Palinka is basically a kind of schnapps - But really strong at 40%+ alcohol content!
You can get really crappy cheap brands that burn your insides like no other, or for decent prices get really surprisingly smooth ones.
I drink some that a Hungarian friends father makes on his farm (basically moonshine) and it tastes really good. Just as good if not better than any I have had in the stores.
They usually come in flavours such as pear, apricot and sometimes you can get cherry. It seems to be a hungarian tradition to drink it at any opportunity - Before going to work for example! Or during. Definitely after.
Anyways I have definitely developed a taste for the Palinka and intend on bringing a few bottles back to Canada next time!