Ginjinha: Lisbon's Cherry Liqueur Tradition

Ginjinha (or ginja) is Lisbon's iconic cherry liqueur—sweet, strong (18-20% alcohol), served in tiny shot glasses, often with a whole cherry at the bottom. This ruby-red tradition dates to 1840 when a Galician friar created the recipe, and Lisboetas have been shooting it at tiny bars ever since.

The History of A Ginjinha

In 1840, Galician friar Espinheira created ginjinha by macerating Óbidos ginja cherries (small, sour Morello cherries) in aguardente (grape spirit), adding sugar, cinnamon, and secret spices. He sold it from a tiny kiosk near Rossio Square. The original bar, 'A Ginjinha' (also called 'Ginjinha Sem Rival'), still operates today—same tiny space, same recipe, same standing-room-only vibe.

A Ginjinha became a Lisbon institution. Workers stopped for morning shots, tourists discovered it, and the recipe spread. Today, multiple ginjinha bars cluster near Rossio and Baixa, but A Ginjinha remains the original. Expect queues, especially evenings and weekends. The bar is the size of a closet; everyone stands on the sidewalk.

How Ginjinha is Made

True ginjinha uses **ginja cherries** from Óbidos, Alcobaça, or nearby regions—smaller and sourer than regular cherries. Cherries are macerated in **aguardente** (neutral grape spirit) for several months. Sugar is added (lots—ginjinha is sweet), plus cinnamon sticks and sometimes other spices (closely guarded secrets). The mixture ages, flavors meld, and the result is deep red, syrupy, complex liqueur.

Each producer has unique recipes. Some age 6 months, others 2+ years. Aguardente quality, cherry sourcing, sugar levels, and spice blends create flavor variations. The best ginjinha balances sweetness with cherry tartness and doesn't taste like cough syrup (though cheap versions do).

Where to Drink Ginjinha in Lisbon

**A Ginjinha (Sem Rival):** Largo de São Domingos 8 (near Rossio). The original since 1840. Tiny, crowded, authentic. €1.50 per shot. **Ginjinha Rubi:** Rua Barros Queirós 27 (near Santa Justa Lift). Less touristy, locals' favorite. €1.40. **Ginjinha Espinheira:** Rua Portas de Santo Antão 7. Named after the friar inventor. Slightly larger space. €1.50.

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A ginjinha is not a drink—it's a Lisbon ritual. You don't sip it at a table; you shoot it standing on the street, then get on with your day.

**Eduardo's Ginjinha:** Multiple locations, including Bairro Alto. More commercialized but convenient. Offers chocolate cups—edible shot glasses made of dark chocolate (€2-€3). Touristy but fun novelty. **Óbidos:** The town of Óbidos is famous for ginja; every shop sells it. Chocolate cups originated here. More touristy than Lisbon bars but picturesque medieval setting.

Drinking Etiquette and Culture

**When to drink:** Morning pick-me-up, after lunch digestif, pre-dinner aperitif, late-night shot. Locals drink ginjinha anytime. **How to drink:** Shoot it or sip it—both are acceptable. Com elas (with cherries) means you eat the alcohol-soaked cherry after drinking. Some bite it, others swallow whole.

**Pairing:** Traditionally drunk alone or with pastéis de nata. The sweetness complements sweets. Not paired with meals. **Price:** €1.20-€2.00 per shot at bars, €8-€15 for bottles at shops. **Buying bottles:** Available at supermarkets, gourmet shops, and tourist stores. Bottles make great gifts. Refrigerate after opening.