A bitter black herbal liqueur in a round bottle, drunk as a digestif. The Zwack family have made it in Budapest since 1790; they fled communism, and then recovered the brand and returned in 1989.
The formula is a closely held family trade secret, and the base is a distilled spirit that cannot legally be made at home.
What goes into it
- a neutral spirit
- more than forty herbs and spices
- sugar
- oak casks
How it is made
The herb mixture is both macerated and distilled, and the two extracts are blended, sweetened lightly and aged in oak casks for around six months. The formula has stayed inside the Zwack family for over two centuries and was carried out of the country and back again with them.
How long it takes: about six months in oak after blending
How it is eaten
Cold in a small glass after a heavy meal.
History
Made by the Zwack family in Budapest from 1790; the family fled communism, then recovered the brand and returned in 1989.
Frequently asked questions
What is Unicum?
Unicum is a wine & spirit from Hungary: bitter black herbal liqueur in a round bottle, drunk as a digestif. Made by the Zwack family in Budapest from 1790; the family fled communism, then recovered the brand and returned in 1989.
How is Unicum made?
The herb mixture is both macerated and distilled, and the two extracts are blended, sweetened lightly and aged in oak casks for around six months. The formula has stayed inside the Zwack family for over two centuries and was carried out of the country and back again with them. It takes about six months in oak after blending.
Can I make Unicum at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. The formula is a closely held family trade secret, and the base is a distilled spirit that cannot legally be made at home.
What goes into Unicum?
A neutral spirit, more than forty herbs and spices, sugar, oak casks.
How is Unicum eaten?
Cold in a small glass after a heavy meal.
