Homeboy

While I like to think of myself as "Mr. Moderation", this is yet another admission that I'm in love with yet another alcoholic beverage: the traditional Hungarian spirit, pálinka, but not just any pálinka.

Házi pálinka
My place, before drifting off to sleep

We're talking "házi pálesz", backyard booze that comes in a wide variety of flavors, strengths and colors - part of what makes it so wonderful.

Since dating someone of Transylvanian origin (yes, they are the real pálinka makers), I've got a steady supply; nearly anytime we visit a relative or go back to the homeland we come home with yet another brand of homemade hooch in some sort of dodgy bottle. When it comes from places east, it's often made from plums (szilva). The alcohol content can be as high as 50 proof, the flavor usually clean, although one runs into the occasional paint-thinner aftertaste.

Back in Transylvania, pálinka is sort of a universal cure for all that ails you. Got a sore throat? Have a shot of pálinka. Cut on your arm? Pour a little pálinka on it.

But it's not always medicinal. For my 40th birthday party we were equipped with one bottle of körte pálinka (pear) and one of szilva, and they were both so delicious yet distinctive that I wanted to have a tipple of both with each of the guests as they arrived, which turned out to be a big mistake! (Did I learn anything after 40 years? No.) I paid dearly for my enthusiasm.

So nowadays I just sip from a tiny shotglass, usually taking a dose before I hit the hay. It makes for sweet dreams. Egészségedre!

Links:
House party video of some chick drinking pálinka
Pálinka: Lost in the Hungarian Countryside (short story)
Pálinka Pictures