Tatanka or Szarlotka from The Piano Rogue in Krakow

After a day of touring around Krakow, Poland, with history, delicious food, and tired bodies, a few of us just wanted to relax before returning to our hotel. Our guide had been nice enough to search the square to find the perfect spot, The Piano Rouge. What a treat to walk into this supper club where time had stopped and hear a father and daughter team singing “Unforgettable.” In its relaxing environment, I enjoyed a well-known traditional Polish cocktail, both refreshing and tasty, called Tatanka or Szarlotka. It translates to apple pie.

Tatanka or Szarlotka Cocktail (Apple Pie)

Ingredients:

1 ounce (28 ml) Żubrówka Vodka (in English, it would be called Bison Grass Vodka)

2 or 3 ounces (58 ml or 86 ml) apple juice

Dash or two of lemon juice

Method:

Mix all ingredients and pour over ice cubes.

Garnish with apple slices.

Żubrówka Vodka has been produced since the 16^th century. Since it is distilled from rye and flavored with tincture of buffalo grass, this method provides the vodka with a yellow tint. This same grass does not meet with U.S. standards, so in the U.S. a milder version is sold called Bison Vodka. Each U.S. bottle generally has a blade of bison grass in it.

Enjoy a little bit of Poland.