Detroit City Distillery located in Detroit’s Eastern Market, Michigan is home to the world famous Pączki Vodka. The vodka that started out as a one-off experiment is now celebrating its fifth year with a limited-edition release coming up on Fry-day, February 3, 2023.
What is Pączki Day Vodka?
Pączki Day Vodka is made by distilling fresh raspberry pączki in 100% potato vodka from Poland and Michigan in a 500-gallon Vendome Copper & Brass Works copper pot still. The result is a crystal-clear one-of-a-kind, spirit that is smooth, buttery and has a distinct raspberry finish. It can be enjoyed chilled over ice, mixed in a cocktail or as a pączki chaser.
“There are only two ingredients: vodka and paczki,” said Detroit City Distillery Co-Owner Michael Forsyth. “There are no artificial ingredients, flavors, or sweeteners that you find in mainstream flavored vodka. The goal is to make a true craft spirit that highlights the taste of these perfectly handmade, glazed raspberry pączki from Hamtramck’s New Palace Bakery.
“It’s like a Pączki Day Party in a bottle. At 88 proof, it’s ultra-smooth, and you can really taste the raspberry and buttery pastry of the pączki.”
What started as an experiment has become a must-have sensation among those with Polish family ties. Last year, the Distillery sold out in under 72 hours and due to early requests already pouring in the distillery anticipates yet another fast sellout in 2023.
“It’s been incredible to see Pączki Day Vodka become a tradition within Michigan’s Polish community and watch the sensation grow nationwide,” added Forsyth. “People travel from all over America to get their hands on this once-a-year spirit and celebrate with their Polish comrades. It’s a special thing when a spirit brings people together. This year, we’re excited to get Pączki Day Vodka to more Polish communities across the country via partnerships that support direct-to-consumer shipping so we can continue to gauge the demand nationwide.”
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How Do You Make Pączki Day Vodka?
What is Pączki Day?
According to New Palace Bakery, the official Pączki Headquarters, Pączki Day is celebrated by indulging in the traditional Polish jelly-filled pastry known as a pączek (PON-check). The more commonly used name for these is Pączki (POONCH-kee), which is the plural pronunciation for this sweet treat.
When is Pączki Day 2023?
Pączki Day is celebrated the day before Lent begins. Pączki Day 2023 is Tuesday February 21st.
Plus Hometown Horseradish Vodka
Detroit City Distillery is adding a second limited-edition vodka to release on Pączki release day this year. The second release is vodka distilled with fresh horseradish, called “Hometown Horseradish.” The distillery says this unique vodka is great for making the ultimate Bloody Mary and is made from raw horseradish and 100 percent Michigan corn vodka.
“Every year when we release Pączki Day Vodka, we try to create an amazing experience for our fans and reward them with something new,” said Forsyth. “This year’s big surprise is Hometown Horseradish Vodka. We called it “Hometown Horseradish” because we always associate horseradish with special family dinners and with recipes passed down for generations. It reminds you of home and where you come from. In addition to having a solid kick, it might be the smoothest vodka we’ve ever made.”
When Does Pączki Day Vodka Go On Sale? Fry-day
Q: What is a donut’s favorite day of the week?
A: Fry-day of course.
Pączki Day Vodka and Hometown Horseradish Vodka go on sale online at the distillery’s website for $35 each starting at 8 a.m., Friday, February 3. Patrons can begin picking up their orders the same day at 4 p.m. at the Detroit City Distillery’s Tasting Room at the Pączki Day Vodka release party. Pączki Day Vodka will also be available at select liquor stores throughout Michigan and Illinois in February while supplies last. Limited quantities are also available for out-of-state shipping via direct-to-consumer shipping partnerships.
Detroit City Distillery is known for their small batch artisanal whiskey, gin, and vodka, using the finest local ingredients sourced directly from farms near the distillery.
Learn more about Detroit City Distillery.
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