Drink Țuică (traditional Romanian drink)

Țuica is a Romanian alcoholic drink made from plums. It is usually prepared using traditional methods and people make it in their own homes, for personal use or for sale. The plums are kept in a wooden barrel but the distillation must be done in a brass still, using a traditional fire source. After distillation it may be served fresh, or can be kept in oak barrels for aging. The aged one has a yellow colour and a strong aroma.

There is a confusion between 'țuică' and 'palincă', and many think it's the same think. But țuica is in essence a type of brandy, whose distillation is made only from plums and palinca is made from various kinds of fruits; the most common are made from plums, pears and apricots.

This traditional drink is typically served as a shot. In the winter time is can also be served hot, and it is very popular among Romanians. Tourists seem to love it too, and the tradition says that no meal should start without a shot of ţuică.