To begin with, here’s a surprising fact: the mineral water consumption of Hungary tripled in the last 30 years. Although more and more still mineral water is purchased, the sparkling alternative still tops the sales charts.

What do we mean by mineral water?

To get the record straight, let’s find out the difference between tap water and mineral water first. Mineral water needs to meet several requirements; for example, it should be completely free of any contaminations and bottled at the place of occurrence. The latter is necessary to avoid contamination the water might get during delivery. Mineral water is sourced from underground, so its mineral content depends on the quality of the soil it is obtained from. It is important to know that in a litre of mineral water there are at least 500 mg minerals that contain vitamins vital for the human body, such as chrome, manganese, copper, zinc, and iron.

Is mineral water bad for you?

If you only drink mineral water, especially if you opt for one that has high mineral content (500-2000 mg/l), try a new brand with a different mineral composition every week. There are certain minerals that can do harm in your body if overdosed.

With or without bubbles?

It’s up to you. The dissolved carbon dioxide gas has nothing to do with the mineral content of the water. If you drink water high in minerals, you’ll know it right ahead as its taste is quite characteristic and acidic.

Is tap water bad for you?

The majority of Hungarian tap water contains more than 500 mg of minerals per litre, which means that it is actually considered mineral water. However, tap water is not always tasty and healthy: the condition of the conduits may affect the quality of the water as substances harmful to the human body may dissolve when running through old water pipes. The opponents of tap water often criticize the chloride content of the water that colours the liquid white, but the Hungarian regulations are strict enough to prohibit such high chloride content that is harmful to the consumers’ health.

You probably won’t meet Unicum, the historic, medicine-like liqueur while clubbing, but Pálinka is one worth knowing. It is a strong fruit brandy, which can only be produced in Hungary, according to the European Pálinka Law. You might see some lighter versions in the supermarkets, but the original pálinka can contain up to 86% alcohol.

Pálinka might not be the best choice for everyone, but Hungarians cannot resist some Wine-Spritzer (or fröccs in Hungarian, as I will later refer to it). You might ask: why would anyone drink the amazing wines produced in Hungary with soda? Well, it has various reasons to be a hungaricum: it is a refreshing drink with delicious taste, and the celebration of the soda water invented here by Ányos Jedlik.

There are countless ways to make fröccs, for example the Big-Spritzer or Nagyfröccs (2 dl wine, 1 dl soda) Small-Spritzer or Kisfröccs (1 dl wine, 1 dl soda) The Long Stride or Hosszúlépés (1 dl wine, 2 dl soda) The Concierge or Házmester (3 dl wine, 2 dl soda), only to name the most popular ones. Red wine should be avoided when making fröccs, while white wine and rose are equally good with sparkly water. Don’t forget: soda water won’t make them taste better, in fact it might amplify the artificial taste.

Fröccs for fancies

If you want to do something even more special, with what you will surprise your local friends as well, try this spring inspired strawberry and lemon flavoured fröccs! For one serving combine 2 tablespoons of strawberry juice with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 dl soda water and 1 dl wine (experts recommend the fruity white wine, Irsai Olivér). Add ice cubes, decorate with fruit slices, and enjoy!

szerző: Rutai Lili