Wiśniówka is an alcoholic drink made from cherries. It can be either a cherry wine made through fermentation with added sugar or a stronger infusion on vodka or spirits. Its strength varies depending on the preparation method.
How it is made
For the infusion method, cherries are filled into a container and covered with vodka, then infused for 10-12 days. The liquid is drained and the process is repeated two more times with longer infusion periods. The resulting infusions are then mixed. For the liqueur version, unwashed cherries are placed in a bottle with sugar and left to ferment in a warm place for 4-6 weeks. After fermentation stops, the liquid is bottled and stored in a cold place.
History
Wiśniówka is traditionally homemade and rarely found for sale. It is one of the most popular fruit wines and liqueurs in Poland. Historically, honey was used instead of sugar, and the drink was aged in wooden barrels for three months to allow for proper maturation.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Вишнёвка (напиток), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.