Orange Bitter combines the classic Unicum recipe, aged in oak barrels, with Sanguinello blood orange distillate and extract, creating Hungary’s first orange-infused herbal liqueur. According to Zwack Sándor, chairman of Zwack Unicum’s board, speaking at the launch event, the new offering represents “a perfect harmony between the herbal complexity of Unicum and the refreshing aroma of orange peel.”
Crafting the orange distillate involves a process that highlights the unique expertise of the Zwack team. This balance between spicy herbal flavors and the bright, zesty notes of orange aims to create a distinctive sensory experience, making the Orange Bitter a standout addition to the Unicum family.
Reflecting the sunny charm of Tuscany, the herbal liqueur is best enjoyed over two ice cubes with a fresh slice of orange in true aperitivo style.
Exciting Chapter
“With Orange Bitter, we bring a taste of the sun-soaked Italian countryside and the essence of dolce vita to Hungary,” Zwack explained. He noted that the drink adds an exciting chapter to the Unicum legacy, which includes products like Szilva, paying homage to Hungarian traditions, and Barista, evoking the exotic coffee farms of Costa Rica. “This new creation takes us to my homeland, Italy,” Zwack added.
He emphasized that Orange Bitter is not merely an orange liqueur but an authentic Unicum product, enriched with orange distillate and extract, aiming to appeal to adventurous palates and reshape drinking culture. Its lively, versatile character makes it suitable for any occasion, whether a bustling city night, a cozy date, or a lively gathering of friends.
During a conversation with the Budapest Business Journal in June, Zwack reflected on the company’s resilience in navigating challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
“The secret to our success lies in maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and innovation while keeping the founding family involved even after 230 years,” he said.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of November 29, 2024.



