In the primeval Bialowieza Forest that straddles the border between Belarus and Poland grows the bison grass that eventually finds it's way into each bottle of Zubrowka vodka, giving it a pleasant, crisp autumn flavor.
The traditional beverage, which has been made the same way since the 16th century and was absolutely loved by the Polish royalty, was forced to change their recipe in 1978 when the FDA banned it for it's toxic compound, coumarin. You can still buy the updated, non toxic version and while it's not the “real deal” stuff that Poland enjoys, it might be a good thing that we don't hallucinate on our alcohol. I happen to live in the neighborhood where you can easily find it in every liquor store on the block.
In Poland, it's traditionally mixed with apple juice (known as a Tatanka). I used local, fresh apple cider and instantly found a new favorite. It's also excellent alone and chilled.
But what do you think?