A literatka, or small glass, once mainly intended for drinking vodka, is one of the more popular vessels found in Polish kitchens. No wonder – it's not only useful during social gatherings but also a practical everyday glass. Where did the intriguing name literatka come from? What did vodka glasses look like in the past? And why is it one of the most useful vessels in the home?
Vodka on Polish tables
Distilling alcohol is a skill humanity acquired in ancient times. However, spirits, "okowita" or "gorzałka," which eventually – after being diluted with water – became "wódka" (vodka), only appeared on Polish tables in the 16th century! At that time, this drink was served in metal cups – initially only as medicine. Over time, vodka began to be served at magnate receptions. At this time, mainly the wealthiest had access to this type of alcohol – poorer social strata typically enjoyed beer.
With the development of glassworks and glass craftsmanship, glass stemmed glasses appeared in Polish homes in the 18th century. Richly decorated vessels resembled those from which, today, in addition to vodka, liqueurs and cordials are also drunk.
At this time, gorzałka reached the common people and inns, where it was drunk from "karczmiaki." These crude, angular glass goblets – also stemmed to prevent the liquid from warming up by the heat of the hand – were difficult to break and inexpensive. They usually had no ornamentation.
100 years later, vodka vessels without stems began to be produced in Europe and Poland: more resembling today's literatka glasses, as well as "stopki," which are glasses with a thick base. They were also characterized by their resistance to breakage, and their design was intended to slow down the warming of alcohol by the hands.
A non-fairy tale story
So, the literatka is a glass primarily intended for serving vodka, which – despite changes in Poles' lifestyles and habits – is still very popular. Therefore, a vessel designed for drinking only this specific alcohol, with its particular characteristics and name, is not surprising.
However, the literatka stirs the imagination of all who immerse themselves in stories about the adventures of Polish romantic writers or those from the interwar period. Known for their lively social lives, writers and poets certainly did not shy away from strong alcohol.
The name literatka – a vodka glass – contrary to associations, has nothing to do with the biographies of famous artists. It is a Polonized term from German for a small capacity glass – "Literachtel" or "ein achtel Liter." So, in terms of volume, how much does a literatka hold?
Literatka – how many ml?
The original German name for the literatka – "ein achtel Liter," or "1/8 liter" – directly indicated that the vessel should hold 125 ml. In practice, today you can find literatki with various capacities between 100 and 150 ml.
At weddings or parties, the literatka is quite often placed next to a smaller glass as a vessel for an additional, sweet drink. Moreover, the literatka – a small capacity glass – has found many other uses in the comfort of home as well.
Versatile Literatka
Literatki for sparkling drinks and juices are often used at banquets, small and large parties, or outdoor gatherings with loved ones. This glass is neither too big nor too small – just right for a meal or to enjoy a cool drink on hot days.
KROSNO literatki with thick glass are also a great idea for serving, for example, water or milk to small children. Such a glass is hard to break, not too heavy, and 100-150 ml is an ideal portion for a toddler, even on hot days.
The literatka is also a vessel often appreciated by home cooks – the capacity of this glass, which is always the same, allows for precise measurement of ingredients for baking. It also works perfectly, for example, for separating egg whites from yolks.
It is worth having a set of literatka glasses at home, which come in handy every day and for special occasions. Who knows, perhaps over time, they will become an important part of memories full of poetry, romance, or epic tales?