Unicum

Unicum is a Hungarian herbal liqueur or bitters, produced by Zwack. It is considered one of the national drinks of Hungary.

Overview:

Unicum is a dark-colored, bitter digestif made from a secret blend of over 40 herbs and spices. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret known only to a few members of the Zwack family. The drink is aged in oak casks, which contributes to its distinctive flavor and color.

History:

The Zwack family has been producing Unicum since 1790. According to legend, the drink was created for the Habsburg Emperor Joseph II, who upon tasting it, exclaimed "Das ist ein Unikum!" ("This is unique!"), giving the liqueur its name. The drink's production was interrupted during the communist era in Hungary, when the family was forced to flee the country. They later returned and resumed production after the fall of communism.

Production:

The production process involves macerating and distilling a variety of herbs and spices. Some herbs are distilled, while others are macerated. These are then blended and aged in oak casks in the Zwack cellars in Budapest.

Consumption:

Unicum is typically consumed as a digestif, often neat and at room temperature, after a meal. It is known for its bitter, complex flavor profile. It is also sometimes used as an ingredient in cocktails.

Variations:

In addition to the original Unicum, Zwack also produces Unicum Szilva, a plum-flavored version of the liqueur. This variation incorporates plums into the recipe, resulting in a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor.