Bison grass (Hierochloe odorata) is a perennial grass native to North America and northern Europe. Typically harvested in mid to late summer (before the first frost), bison grass has been used for centuries by the church in Europe and native American populations, who used it as a form of incense.
The sweet-vanilla aroma of bison grass comes from coumarin, which is also found in tonka beans, woodruff and cassia cinnamon. Coumarin is moderately toxic to the liver and kidneys, but is also an anticoagulant.
In Poland, bison grass is used to flavor vodka (called Zubrowka), which is now imported in a coumarin-free form into the United States.
Some popular cocktails containing Bison grass vodka
- Bufala Spritz — Bianco Vermouth, Bison grass vodka, Galliano, Soda water
- Przewalski's Mule — Bison grass vodka, Becherovka, Kummel, Ginger beer, Lime juice, Lime
- Apple and Eve — Bison grass vodka, Lemon juice, Gomme syrup, Egg white, Brown sugar, Apple
- Bison Drop — Bison grass vodka, Elderflower liqueur, Orange bitters, Lemon juice, Honey syrup, Lemon
- McCarren Park Swizzle — Bison grass vodka, Pear eau de vie, Falernum, Elderflower liqueur, Sorel liqueur, Bitters, Lemon juice, Mint
- Hay There — Bison grass vodka, Genepy, Grapefruit liqueur, Lime juice
- Zuzu's Petals — Bison grass vodka, Suze, Elderflower liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, Bitters, Lime juice, Simple syrup
- Leiya Unchained — Bison grass vodka, Mezcal, Campari, Lemon juice, Yuzu syrup, Egg white
- Windfall — Calvados, Bison grass vodka, Simple syrup, Lemon juice
- No. Three — Bison grass vodka, Aperol, Apple cider, Lemon juice, Orange peel
Explore more Bison grass vodka cocktails.