DETROIT (WWJ) -- Paczki Day is just around the corner, and the celebration has already begun in Detroit!
For the seventh straight year, Detroit City Distillery is selling their beloved Pączki Day Vodka -- a potato vodka distilled with thousands of fresh pączki from New Palace Bakery in Hamtramck.
Due to an ever-increasing demand for the Fat Tuesday-themed spirit, DCD has increased the supply of Pączki Day Vodka for direct-to-consumer shipping by partnering with online distributor, Seelbach’s.
Originally conceptualized as an experiment meant for family and friends, just 20 bottles were initially made by the company over seven years ago.
But word of the unique drink soon spread across Detroit and its popularity took off from there. In the years that have followed, the vodka has quickly sold out online upon its release, and flown off the shelves at local liquor stores.
Fans of the Pączki Day Vodka describe its taste as smooth with a sweet, tart finish of raspberry and the buttery hint of a freshly baked Pączki. The Detroit-based company says the crystal-clear spirit is best served immediately after eating a Pączki, chilled over ice or mix in with a cocktail of your choice.
This season’s batch has two different options — DCD’s traditional Raspberry Pączki flavor, and the brand new Orange Cream Vodka.
“Each year, we push ourselves to invent new versions of PDV that make our fans say, ‘I gotta have that,’” said J.P. Jerome, master distiller and co-owner of Detroit City Distillery. “This year’s big surprise is Orange Cream Pączki Day Vodka. Just like PDV, it’s ultra-smooth, with a hit of orange cream and buttery pastry. On top of that, Hometown Horseradish returns and will now be available year-round. Our customers love its kick, especially in a Bloody Mary.”
Pączki Day Vodka costs $35 a bottle and is available now on the Detroit City Distillery website.
Detroit City Distillery will also host their annual Pączki Day Party on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2462 Riopelle in Detroit's Eastern Market.