Among the popular Hungarian souvenirs and unique products (porcelain, ceramics, Hungarian sausages, paprika, marzipan, famous high-quality alcoholic drinks, etc.), the most famous are Tokaj wine, palinka and the wonderful Unikum liqueur.
This bitter-sweet herbal balm is considered the most popular typically Hungarian product, which is in great demand among many tourists. This is a kind of original Budapest souvenir.
Balm "Unicum" (Unicum): production, description
Liquor is produced in Hungary by the oldest Zwack company (family owned) and exported to 40 countries around the world. Isabella Zwack represents the sixth generation of the family. She is one of the leaders of this production.
The traditional local balm, infused with herbs, is a type of bitter tinctures (bitters) and is used as an aperitif or digestif (drinks served at the end of a rich lunch or dinner) for better digestion.
Liquor with the original name "Unicum" - the national Hungarian drink. It is easy to determine not only by its bitter taste, but also by the unique spherical shape of the bottle with a golden cross on the label itself.
The fortress of Hungarian liquor is 40 degrees. The taste of bitter wormwood, the consistency is viscous, and the color is dark brown. The totality of these qualities is easy to distinguish from a fake liquor "Unicum".
Balm: properties, composition
The drink not only has a unique taste, but also has certain healing properties. It includes more than forty types of herbs and spices - medicinal plants for many diseases.
Naturally, the manufacturer Zwack Unicum keeps the formula of this medicinal drink a secret. Even the main blender is not aware of the recipe. He uses the ingredients in the preparation of the drink in an already mixed form.
It is also known that some herbs and spices used are distilled, while others are macerated, then all this is mixed and aged in oak wood barrels for six months, which gives the drink a dark color and a rather unusual rich taste.
The Hungarian Unicum balm is actually original, as it combines bitterness and sweetness at the same time. It has something special, harmonious, representing the likeness of a tincture of forest sorcerers - a mixture of centuries-old knowledge of the most miraculous herbs.
And yet, despite the merits of this drink, not everyone who has tasted it likes it. And among the Hungarians there are people who prefer the native "Unicum" of his German brother "Jägermeister".
The origin of "Unicum"
The history of this popular drink dates back to the 18th century.
During the feast in 1790, Emperor Joseph II felt pain in his stomach. Immediately healers (courtiers) were called, one of whom - Zwak - gave the king a new medicine invented by him. After receiving it, the emperor felt relieved and exclaimed: Das ist ein Unikum! And this in translation means: “Unique!”
So the name of the amazing new gastric remedy appeared, which we now know as the Unicum balm. For a long time in pharmacies it was sold exclusively as a medicine. Subsequently, the descendants of Zwak founded the production of magic liquor.
During and after World War II, several factories were destroyed, some nationalized by the Hungarian government (communists). In this regard, Zwaki moved its production to the United States. Since 1949, the production of Unicum balm has resumed there. In 1987, production was again relocated to their homeland.
The use of balm
You can drink Unikum liquor at any time of the day. In addition, the manufacturer recommends drinking liquor is not necessarily chilled. It is quite nice to use it at room temperature, especially in the process of smoking a good cigar.
In addition to the foregoing, Unicum balm is excellently drunk in combination with pineapple, cranberry and orange juices. Also, a combination of a well-chilled balm with Red Bull or other energy drinks is acceptable (such a cocktail has the name “Mad Hungarian”).
In cool weather, Unicum is a pleasure to drink with hot tea or coffee. Many of these drinks are offered in Hungarian bars, cafes and restaurants.
Zwack today
This company is today recognized in Eastern Europe as the leading distillery producing alcoholic beverages. The famous Hungarian balm "Unicum" brought him many prizes and awards.
Zwack is now a family business. The case of the legendary Peter is continued by the heirs - his children. The most active of his seven children, two are engaged in this business: daughter Isabella and son Sandor.
In the 90s of the last century, a new, slightly lightened version of such liquor appeared in their production. Marketers focused this version of the drink on the younger generation, which is reflected in its interesting name - Unicum Next. And the style of advertising corresponds to this direction.
Unicum Next balm has a definitely more frivolous taste - it is less bitter and with light citrus notes. It is presented as a drink for youth parties. In this "Unicum" fortress is only 35%.
The Unicum balm is popular in the world. Hungary in the face of a beautiful liquor has the most famous, solid and reliable brand. No wonder his emblem resembles a
medical ambulance
sign . After all, it not only gives pleasure, but also has many unique healing properties.