My Dad, Stanislaw (right), friend Eddy (left) in traditional Polish Folk Garb. Photo by J Golanka.

Krupnik  “Poland’s winter drink par excellence"

My interest in this honey liquor, come directly from Dad, Stanisław, a Polish Soldier of the Carpathian Brigade, Soviet concentration camp escapee.  For Dad it was such a Christmas must that he purchased hand cut crystal glasses, carafe, and plate at Chopin’s birthplace in Poland and smuggled them into the US.

His signature drink was only served in these 40-or-so shot glasses and then, not until the Christmas Eve Vigil Supper, just before singing carols, “to lubricate the vocal cords.” From after Midnight Mass through January, first choir members, then friends and family came over seeking out his annual brew. First of all, they entered the home singing a Polish carol or two. Then Dad brought out the prized, and long awaited annual vintage.

Glasses were raised high above every brow, toward the light to examine the crystalline, amber hue. Comments, discussion, arose before the degustation as the aromatic honey drink was raised nose-ward.  Praise and appreciation with gratitude to the host were the focus of the moment.  Then the first sips, with “Mmm, Yesss. You can’t find this anywhere else but here! Stasiu, a wondrous job, yet again! Each year it’s better!”  Some tried to remember how last year’s batch compares to this exquisite cordial which as always slowly, warmed their throats, journeying downwards thawing each hearty chest, as a medicament, and filling the room with delightful sighs.

As some scholars say, all alcoholic drinks are a cultural experience.

Polish Honey Liquor Tasting at Polish Villa II 1085 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga, NY, Saturday January 25, 2014, 11am-4pm.  Fr Krysa's Dad's recipe, Polish Buffet & more...

 www.polishvillaparttwo.com  

Fore more check facebook.com\stcasimirbuffalo or stcasimirbuffalo.org