herbal and vanilla notes, while the raspberries and zesty lemon keep it bright, tangy, and refreshingly balanced.
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, muddle (that is, smash up) 5 raspberries. Add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, 2 ounces of ZU, and 1/2 ounce of honey syrup — that's just equal parts of honey and hot water stirred together. Add a dash of orange bitters, if you have 'em. (Angostura orange bitters are sold at most grocery stores.) Add ice, shake it all up, and strain into a glass. A splash of soda brightens up everything.
Advanced: Grapefruit-Thyme
For this cocktail, we’ll be whipping up a thyme syrup in no time! Once you’ve got your syrup ready, this drink takes just 10 seconds to mix. And imagine the look on your friends’ faces when you casually mention, “Oh, this cocktail? It’s just a thyme syrup I made. So simple!”
Instructions:
Let's start with the thyme syrup. Boil 1/2 cup of water, take it off the heat and drop in a handful of fresh thyme sprigs; let it steep for about 10 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar until it dissolves. Look: thyme syrup! (This'll make at least six drinks; the extra keeps for quite a while in the fridge.)
For the cocktail: Add 2 ounces of ZU, 1 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice and 3/4 ounce of that thyme syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it all up, strain into a classy cocktail glass (this one is called a coupe) and garnish with a little more thyme.
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