On a hot summer day in Budapest, there’s one thing locals almost instinctively reach for: a cold glass of fröccs. You might know it as a wine spritzer, but here, it’s much more than that. It’s part of everyday life, something you sip slowly on a terrace, while chatting with friends, watching the city go by.
So what exactly is a fröccs?
At its simplest, fröccs is just wine (usually white or rosé) mixed with chilled soda water. Simple, but somehow, much more than the sum of its parts. The secret lies in the proportions. Depending on how strong (or light) you want your drink, you can choose from a surprisingly long list of variations.
On a really hot day, the hosszúlépés (long step) is usually the best choice – one part wine, two parts soda – light, refreshing, and easy to drink. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, a nagyfröccs flips the ratio and gives you a bit more kick.
A whole culture built around bubbles
Hungarians didn’t just stop at one version.
There’s an entire culture built around fröccs, with creative names and combinations that can be a bit overwhelming at first – even for locals. But honestly, that’s part of the fun.
Here are a few classics you’ll come across:
- Classic Fröccs – 2 dl wine + 1 dl soda
- Kisfröccs (Small Step / Whistle) – 1 dl wine + 1 dl soda
- Hosszúlépés (Long Step) – 1 dl wine + 2 dl soda
- Házmester (Janitor) – 3 dl wine + 2 dl soda
- Viceházmester – 2 dl wine + 3 dl soda
A very Hungarian invention
What makes fröccs even more special is its history.
The soda water used in it is linked to Ányos Jedlik, who created one of the first soda-making devices back in 1826. By the 19th century, soda production had become a major industry in Hungary, with glass bottles delivered by local craftsmen.
How locals actually drink it
For me, nothing beats a rosé fröccs. There’s just something about sitting on a terrace on a warm afternoon, a cold glass in your hand, sunlight bouncing off the buildings and that gentle fizz in every sip.
It’s not a drink you rush. It’s something you enjoy slowly, somewhere between conversations, laughter, and long summer evenings.
Where to try fröccs in Budapest
You’ll find fröccs almost everywhere in Budapest: from small local bars to trendy wine terraces. But if you really want to experience it at its best, I always recommend timing your visit with one of the city’s wine festivals.
The Rosalia Festival and the Budapest Wine Festival are perfect places to explore Hungarian wines – and of course, to taste different kinds of fröccs in a lively, social atmosphere.
One last thing
Fröccs might sound simple, but in Budapest, it’s really about the moment. So pick your version, find a nice terrace, and don’t forget to pay attention to the bubbles.
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This article was updated in February 2026 with the latest tips and information.