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== Unicum ==
== Unicum ==


Unicum is a traditional Hungarian herbal liqueur or bitters, drunk as a digestif and apéritif. The liqueur is today produced by Zwack according to a secret formula of more than forty herbs; the drink is aged in oak casks.  
[[File:Unicumbottle.png|thumb|right|A bottle of Unicum]]
 
'''Unicum''' is a [[herbal liqueur]] or [[digestif]] produced in [[Hungary]] and is considered one of the national drinks of the country. It is made from a secret blend of more than 40 different [[herbs]] and [[spices]]. The drink is aged in oak casks, which contributes to its unique flavor profile.


== History ==
== History ==


[[Unicum]] was created by Dr. József Zwack, the Royal Physician to the Hungarian Habsburg Court in 1790. The Zwack family had been distillers in Hungary since the early 19th century. During the Communist regime in Hungary, the Zwack family fled the country and Unicum production was nationalized, but the family returned and resumed production in the 1990s.
Unicum was created in 1790 by [[Dr. József Zwack]], who was the royal physician to the [[Habsburg]] Emperor [[Joseph II]]. According to legend, Dr. Zwack presented the drink to the Emperor, who exclaimed, "Das ist ein Unikum!" ("This is unique!"). The Zwack family has been producing Unicum ever since, with the recipe being passed down through generations.
 
During the [[Communist era]] in Hungary, the Zwack family fled the country, and production was nationalized. However, the family returned in 1989 and resumed production using the original recipe.


== Production ==
== Production ==


Unicum is made from a blend of more than forty different medicinal herbs and spices. The exact blend is a closely guarded secret. The herbs are macerated in alcohol, then distilled. The distillate is aged in oak casks for at least six months before it is mixed with sugar and water and bottled.
The production of Unicum involves a meticulous process of blending and aging. The herbs and spices are carefully selected and mixed according to the secret family recipe. The mixture is then distilled and aged in oak casks for several months, which enhances its complex flavors.


== Taste ==
== Taste and Characteristics ==


Unicum is known for its distinctive bitter, spicy flavor. It is often served as a digestif, to be sipped after a meal to aid digestion. It can also be used as a cocktail ingredient.
Unicum is known for its bitter and slightly sweet taste, with a complex aroma that includes hints of citrus, herbs, and spices. It is typically consumed as a [[digestif]] after meals, but it can also be enjoyed as an aperitif.


== Varieties ==
== Variants ==


There are several varieties of Unicum available, including Unicum Next (a milder version introduced in 2008), and Unicum Plum (which is Unicum aged on dried plums).
In addition to the original Unicum, there are several variants available, including Unicum Next, which is slightly sweeter and less bitter, and Unicum Szilva, which is infused with [[plum]].


== See Also ==
== Cultural Significance ==


* [[List of liqueurs]]
Unicum holds a special place in Hungarian culture and is often associated with national pride. It is a popular gift and is frequently consumed during celebrations and gatherings.
* [[Hungarian cuisine]]
* [[Zwack liqueur]]


== References ==
== Related pages ==


* [https://www.zwackunicum.hu/en/products/zwack-unicum/ Zwack Unicum]
* [[Herbal liqueur]]
* [https://www.diffordsguide.com/beer-wine-spirits/liqueurs-amp-specialities/herbal-liqueurs/unicum Unicum - Difford's Guide]
* [[Digestif]]
* [https://www.thespruceeats.com/unicum-cocktail-recipes-760082 Unicum Cocktail Recipes - The Spruce Eats]
* [[Hungarian cuisine]]
 
* [[Zwack family]]
== External Links ==


* [https://www.zwackunicum.hu/en/ Official Website of Zwack Unicum]
[[Category:Hungarian drinks]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}
[[Category:Herbal liqueurs]]

Latest revision as of 03:39, 13 February 2025

Unicum[edit]

A bottle of Unicum

Unicum is a herbal liqueur or digestif produced in Hungary and is considered one of the national drinks of the country. It is made from a secret blend of more than 40 different herbs and spices. The drink is aged in oak casks, which contributes to its unique flavor profile.

History[edit]

Unicum was created in 1790 by Dr. József Zwack, who was the royal physician to the Habsburg Emperor Joseph II. According to legend, Dr. Zwack presented the drink to the Emperor, who exclaimed, "Das ist ein Unikum!" ("This is unique!"). The Zwack family has been producing Unicum ever since, with the recipe being passed down through generations.

During the Communist era in Hungary, the Zwack family fled the country, and production was nationalized. However, the family returned in 1989 and resumed production using the original recipe.

Production[edit]

The production of Unicum involves a meticulous process of blending and aging. The herbs and spices are carefully selected and mixed according to the secret family recipe. The mixture is then distilled and aged in oak casks for several months, which enhances its complex flavors.

Taste and Characteristics[edit]

Unicum is known for its bitter and slightly sweet taste, with a complex aroma that includes hints of citrus, herbs, and spices. It is typically consumed as a digestif after meals, but it can also be enjoyed as an aperitif.

Variants[edit]

In addition to the original Unicum, there are several variants available, including Unicum Next, which is slightly sweeter and less bitter, and Unicum Szilva, which is infused with plum.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Unicum holds a special place in Hungarian culture and is often associated with national pride. It is a popular gift and is frequently consumed during celebrations and gatherings.

Related pages[edit]