UNICUM-THE HUNGARIAN DRINK by Amitha Kunjumon (2017-2021 batch)

Unicum created by Dr.Jozsef Zwack is a herbal liqueur or bitters often drunk as a digestif and apéritif.This dark coloured liqueur with 40% ABV was first formaulated in 1970 and is made in Budapest,Hungary. Unicum is aged in oak casks is produced by Zwack Co. according to a secret formula of more than forty herbs.Its underlying flavor is bitter with pine and hints of eucalyptus. Some people even tout Unicum's ability to calm the stomach, which is why it makes fantastic after dinner drinks. Unicum is gently enhanced with sweet vermouth and orange curaçao.

History

During Communism in Hungary, the Zwack family lived in exile in New York City and Chicago, and Unicum in Hungary was produced using a different formula. Before moving to the US Janos Zwack had entrusted a family friend in Milan with the production of Unicum based on the original recipe.After the fall of communism, Péter Zwack returned to Hungary and resumed production of the original Unicum.

Different versions of liqueur 

Zwack Unicum Plum liqueur with 35% ABV  is made by infusing the liqueur with dried plums in oak barrels for six months.
The liqueur based on its original 1970 recipe is known as Unicum whereas for export purpose the family name, 'Zwack' is used.The Zwack Unicum liqueur is sold as Unicum Next in European markets.In the year 2004, a lighter and sweeter version of the original Unicum liqueur was produced for American markets.

Unicum based cocktails

https://kindredcocktails.com/ingredient/zwack-unicum

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uni

Unicum Liqueur : The Whisky Exchange

Article contributed by Amitha Kunjumon (2017-2021 batch)