Nalewka Delivery or Pickup

Nalewki (the plural of nalewka) are typically made from fruit, honey, molasses, herbs, sugar, and spices macerated in a neutral spirit like vodka or gin. Some specific nalewki are made from single spices, flowers, or even coffee. The names for nalewki come from either the town they were made or the main ingredient used to produce the nalewka. The taste of nalewka ties directly to the ingredients from which it's made. Most commercial nalewka have similar characteristics as schnapps or eau-de-vie, but sweeter and far less intense an alcohol taste.

Nalewka recipes have been passed down for generations and are closely kept secrets within families. The type of spirit used determines the alcohol content, which typically falls between 40-45% alcohol by volume (ABV). Some varieties climb as high as 75% ABV.

Historically, nalewki were made by the woman of the house. They made many different nalewki for storage because etiquette held that guests were offered a glass of mead or nalewka upon arrival. The nalewka's medicinal properties were based on the ingredients used to infuse the spirit. Walnut nalewka would be given to someone with stomach issues or an elderberry nalewka to fight a fever. People used mint, anise, and garlic nalewki to build immunity or combat intestinal problems.

Another Polish tradition was to create a batch of nalewka to commemorate a child's baptism. The family then opened the bottles on the day of the child's wedding. Maidens would create a rosehip nalewka flavored with rose, honey, chamomile, cloves, and chamomile and present it to a suitor they chose.

Nalewka's medicinal roots derive from the initial need to preserve certain herbs, spices, and other ingredients for use throughout the year and when the ingredients couldn't be gathered fresh, hence the term tincture. 

Hippocrates was the first documented creator of alcohol-based herbal tinctures for use in medicine. The Romans added spices to wine giving rise to mulled wine and hippocras. During the 16th century, the practice of creating sweetened alcoholic tinctures gained popularity with the nobility and continued into the 19th century before ordinary households began adopting the practice.

Two basic methods are used to produce nalewki. The first combines the alcohol of choice with the other fruit to be infused and allowed to macerate. After about 6 weeks, the strained liquid has sugar, simple syrup, or some sweetener added, plus any spices, and then allowed to infuse for several weeks. At this point, the nalewka can be strained and drunk immediately or bottled and stored for later use. The second method applies a more straightforward process of combining all the ingredients at once and letting them sit for 60 days. At this stage, the strained nalewki can be bottled or drunk.

Nalewka's simple process allows for almost endless types to be made. The maker's taste and the availability of ingredients drive the decision for those making this at home. Popular choices include:

Nalewka's popularity has steadily risen in the United States due mainly to the influx of Polish immigration over the years. Long-standing national brands such as Babuni and Szambelan are widely available. These commercial brands typically have a lower alcohol content than those homemade recipes you may have first been introduced to by a friend. If you're searching for flavor, choose what you like from the long list of flavors offered. If it's medicinal virtue you're after, look for versions infused with herbs and other holistic ingredients.

You can use the Instacart app to browse the different nalewka available. Once you find your favorite nalewka you can add it to your cart, and an Instacart shopper will shop it in as little as 2 hours! Your nalewka can be ready for in-store pickup or qualify for same-day delivery.