The Liquid Muse

Poland Gets the Gold!

Leszek Kraszewski is the Head Honcho, Number One, International Champion in Finlandia Vodka's 9th Annual Vodka Cup.

In a blind tasting, his drinks won as overall best. They were judged by not only their taste but also aromatic and aesthetic qualities.

Leszak tends bar in Warszawa's swanky lounge, THE Cinnamon. He, like all the bartenders there, attended a 2-week intensive bartender school. Kraszewski looks at bartending as a long-time career.

In Lapland, his cocktails got him not only a gold medal, special plaque but also some hugs from the Finlandia Hostesses (whom I affectionately refer to as the Finnish Snow Princesses).

Here are his winning drinks:

ButterFly
4 cl Finlandia Vodka
2 cl De Kuyper Butterscotch
Ginger Ale
cinnamon syrup

Shake vodka and butterscotch and cinnamon syrup. Top with Ginger Ale. Garnish with a rose petal.

Now Cochones
3 cl Finlandia Redberry (this flavor is not available in the US)
2 cl De Kuyper Peach Tree
3 cl Grapefruit juice
3 cl Orange juice
3 cl Lychee juice
Shake, strain and pour into glass. Garnish with a lychee and one berry.

Passion of Cinnamon
4 cl Finlandia Grapefruit (will be available in the US in April)
2 cl DK Watermelon
1 cl Sour
4 cl Cranberry juice
Shake and garnish with a blackberry.