Romania has a long tradition of producing spirits and liqueurs. In the country’s rural areas, homemade drinks are a heritage that has been passed down through the generations, and preserving family recipes is almost a sacred duty. Two iconic drinks that are closely linked to Romania’s cultural heritage are țuică, a strong plum brandy, and vișinată, a sweet, aromatic cherry liqueur. Although both are fruit-based spirits, their production methods and consumption traditions differ significantly. Let’s see what makes them so special!
Țuică – The masterpiece of plum brandy
țuică is a traditional Romanian plum brandy made exclusively from ripe plums. This drink is a protected designation of origin, meaning that only plum brandy made according to specific standards can be called such. In the Romanian countryside, the production of țuică is almost a ritual, carried out in the autumn, after the plum harvest. The ripe fruit is carefully selected, fermented and then distilled in traditional copper stills.
During the distillation process, the masters pay great attention to timing and temperature, as a badly handled process can affect the taste and quality of the drink. The alcohol content usually ranges from 40-55%, and in some regions double distillation makes the drink even stronger. The best versions of țuică are aged in oak casks, which gives the drink a deeper, more complex flavour.
This brandy is not only an everyday drink in Romania, but also a symbol of hospitality. Romanian families often serve it as an aperitif before a large feast, as it has an appetising effect. It is almost indispensable at festivities and special occasions, and a glass of țuică is often an indispensable accompaniment to a conversation with friends or a business meeting.
Vișinată – The sweet and aromatic cherry liqueur
Vișinată is a drink with a very different character, made from cherries, sugar and alcohol. While țuică is strong and fiery, vișinată is softer, sweet and fruity. The process of making it is less complicated, but requires patience, as it can take a long time to mature.
According to the traditional recipe, fresh sour cherries are layered with sugar in a jar and left to stand for a few weeks or even months to allow the sugar to dissolve completely and the fruit to drain. The whole mixture is then infused with alcohol, which can be țuică, vodka or even pure spirit. The final result is a liqueur with an alcohol content of 15-30%, with a rich cherry aroma and a silky sweet taste.
Vișinată is typically served with desserts, but many people drink it on its own, chilled. It is also an excellent choice for festive occasions or family gatherings, as it is easy to drink and is enjoyed by most guests. Often stored in fancy bottles, it is also a popular gift.
Two drinks, two worlds, yet linked by tradition
țuică and vișinată are two drinks with different characters, but they have one thing in common: they are deeply rooted in Romanian culture and both play an important role in celebrations, family events and hospitality. The țuică is the pride of Romanian men, while the vișinată is a favourite of the sweet-toothed, often favoured by ladies and those who prefer less strong drinks.
When in Romania, be sure to try these two iconic drinks to really get a taste of the country’s traditions and hospitality!