Unicum

Unicum

A bottle of Unicum

Unicum is a herbal liqueur or bitter originally produced in Hungary. It is regarded as one of the national drinks of Hungary. The drink is made from a secret blend of more than forty herbs and spices.

History

Unicum was created in 1790 by Dr. József Zwack, the royal physician to the Habsburg Emperor Joseph II. According to legend, the Emperor exclaimed "Das ist ein Unikum!" ("This is unique!") upon tasting it, giving the drink its name. The Zwack family began commercial production of Unicum in 1840.

During the Communist era in Hungary, the Zwack family fled the country, and production was nationalized. The family continued to produce Unicum in exile, while the state-run factory produced a different version. After the fall of communism, the Zwack family returned to Hungary and regained control of the brand.

Production

Unicum is made from a secret recipe that includes over forty different herbs and spices. The ingredients are macerated and distilled, then aged in oak casks for several months. The exact recipe is a closely guarded family secret.

Variants

In addition to the original Unicum, there are several variants, including Unicum Next, which is a milder version, and Unicum Szilva, which is aged with plums.

Consumption

Unicum is traditionally consumed as a digestif, often served chilled in a small glass. It is known for its strong, bitter flavor and is sometimes used in cocktails.

Related pages

• Zwack (company)
• Digestif
• Herbal liqueur

References

• Zwack, Péter. "Zwack Unicum: The Story of a Family and a Drink." Zwack Unicum Nyrt.
• "Unicum: The National Drink of Hungary." Hungarian Tourism Agency.