If you come to Budapest for a holiday or a business trip, you definitely have to go out. Budapest is the party capital of Europe, famous for its ruin pubs and clubs. If you go out, you probably want to quench your thirst with some Hungarian beverages. Now we tell you what to order: the ten drinks you shouldn’t miss!
1. Pálinka – the Hungarian killer (and universal medicine)
Pálinka is basically the essence of Hungarian culture. Everyone loves it, everyone drinks it. And if you have relatives in the countryside… oh boy, they even distill it themselves. It can be good, but you have to be aware that it can be really strong and bad. Hungarians think pálinka is a universal medicine, so if you have a cold, the ‘flu, toothache or whatever they will offer you a shot, just like as an aperitif, and yes, even with breakfast. Now, you may think this is a dangerous thing (yes it can be – worst hangovers ever), so you should try to avoid it. We have bad news: you should never refuse Pálinka. If someone offers it to you, turning it down is the biggest indecency you can ever commit.
2. Unicum – the cure for tummy trouble
Unicum is a Hungarikum, just like Pálinka. It’s a bitter, invented by the doctor to the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Joseph II. According to legend, the monarch loved it so much, that he said “Das is ein unicum!” (”This is unique!”), and the name was born. The doctor’s family, the Zwacks founded the distillery in 1840 and started to sell the liquor. Since then, it’s been a fundamental part of every Hungarian’s cocktail cabinet. It’s usually offered as an aperitif, because it has a good effect on the appetite. It contains more than 40 types of herbs and the taste of Unicum is divisive, you either love it or hate it. Try it and form your own opinion!
3.Beer – the men’s favorite
Summer nights+men=beer. That’s the easiest equation ever. Hungary has several brands to offer, all made in this country. If you go to a ruin pub you can try these straight from the tap. Ask the bartender for a recommendation! More good news for you: beer is pretty cheap in Hungary, so there’s no need to hold back!
4. Wine – Hungary’s best
Hungary is famous for its wines and vineyards. We don’t produce as much of this noble nectar as France or Spain, but quality-wise we are among the elite. Hungary has 22 wine regions, producing white, red and rosé. Buy a bottle in the shop on the corner, find a nice place in the city (the Citadel, for example) and ask a girl out… it’s a perfect but simple date night in Budapest!
5.Tokaji – the wine of Queens and Kings
There are nice wines in Hungary, and there is Tokaji. Tokaji is an institution. Kings, and Queens, drink it, so you know it’s the best of the best. Sweet like honey, dazzling like gold… No words needed. Drink it.
6.Törley – the champagne of Hungary
The Törley press house was established in 1882 and was not destroyed by the storms of history. The press house was bombed during World War II, and nationalized during communism, basically has the same story as Gallwitz (link!!!). It’s a nice sparkling wine, so if you have something to celebrate in Hungary, it’s well worth to try.
7. Fröccs – A summer night’s cooler
Fröccs: basically a simple wine spritzer. A couple of years ago, it was a bit of an embarrassment, only old people drank it. But somehow ruin pubs and hipsters brought it back, and now it’s experiencing a golden age. If you go out, most Hungarians will order it: it’s refreshing, cool, and cheap: perfect for urban youngsters. The only important thing to know is the ratio, for that, go here, and find your favorite.
8. Macifröccs – almost like a kid
Macifröccs means “teddy-spritzer”, and it’s basically a wine spritzer with some raspberry syrup. It’s sweet, and the syrup ruins the taste of the wine, but young girls seem to like it. So if you’re a man over 20, it won’t be your favorite, but be sure to try it once as a curiosity.
9. Fény – only for party animals!
Fény, or in English “Light” contains raspberry syrup as well, but it’s a tiny bit stronger… To make this cocktail you’ll need a soda syphon filled with vodka. Yes, VODKA. Pour the vodka into the bottle and fill it with carbon dioxide to make it bubbly. After that, you flavor it with some syrup and drink it as a shot. And then, The Hangover starts.
10. Krampampuli and mulled wine – for the chilly days
If you come to Budapest during the winter, you may need something to warm you up. Krampampuli and mulled wine are both spicy, hot and alcoholic beverages that are most popular around Christmas. There is no better way to walk around the city on a chilly day than sipping these drinks. But beware: both are quite strong (Krampampuli contains rum) and fast-acting. It’s the easiest way to get drunk in a cold Sunday afternoon!
+1. Traubisoda and Meggy Márka – a taste of communist nostalgia, without alcohol
After you have tried all of the above, you’ll need some soda to cure your hangover. Traubisoda (grape) and Meggy (sour cherry) Márka are real retro beverages invented during the communist era. The best way to drink them is somewhere around the Balaton to wash down some lángos.
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