Beyond the well-known Portuguese wines and beers, there is something that not many people outside of Portugal have heard of – Portuguese liquors.
Although liquor was originally made for medicinal purposes, science overtook the distillery and relegated spirits to their proper place: leisure and social gatherings. Highly demanded after meals and also to give a “cheerful spark ” to coffee, the liquors are enjoyed slowly with small sips, caution and above all joy.
Beirão
Licor Beirão is known as Portugal’s National liquor, flavored with multiple botanicals, herbs and spices. It can be drunk neat, in cocktails, in a coffee, or added to desserts and sweets.
Medronhos
Aguardente de Medronhos is a homemade digestive, popular in restaurants, without labeling and purchased directly from farmers. It is usually served in bottles to share so that each one has the desired amount in their glass. It is very strong, so locals recommend trying it in small sips after the meal.
Singeverga
The Singeverga liquor is, still today, 100 % handmade by Benedictine monks. It is a small work of art, since all its production, including the filling of the bottle, the affixing of labels, and the sealing is done by hand.
Amarguinha
Don’t be fooled by the sweet taste of Amarguinha, drink it in moderation! This popular almond drink gets younger as it ages. In recent times, its use in cocktails has become popular and there is no chic bar counter that does not have a few bottles to its credit.
Ginjinha
The Ginjinha must be tried without any doubt. In Portugal, this liquor is so popular that in the establishments where it is served (don’t expect to see it in any bar), you can find someone drinking it almost at any time of the day . You can choose it with or without sour cherry and, in some places, served in a chocolate cup that is eaten after drinking the liquor. Double pleasure!
This article was provided for information purposes only and by no means encourages people to excessively consume alcohol.
