Pălincă

What it is

Pălincă is a strong distillate made from ripe fruits: plums, pears, apples, apricots, cherries, or their mixture. It differs from țuică, which is distilled only from plums, both in raw materials and strength: according to Romanian regulations, Pălincă contains at least 40% alcohol, and usually around 50%.

In Maramureș and the Oaș region, this drink is called 'horincă'. In the EU register, there are two Romanian names for this family: the general 'Pălincă' and the local 'Horincă de Cămârzana'.

Pălincă is used to greet guests, and it is served at weddings and church holidays.

History and name

The word comes from the Slavic 'paliti' — just like the Slovak pálenka and the Transcarpathian palenka. Hungary and Austria registered the name as 'Pálinka', while Romania uses 'Pălincă'.

In the EU register: geographical indication for spirit drinks (GI), registered name «Pălincă», registered in 2008. Sources

Ingredients and allergens

Orchard fruitPears, apples, apricots, cherries — only ripe fruit without sugar goes into the distillate.

PlumsoptionalVarieties 'uhorka', 'bystrytsia', 'nemtudom' are used for lekvar, hombovtsi, and slivovitsa.

Contains allergens: none of the 14 major allergens in the traditional recipe

Ingredients of the traditional recipe; every cook and every place may do it differently — please ask when ordering. We cannot guarantee the absence of allergens or traces.

How it is made

We do not describe how strong alcohol is made. Romanian regulations define Pălincă as a drink obtained only by fermentation and distillation of fruits.

Where it is eaten

The area is approximate and based on the sources below. The dish is cooked outside it too, and ethnographic borders are blurred.

Transylvania, Maramureș, and the Oaș region in the northwest of Romania. The area is approximate, based on counties.

When it is eaten

Occasions: Weddings · Festivals

Safety

Strong alcohol. For adults only (18+); consume responsibly and do not drive after drinking.

FAQ