Cherry. Herbs. Almond.
Ask anyone who has spent time in Portugal and they will probably remember a small glass of something sweet.
A ginjinha in a Lisbon doorway.
A Licor Beirão after a long Sunday lunch.
A glass of Amarguinha on a warm Algarve evening.
Portuguese liqueurs are part of everyday life, family gatherings and festivals, and for many people living abroad they taste exactly like home.
Ginja: Portugal's Cherry Liqueur
Ginja, often called ginjinha, is made from ginja, a sour cherry similar to the Morello cherry.
The cherries are steeped in spirit with sugar and left to infuse, slowly releasing their deep colour and sweet and sour flavour.
The result is rich, fruity and warming, usually served in a small glass.
Some bottles contain whole cherries, and in Portugal you will often be asked a simple question: com ou sem? With or without the fruit?
Óbidos and Alcobaça
Ginja is made in many parts of Portugal, but the towns of Óbidos and Alcobaça, in the Oeste region north of Lisbon, are especially famous for it.
Ginja de Óbidos e Alcobaça is a protected geographical indication in the European Union.
In the medieval walled town of Óbidos, ginja is famously served in small edible chocolate cups.
Drink the ginja, then eat the cup.
It is one of the most delightful little traditions in Portuguese drinking.
Lisbon's Ginjinha Bars
In Lisbon, tiny ginjinha bars have served locals and visitors for generations.
Some are little more than a counter opening onto the street.
You order, you drink standing up, you chat, and you move on.
It is quick, friendly and very Portuguese.
Licor Beirão: The Liqueur of Portugal
Licor Beirão is one of Portugal's best-known liqueurs.
It comes from Lousã, in the Beira region of central Portugal, which gives it its name.
It is made with a blend of seeds, herbs and aromatic plants, and its exact recipe is a well-kept secret.
The flavour is sweet and herbal, with hints of spice and citrus.
Portuguese families often serve it neat after dinner, but it is also popular over ice, in long drinks and in the Caipirão, a Portuguese twist on the Caipirinha made with lime.
Amarguinha: The Taste of Bitter Almond
Amarguinha is a bitter almond liqueur closely linked to the Algarve, where almond trees have long been part of the landscape.
It is sweet and nutty with a gentle bitter edge.
Serve it chilled, over ice, or with a squeeze of lemon for a simple Amarguinha sour.
Medronho: The Strawberry Tree
The medronheiro, or strawberry tree, grows wild in the hills of southern Portugal, especially around the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão.
Its small red fruit is traditionally fermented and distilled into aguardente de medronho, a strong, fruity spirit.
Medronho liqueurs are a sweeter, gentler way to enjoy the same fruit, sometimes made with honey.
They are a real taste of the Portuguese countryside.
How to Serve Portuguese Liqueurs
Most are traditionally served in small glasses, either neat or over ice.
Ginja is often served at room temperature, although some prefer it chilled.
Licor Beirão and Amarguinha are lovely cold or over ice.
They also work well in long drinks with tonic, soda or lemonade.
Liqueurs in the Kitchen
A splash of ginja over vanilla ice cream is a simple dessert.
Licor Beirão can lift a chocolate mousse or a fruit salad.
Amarguinha works beautifully with almond cakes and tarts.
A Taste of Home
For Portuguese families living abroad, these bottles are more than drinks.
They bring back cafés, festivals, grandparents' kitchens and long lunches that turned into long afternoons.
That is why they also make wonderful gifts, especially at Christmas.
Choosing Your Portuguese Liqueur
For a classic, start with ginja, with or without the fruit.
For an Óbidos experience at home, choose a set with chocolate cups.
If you like herbal flavours, try Licor Beirão.
If you love almonds, try Amarguinha.
For something rustic and different, explore medronho.
Small Glass, Big Tradition
Portuguese liqueurs are about generosity and good company.
A small glass offered to a friend, a neighbour or a visitor is a gesture of welcome.
Saúde.
Explore Portuguese Liqueurs at EU Cellar
From ginja and Licor Beirão to Amarguinha and medronho, discover our fruit liqueurs, wider liqueurs range and Portuguese favourites.
Find a bottle that tastes like Portugal, for yourself or for someone who misses home.
Shop the Bottles
- Licor Beirão Herbal Liqueur 700ml
- Ginja Sem Rival Liqueur 700ml
- Oppidum Ginja de Óbidos with Cherry 700ml
- Mariquinhas Ginja de Óbidos 500ml with 12 Chocolate Cups
- Amarguinha Original Liqueur 700ml
- Medonho Arbutus (Medronho) Liqueur with Honey 500ml
Shop fruit liqueurs | Portuguese favourites
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18+ only. Please enjoy responsibly.