The Best Hungarian Drinks

Wine Culture

Hungary offers an impressive variety of wines, as this beverage plays a significant role in the country’s culture, history, and gastronomy. Hungarians take immense pride in their wines, making it almost obligatory for visitors to sample at least a few, such as Tokaji Aszú or Egri Bikavér.

One of the most renowned Hungarian wines is Tokaji, a sweet white dessert wine named after the Tokaj wine region in northeastern Hungary. This region holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural and traditional significance. Another highlight is the red wines from Villány, located in the southern part of the country. Interestingly, Tokaji wine was once gifted to King Louis XIV of France by Francis Rákóczi II, Prince of Transylvania!

Egri Bikavér, also known as Bull’s Blood of Eger, is another iconic Hungarian wine—a rich, dark red with a full-bodied flavor. Its name is rooted in a popular legend from the 16th century when Hungary was under Turkish occupation. During a battle, the captain of the Castle of Eger supposedly gave his soldiers red wine to strengthen their resolve. Seeing the Hungarians reinvigorated by what appeared to be a red liquid, the Turkish soldiers assumed they were drinking bull’s blood and fled in fear. While the story is a charming one, it isn’t historically accurate, as only white wine was produced in Hungary at the time. Nevertheless, the tale adds to the allure of this famous wine.

Hungary’s best and most famous wines that you should absolutely try are the following:

1. 1.Tokaji Aszú
2. 2. Egri Bikavér
3. 3. Villányi Kékfrankos
4. 4. Badacsonyi Hárslevelű
5. 5. Tokaji Szamorodni (Dry)

You can try these wines at almost every restaurant in Budapest.

Pálinka

A popular saying in Hungary captures our deep fondness for pálinka perfectly: What can be used to make jam can also be used to produce pálinka. This fruit brandy, omnipresent throughout the country, is typically distilled from home-grown plums, apricots, or pears. Pronounced ˈpaːliŋkɒ, pálinka is a cherished specialty and a symbol of Hungarian tradition.

The first written mention of pálinka dates back to the 17th century. By the 19th century, there were over 200,000 pálinka distilleries in Hungary. However, during the industrial revolution, centralized regulations by trade unions reduced their numbers to standardize the pálinka market both nationally and internationally. By the early 20th century, the drink had gained international recognition. Under the socialist regime, pálinka production was nationalized, in line with the state’s policy to control wealth and industry for "the people." Since then, even the weakest pálinka has maintained an alcohol content of 40%.

Pálinka wasn’t always as popular and fashionable as it is today. After the political changes of 1989, the poor quality of materials and equipment led to a decline in good pálinka production. Decades of state control had left consumers with little expectation of high-quality pálinka, and there was minimal demand for improvement. People simply didn’t know what a premium pálinka could taste like.

In 2002, new legislation provided a precise definition for pálinka, and the government succeeded in obtaining EU recognition of its authenticity. This marked a turning point, with the aim of re-establishing pálinka as a premium drink that could showcase Hungarian culture and boost the economy. Around this time, brewers began investing in better equipment and high-quality fruit, hoping to cater to discerning tastes and rekindle pálinka’s reputation.

The strongest Hungarian pálinkas are often nicknamed kerítésszaggató or "fence-ripper," a playful term referring to a drunk person’s loss of balance.

Among the best-known and most highly regarded pálinka brands are Rézangyal, Árpád, and Zsindelyes. These can typically be sampled at larger pubs and restaurants, offering visitors a true taste of Hungarian craftsmanship.

Unicum

Unicum is a distinctive Hungarian liqueur produced by the Zwack family’s company using a secret recipe that includes more than forty types of herbs. While often enjoyed as a party shot, its dry bitterness also makes it an excellent aperitif, ideal for stimulating the appetite. Originally created in 1790 by a court physician to aid King Joseph II, the drink earned its name when the king declared it truly unique. The Zwack company was later founded, and by the 1880s, Unicum had become a trademarked product. This was also when the iconic bottle design was introduced—a design so successful that it has remained virtually unchanged. Renowned for its digestive benefits and a 40% alcohol content, Unicum is a beloved accessory for an evening out.

Hungarians are deeply proud of this national treasure, which survived the country’s tumultuous 20th century. Until the late 1930s, the Zwack family lived a prosperous life, but this was disrupted by the anti-Semitic policies of the era, which placed them in grave danger during World War II. After the war, the communist regime nationalized the Unicum factory, but the Zwacks cunningly handed over a fake recipe before emigrating. Peter Zwack upheld his family’s legacy by producing spirits under the Zwack name in the U.S. After the fall of communism, he returned to Hungary to reclaim the family factory. Without receiving any compensation, he had to buy it back for 20 million dollars. Since then, the company has thrived in Hungary and steadily expanded into international markets, cementing Unicum’s status as a symbol of resilience and quality.

Drunkenness and its Depiction in 90s Hungary

In the 1970s, Hungary faced a significant issue with workers consuming alcohol on their way to work. Many would drink one or two shots of pálinka in the morning, arriving at their jobs under its influence, and some even continued drinking throughout the workday. To combat this, a 1978 law prohibited the sale of alcohol before 9 a.m., which brought some improvement. In 1986, a stricter law was introduced, banning the sale and consumption of alcohol in workplaces entirely. While work events were an exception, even at these occasions, spirits were prohibited.

This era gave rise to Hungarian comedians’ unique portrayal of drunkenness. Until the mid-1990s, drunkenness—often depicted on television—was embodied by workmen who slurred their speech and seemed barely conscious. Comedy shows frequently featured scenes with drunk workmen as a staple element. These characters provided a way to comment on sensitive topics, such as the hardships and unlivable conditions of socialism, in a manner that might not have been possible otherwise.

Beer Culture

Although Hungary isn’t particularly famous for its beer, brewing has been a part of the country’s history for over a thousand years. In Hungarian, beer is called sör (pronounced “shør”).

In recent years, Hungary’s craft beer scene has been steadily growing, with more local breweries opening and offering high-quality craft beers. The craft beer market is improving day by day, so we highly recommend visiting some of these establishments during your stay to experience the vibrant beer culture firsthand.