What is Ginjinha
Ginjinha Liqueur
Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur. This sweet liqueur is made of cherry.
Why do we have this name? Because this infusing has a unique cherry, which the Portuguese name is Ginja (Prunus cerasus austera, Morello cherry). In Portuguese, Ginjinha is the diminutive name. That is a sour cherry.
Ginja Liqueur’s History
This liqueur was created by a Galician friar who was working in Portugal at Saint Antony’s Church. Francisco Espinheira did the experience of leaving ginja berries in aguardiente (Portuguese brandy, a potent distilled alcohol).
According to history, success was immediate in Lisbon. The first story in Lisbon to commercialize the drink was “A Ginjinha.” This bar opened in 1840. And it is still open! This family business is in the hands of the fifth generation. The Location is Largo São Domingos, between Teatro Nacional D. Maria II and St Domingos’ Church.
How do you drink Ginjinha?
Ginjinha is served in a shot glass with one gray cherry at the bottom of the glass. Unfortunately, we have some stores using plastic cups. At the end of the day, the nearby waste bins are full of trash.
In Obidos, Ginjinha is usually served in a small edible chocolate cup. I like this option, but sometimes the chocolate is low quality, damaging the experience!
How many calories have in a glass of Ginjinha?
A shot glass of Ginjinha Liqueur has 103 calories.
How much is Ginjinha’s price?
The shot cost 1€ – 1,50€. The bottle costs 7€ – 15€.
Ginjinha Recipe
- 1-kilo cherries stemmed and cleaned with the pit.
- 1 liter vodka or firewater.
- 3 cups Water
- 2 cups Sugar
- 1/2 cup Red Wine
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 3 Cloves
Add the cherries, vodka, cinnamon, and cloves into a jar or bottle.
Cover one time per month and shakes well to ensure that all the hooch contacts all the cherries and spices.
When the cherries are without color, and the vodka has turned red, it is time to make your syrup. Bring the sugar and water to a boil on the stove, then turn off the heat, cover, and allow it to cool completely. Strain the vodka into a mixing bowl, and set the cherries aside for later use. Put the cinnamon and cloves in the trash.
Add the syrup and half a cup of red wine. Mix well.
Split the spent cherries between two bottles, and pour the liquid on top. Add the liqueur. Close the bottle and allow the liqueur to age for one to three months before drinking.
How much alcohol contents in the Ginjinha?
Ginjinha has an alcohol percentage of 19%.
Where to drink Ginjinha
Historical places in Lisbon:
- Ginginha sem Rival – Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 7.
- A Ginjinha – Largo de São Domingos, 8.
- Ginjinha Rubi – Rua de Barros Queirós, 29.
We can suggest more places, but these are the most famous in Lisbon.
Another city:
Obidos is well-preserved medieval architecture making it one of the most beautiful places to visit.
Ginja of Obidos (brand in Portuguese “Ginja de Óbidos”) is a similar drink produced in the pretty town and widely sold throughout Portugal.
What to visit in Obidos: Churches, Castel, and bookstores. There are so many things to see here. However, the castle is now a luxurious hotel.
My last suggestion: Chocolate Cake with Ginjinha.
Cook a simple chocolate cake. A dry cake without cream. Then, drill the cake with a fork and drizzle the cake with Ginjinha. Serve the cake with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
What are you waiting for? Sign up to receive our newsletter, including travel tips, traditional Portuguese food, promotions, and information on our Portugal Package Vacations.