Țuică

What it is

Țuică is a traditional Romanian drink made from plums: the fruits ferment and then are distilled. The main difference from palinka is the raw material: Țuică is made only from plums, while palinka can be made from any fruit.

The strength can vary: from light, just over 20%, to strong, double-distilled.

There are two Romanian Țuicăs with geographical indication in the EU register: 'Țuică de Argeș' — from the foothills of the Southern Carpathians — and 'Țuică Zetea de Medieșu Aurit' from the northwest of the country.

History and name

According to Romanian sources, the earliest mention is a tax document from 1386 from Bistrița in Transylvania, where the drink is referred to as 'cujka'.

Ingredients and allergens

PlumsVarieties '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 disclose how strong alcohol is made. According to Romanian rules, Țuică is obtained only through fermentation and distillation of plums.

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.

The Carpathian hills of Muntenia and Oltenia — Argeș, Vâlcea, Dâmbovița, Prahova, Buzău, Gorj — and Transylvania. The area is approximate, based on counties.

When it is eaten

Occasions: Weddings · Festivals · Harvest

Safety

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

FAQ