Żywiecki
polishcocktailvodkaherbalbeginnerclassicaperitif

Żywiecki

Żywiecki is bright, herbal, and gently warming, balancing clean vodka with aromatic bitters, fresh lemon, and mellow honey. Served ice-cold, it has a lively sweet-tart finish and a pleasantly bittersweet backbone.

8 min
2 servings
146 kcal
Polish

Ingredients

Cocktail base

  • 100 mlvodka
  • 30 mlherbal bitters
  • 40 mlfresh lemon juice
  • 20 grunny honey

To serve

  • 200 gice cubes
  • 2 sliceslemon slices

Instructions

  1. 1

    Chill 2 small tumblers or cocktail glasses if possible. Juice the lemon so you have 40 ml fresh lemon juice, and make sure the honey is fluid; if it is thick, stir it briefly with a teaspoon of the lemon juice until loosened so it blends smoothly.

  2. 2

    Fill a cocktail shaker with the ice cubes. Add the vodka, herbal bitters, fresh lemon juice, and honey.

  3. 3

    Shake hard for 12-15 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold on the outside and the honey is fully dissolved. Proper shaking both chills the drink and slightly aerates it for a smoother texture.

  4. 4

    Place a few fresh ice cubes into each glass if desired, then strain the cocktail evenly between the 2 glasses. Garnish each with a lemon slice and serve immediately while icy cold.

Nutrition per serving

146 kcal
Calories
0g
Protein
8g
Carbs
0g
Fat
0g
Fiber

Notes

Background

Żywiecki is a simple Polish-style vodka cocktail built around the country's long tradition of clear vodkas and herb-infused bitter spirits. Drinks in this family are especially associated with colder climates, where strong spirits, honey, and citrus create a warming yet brisk aperitif.

Love this recipe?

Get personalised AI-curated recipes, meal plans and smart shopping lists — free.

Download Gourmate – Free