Miraculous balm "Unicum": origin, properties

Among the popular Hungarian souvenirs and unique products (porcelain, ceramics, Hungarian sausage, paprika, marzipan, famous high-quality alcoholic drinks, etc.), the most famous are Tokay wine, palinka and wonderful liquor Unicum.

This bitter-sweet balsam on herbs is considered the most popular typically Hungarian product, which is in great demand among numerous tourists. This is a kind of original Budapest souvenir.

Balsam "Unicum" (Unicum): production, description

Liqueur is produced in Hungary by the oldest company Zwack (family) and is exported to 40 countries around the world. Izabella Zwack (Izabella Zwack) represents the sixth generation of the family. She is one of the leaders of this production.

Traditional local balm, infused with herbs, refers to the kind of bitter tinctures (bitters) and is used as an aperitif or digestive (drinks served at the end of a rich lunch or dinner) for better digestion.

Liqueur with the original name "Unicum" is a national Hungarian drink. It is easy to determine not only by the bitter taste, but also by the unique spherical shape of the bottle with the gold cross on the label itself.

The fortress of the Hungarian liquor is 40 degrees. The taste of bitter wormwood, the consistency is viscous, and the color is dark brown. On the totality of these qualities, it is easy to distinguish the liquor "Unicum" from the counterfeit.

Balsam: properties, composition

Drink not only has a unique taste, but also has certain healing properties. It includes more than forty kinds of herbs and spices - medicinal plants from many diseases.

Naturally, the manufacturer of Zwack Unicum keeps a secret of the formula of this therapeutic drink. Even the main blender does not know the recipe. He uses the ingredients in the already-mixed form.

It is also known that some herbs and used spices are distilled, and others are macerated, then all this is mixed and aged in oak wood casks for six months, which gives the drink a dark color and a rather unusual rich taste.

Hungarian balsam "Unicum" is actually original, because it combines both bitterness and sweetness at the same time. In it there is something special, harmonious, representing a semblance of a tincture of forest witches - a mixture of age-old knowledge of the most miraculous herbs.

And yet, despite the merits of this drink, he does not like everyone who tried it. And among the Hungarians there are people who prefer the native "Unicum" of his German colleague "Jägermeister".

Origin of the Unicum

The history of this popular drink goes back to the XVIII century.

During the feast in 1790, Emperor Joseph II felt pain in the acorn. At once were called the healers (courtiers), one of which - Zwak - gave the king a new medicine invented by him. After receiving him, the emperor felt relieved and exclaimed: Das ist ein Unikum! And this in translation means: "Unique!"

So the name of an amazing new gastric remedy appeared, which is now known to us as a balm "Unicum". For a long time in pharmacies, it was sold exclusively as a medicine. Subsequently, Zwak's descendants founded the production of magical liquor.

During and after the Second World War several plants were destroyed, some were nationalized by the government (communists) of Hungary. In this regard, the Tsvaki moved their production in the United States. There, since 1949, the production of "Unicum" balm has resumed. In 1987 the production was again transferred to the homeland.

The use of balsam

You can drink liquor "Unicum" at any time of the day. In addition, the manufacturer recommends that you use a liqueur not necessarily in a cooled form. It is quite pleasant to apply it and at room temperature, especially in the process of smoking a good cigar.

In addition to the above, Balm "Unicum" excellently drinks in a complex with pineapple, cranberry and orange juices. Also, a combination of a well-chilled balm with Red Bull or other energy drinks (such a cocktail is called "Mad Hungarian") is acceptable here.

In cool weather, "Unicum" is pleasant to drink with hot tea or with coffee. A lot of these drinks are offered in Hungarian bars, cafes and restaurants.

Zwack today

This enterprise is now recognized in Eastern Europe as the leading plant producing alcoholic beverages. The famous Hungarian balsam "Unicum" brought him many awards and awards.

Zwack is now a family business. The case of the legendary Peter continues to heirs - his children. The most active of his seven children involved in this business are two: daughter Isabella and son Sandor.

In the 90s of the last century a new, slightly lighter version of this liqueur appeared in their production. This version of the drink marketers focused on the younger generation, which is reflected in its interesting name - Unicum Next. And the style of advertising corresponds to this direction.

Balsam "Unicum Next" has a definitely more flippant taste - it is less bitter and with light citrus notes. It seems like a drink for youth parties. In this "Unicum" fortress is only 35%.

Popular in the world balsam "Unicum". Hungary in the face of fine liquor has the most famous, solid and reliable brand. No wonder the emblem reminds him of a medical sign of an ambulance. After all, it not only gives pleasure, but also possesses many unique medical properties.