One of the best Polish mixed drinks that I know is Szarlotka cocktail. It’s perfect for apple pie lovers as Szarlotka literally means “apple pie” in Polish.
It’s an alcoholic cocktail made with Bison Grass Vodka, apple juice, and a touch of cinnamon. Let’s take a closer look!
Ingredients for Szarlotka Cocktail
Żubrówka vodka
Discover the flavor of bison grass-infused Polish vodka. Its herbal overtones really complement the apple and cinnamon tastes.
For the best taste, use cold Żubrówka straight from the freezer.
Żubrówka holds a special place in the Polish drinking game. It’s made with bison grass, growing in the forests of the Białowieża Forest on the border between Belarus and Poland.
Apple juice
This cocktail wouldn’t be called Szarlotka without some apple flavor. That’s why I present to you the key ingredient, apple juice.
Choose freshly pressed or high-quality juice without added sugars. Also, make sure to chill it before mixing it into the cocktail.
You can use unfiltered apple juice with pulp for a more authentic apple pie taste. However, I like see-through juice more.
Fun fact: Poland is actually a major producer of apples—in 2023 Polish apple exports topped 500,000 metric tons.
Apple syrup (optional)
Add about a teaspoon (5 ml) of apple syrup if you prefer your drink on the sweeter side.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a key spice in the Szarlotka cocktail. Add it to the drink right before serving for maximum taste.
You can also garnish your cocktail with a cinnamon stick. It looks wonderful, I promise!
Sliced apple
I like using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith. Slice them right before serving to keep them looking fresh.
Ice cubes
If you don’t want your ice to melt quickly, use bigger chunks of ice. This way, you can keep your drink cold without diluting the flavors too much.
Since this cocktail is inspired by Polish apple pie, you can head over to my compilation of the best Polish desserts for more ideas!
While we’re at it, you can also check out these amazing Polish cakes, including the famous apple cake.
How to Make Szarlotka Cocktail
I’d like to walk you through the steps of making this apple juice and vodka cocktail:
- Fill your glass with ice cubes.
- Add 2 oz (60 ml) of Żubrówka vodka to the ice.
- Pour in 2 oz (60 ml) of apple juice. I like going 1:1 but feel free to adjust the ratio to your taste.
- Optional: add a teaspoon (5 ml) of apple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Stir gently to mix all the ingredients together.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the top of the cocktail.
- Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick.
Now you can enjoy a homemade Polish cocktail. Very simple, right?
This apple pie cocktail is excellent for house parties or cozy nights in. But it can work for more festive occasions too. For example, as a cocktail for New Year.
You can also try these other Polish alcoholic drinks for more options!
Szarlotka Cocktail (Polish Apple Juice and Vodka Cocktail)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Żubrówka (60 ml)
- 2 oz apple juice or adjust to your taste (60 ml)
- 1 teaspoon apple syrup (optional)
- Cinammon to sprinkle
For garnish:
- 1 apple slice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Grab a glass and fill it with ice cubes.
- Pour in Żubrówka vodka over the ice.2 oz Żubrówka
- Add apple juice to the mix. Feel free to adjust the ratio to your taste preference.2 oz apple juice or adjust to your taste
- For extra sweetness, you can choose to add a little bit of apple syrup.1 teaspoon apple syrup
- Give the ingredients a gentle stir to mix them together.
- Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on top for extra flavor.Cinammon to sprinkle
- Finish off by garnishing with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Na Zdrowie!1 apple slice, 1 cinnamon stick
Need more drinks? Check out top Ukrainian alcoholic beverages or try out some Croatian alcohol for a wider range of ideas.
I hope you liked this apple and Zubrowka cocktail! If you have questions, just leave them down below!
Dziękuję!