Knock back a vodka shot

Poles like vodka and one of the pleasures of traveling abroad are joining in with the natives. Clear vodkas, such as top-tier Wyborowa and Belvedere, are sipped frosty and neat, although Poles also like to explore. Winiówka has a cherry flavor, is sweet, and is quite easy to overindulge in. Ubrówka, a rye-based vodka flavored with bison grass from Biaowiea, is more appealing, especially when blended with apple juice. Another popular dish is odkowa Gorzka, a sweetish, amber-colored mixture flavored with nutmeg and said to be healthy for the stomach. Not sure where to start? Order a sampling plate from the professionals. And, of course, all of the traditional and contemporary favorites are available, from craft beer to Prosecco and sophisticated cocktails.

• In Poland, drinking is a social event; always bring a bunch of people with you to share your vodka.
• Poles do not drink vodka in a cocktail or with a mixer. In fact, traditionalists see these acts as almost unlawful. Vodka is often consumed plain, cold (but without ice), and in quantities of 50ml.
• The most typical toast is na zdrowie (pronounced 'naz-dro-v-yeh,' which translates as 'to health.'
• Regardless of size, vodka is always consumed in one gulp or 'do dna' ('to the bottom').
  
• Drinks are refilled promptly, so take some time between toasts to sip some water or have a Polish snack like pickles or sausage.
• Be warned: if you're a guest at someone's home, your host will expect you to drain the bottle before leaving.
• Drink with caution! Never try to out-drink a Pole unless you're Russian. Sip your drink in stages or miss a few turns.