Poland has been producing vodka since the 15th century, and it remains the national spirit — the word "wodka" is diminutive of "woda" (water), hinting at how deeply it's woven into Polish culture. In Krakow, vodka is drunk neat and chilled, usually as a 50ml shot (kieliszek) alongside food. The tradition of pairing specific vodkas with specific dishes is taken seriously here.
For pure vodkas, the quality is exceptional. Belvedere and Chopin are Poland's premium exports, but locals often prefer Wyborowa or Zoladkowa Gorzka (bison grass vodka with a subtle herbal flavor). Krupnik is a honey-infused vodka liqueur dating to the 16th century — sweet, warming, and dangerously easy to drink. The true Polish specialty is nalewka — homemade fruit liqueurs infused for months or years with cherries, plums, walnuts, or quince. Many restaurants make their own.
For the best vodka experiences in Krakow, visit Starka in Kazimierz, which is named after aged vodka and offers a flight of house-infused varieties with traditional accompaniments. The Wodka Cafe Bar on ul. Mikolajska has over 100 Polish vodkas available for tasting. For a more formal experience, the Polish Vodka Museum in Warsaw is worth the trip, but Krakow's own vodka tasting tours (run by several companies, 100-150 PLN) visit multiple bars and include traditional food pairings. Remember the Polish toast: "Na zdrowie!" (to your health).
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