by Staś Kmieć
After nearly three years of construction New York City’s new Kosciuszko Bridge, opened in April and the now the newest Brooklyn cocktail celebrates that event.
“The Kosciuszko Bridge” is a cocktail created for The Vodka Contract – a special event from the Spring Spirits series at Brooklyn's Museum of Food & Drink under the auspices of the Polish Cultural Institute New York. Joining the spirits of two nations, this aromatic concoction is a melding of the Polish herbal Bison Grass vodka, Żubrówka with New York's own Dorothy Parker Gin and a splash of Doc's Draft Cider. Created by Joel Lee Kulp of Grand Ferry Tavern in Brooklyn, it's the perfect drink for welcoming the newest New York bridge and for saying goodbye to the old one. As the engineer responsible for the fortifications at West Point - Tadeusz Kosciuszko would have certainly approved.
The Kościuszko Bridge
• 1oz - Żubrówka
• 1oz - Dorothy Parker Gin
• 1oz - Doc’s Draft Cider
Combine all ingredients in mixing glass, stir over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail
glass. Garnish with dry bison grass or rhubarb peel.
“The word “bridge” (“most” in Polish) is very beautiful and has many connotations,” said Magdalena Mazurek, who is responsible for historical events at PCINY. “Kościuszko blew up a number of bridges, but he built many more. He tore down walls. He did his best to find common ground among people of different races and creeds. He addressed the least fortunate.” Kościuszko said: “Each of us is born equal. Only education creates a difference.”
For insights into the world of Polish spirits and cuisine join the Polish Cultural Institute New York's Polish Culinary Event at the New School for Social Research on November 6. www.polishculture-nyc.org
