Zubrowka vodka has been produced since at least the 16th century and it is now mostly recognised for its Bison Grass Vodka. The words ‘zubrouka’ in Belarusian language and ‘zubrovka’ in Russian are in fact a direct translation of bison grass, a tincture of which is used to flavour the rye distillate base. It gives the spirit its yellow-ish colour, while a blade of bison grass is traditionally placed in each bottle mostly for decorative purposes.
It is primarily served chilled, but Zubrówka vodka is often also mixed with apple juice. In Poland, this drink is known as ‘tatanka’ (American bison) or szarlotka (apple cake), while it is also apparently known in the UK as a Frisky Bison and in the US as a Polish Kiss, which are frankly amazingly named drinks. Just try and stop me from ordering a Frisky Bison if it’s on a cocktail menu!