
A Golden Remedy for Health
This remedy would undoubtedly bring great pleasure to the one consuming it, but the following day it might come with some unwanted side effects from overindulgence... We’re talking about the famous Gdansk vodka – Goldwasser. While there’s no evidence that it ever cured anyone, it’s undeniable that it’s one of the most recognizable culinary products of Gdansk. Its reputation extends beyond Poland and Europe and has done so for centuries. The “father” of this “golden water” is Ambrosien Vermöllen, a Mennonite refugee from the Netherlands who became a citizen of Gdansk in 1598. This well-known spirit was crafted at a renowned location – the townhouse “Under the Salmon” on Szeroka Street. To make it, strong alcohol was infused with an array of spices and sugar, with gold flakes added to elevate its value. While it might seem like just a luxurious liqueur, it’s worth noting that all these ingredients were once used in medicine! Even gold is still employed today in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Ambrosien’s blend of herbs was a brilliant application of contemporary medical principles to create an expensive remedy for Gdansk’s wealthy patricians. Over time, however, its medicinal properties took a backseat to its flavor and prestige. The vodka with floating gold flakes became a prized drink not only for the residents of the city by the Motława River.
Even Catherine the Great was a fan. In 1767, the empress stocked up on a considerable supply of Goldwasser. The liqueurs produced at Der Lachs (Under the Salmon) gained worldwide fame in the 18th century and were celebrated in numerous works under the collective name Krambambuli. They even made their way into modern “pop culture” in a saying: “Gdansk vodka, Torun gingerbread, a Krakow maiden, and a Warsaw shoe – Poland’s finest treasures,” coined by 17th-century poet Friedrich Hoffmann from Elbląg. There’s no choice but to agree with this maxim and enjoy the treasures Gdansk has to offer – heal, savor, and “recover” with a taste of Gdańsk’s “golden water.”
Learn more about Gdansk’s drinks in a special episode of the Smaki Gdanska vlog.