Dracula's Guide to Romania

Culture, places to visit and what to do in Romania

Romanian Moonshine – Pălincă, rachiu or Țuică – Homemade distillation

All the drinks mentioned below are basically a fruit distilled strong alcoholic drink. Most of these distilled alcoholic drinks are made out of plums but can be made out of strawberries, pears, apples, apricots, and other fruit. Romania is one of the largest producers of plums in the world, and hence we are very plum…

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All the drinks mentioned below are basically a fruit distilled strong alcoholic drink. Most of these distilled alcoholic drinks are made out of plums but can be made out of strawberries, pears, apples, apricots, and other fruit. Romania is one of the largest producers of plums in the world, and hence we are very plum focused.

What is Palincă, Rachiu, Tuica or Horincă?

I tell the tourists on my tour that palincă cleanses the soul. That burn can clean anything within… All of the drinks mentioned below are produced by the process of distillation with small distinctions.

Țuică – made exclusively by plums

Palincă – The official definition from the dictionary is that it is a distilled drink made out of fruits one article states it is all fruits other than plums, and another article states it is double or triple-distilled fruit, which means it is stronger. What I can tell you for sure is this: it is of Hungarian origin, it is usually stronger, and I usually associate it with plums, which could be incorrect, but what everyone can agree on is that it will knock your boots off.

Rachiu – Word originates in the Balkan area Raki, Rakia and so on. It is a general term to describe alcohol produced naturally or synthetically without having to add sugar.

Horinca – is a term used in Maramureș region and other smaller areas to describe țuică or palinca

Moral of this story… Most Romanians will think of the same thing when you start drinking, and distinctions will matter regionally. A lot of people brew their own batch at home, so in certain situations it can be unsafe, but the homemade one is usually the greatest palinca you will ever drink. Pro tip, is to ask how old is it? If it’s fresh, stay safe; if it was already drunk, you are in good hands.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTnRdGzrSlF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MWtzam04NHA2aWNy

Also during the winter we heat it up, add some pepper, and it is absolutely stunning and… strong.

Sources: https://calatorinbascheti.ro/care-e-diferenta-dintre-palinca-tuica-si-horinca/

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