PORTUGAL DRINKS

BY SIMON PINEDO

Ginjinha

Ginjinha is a cherry liqueur that originated in Lisbon and Alcobaça. The story goes that in the 19th century, a Galician friar named Francisco Espinheira created the first recipe by infusing ginja berries (sour cherries) in alcohol with sugar and spices. His concoction was a hit, and he started sharing it with locals, who believed the drink had mystical properties, bringing good luck and health. It quickly became a popular drink in Lisbon, with small shops dedicated to serving it.

Today, places like “A Ginjinha” in Lisbon are famous for serving the liqueur in small shot glasses, often with a cherry at the bottom. Locals have a tradition of enjoying Ginjinha after meals or during celebrations.

Aguardente de Medronho

Aguardente de Medronho is a potent spirit distilled from the fruit of the medronho tree, native to the Algarve and Alentejo regions. The production of Medronho is often a family affair, passed down through generations. It’s made in small, rustic distilleries using traditional methods. Medronho has a reputation for being a fiery drink, often consumed by farmers and shepherds as a warming beverage. There are many local legends about its potency, with some saying it “puts hair on your chest” and others claiming it has medicinal properties. There is a legend that shepherds in the Algarve region discovered the potency of the medronho fruit by accident. One particularly cold winter, a shepherd left a container of fermenting medronho fruit hidden in a cave. When he returned, he found it had turned into a strong spirit. Drinking it, he felt an extraordinary warmth spread through his body. From then on, it was believed that Aguardente de Medronho had the power to protect against the cold and misfortune.

Poncha

Poncha is a traditional drink from Madeira, made from aguardente de cana (sugar cane rum), honey, sugar, and lemon juice. According to legend, Poncha was introduced by British sailors in the 18th century as a remedy for colds. The preparation of Poncha, known as “mexer” (to stir), involves a special tool called a “caralhinho” or “ponche stick.” Each region of Madeira has its own variation, with different fruits like passion fruit or orange. Poncha is often enjoyed at local festivals and is considered a symbol of Madeira’s convivial spirit.

A local legend from Madeira tells of a fisherman who fell ill with a severe cold. Unable to work, he visited a village elder known for her healing concoctions. She mixed aguardente de cana with honey and lemon juice, creating Poncha. The fisherman drank it and was miraculously cured overnight. Word of the healing drink spread, and it became a traditional remedy for colds and a beloved beverage among Madeirans.

Licor Beirão is an herbal liqueur with a recipe that dates back to the 19th century in Lousã. The story begins with a pharmacist who created the liqueur as a medicinal tonic. It became popular and eventually transformed into a commercial product. The name “Beirão” refers to the Beira region, highlighting its local roots. Licor Beirão is made from a secret blend of herbs and spices, some sourced from as far away as Brazil and India. It’s often consumed as a digestif and is celebrated for its smooth, aromatic flavor.

These drinks are not just beverages; they are integral to Portuguese culture and history, each with its own unique story that has been preserved and passed down through generations.

One romantic legend about Licor Beirão involves a young apothecary in Lousã who fell in love with a beautiful local girl. He created the liqueur using a secret blend of herbs and spices, believing it to be a potion of love. He gifted the liqueur to the girl, who fell in love with him after tasting it. The apothecary’s creation not only won her heart but also became a cherished local drink, eventually known as Licor Beirão.

Amarguinha

Amarguinha is a traditional Portuguese almond liqueur from the Algarve. Its name means “little bitter,” referring to the bitter almonds used in its production. This liqueur has a distinctive sweet and slightly bitter taste. It is often served chilled, sometimes with a splash of lemon juice. According to folklore, Amarguinha was originally consumed as a digestif to aid digestion after a heavy meal. The liqueur is also associated with festive occasions and celebrations in the Algarve region.

The Almond Tree’s Promise: In the Algarve, a legend surrounds Amarguinha, an almond liqueur. It is said that a Moorish prince fell in love with a local girl who was despondent due to homesickness for the snowy landscapes of her homeland. To cheer her up, he planted almond trees all around his palace. When the trees blossomed, their white flowers created the illusion of snow. In gratitude, the girl created a liqueur from the almonds, which became known as Amarguinha, symbolizing their love and the beauty of the almond blossoms.