16 Must-Try Portuguese Drinks – What to Drink in Portugal

Visiting Portugal should be on the bucket list for any traveler looking for sun, beautiful architecture, and incredible history. Located west of Spain, this wonderful country is also home to some delicious and unique drinks. Portugal is one of our favorite countries to visit for food and drink. So we put together our list of these traditional Portuguese drinks to try when you visit.

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Quick Facts: Traditional Portuguese Drinks

Category	Iconic Portuguese Drink	Regional Origin / Hub	Cultural & Tasting Takeaway
Fortified Wine	Port Wine (Vinho do Porto)	Douro Valley & Vila Nova de Gaia	Historic fortified wine; try dry White Port & Tonic (Porto Tónico) in the summer.
Sour Cherry Liqueur	Ginjinha (or Ginja)	Lisbon, Óbidos & Alcobaça	Sweet-tart cherry infusion served in tiny cups (or chocolate cups) com or sem elas (with or without fruit).
National Herbal Liqueur	Licor Beirão	Beiras (Central Portugal)	Aromatic digestif distilled with 13 botanicals (cinnamon, cardamom, lavender); served on the rocks.
Refreshing Light Wine	Vinho Verde	Minho (Northwest Portugal)	Crisp, young wine with natural high acidity and a slight spritz; unbeatable with grilled seafood.
Island Punch	Poncha da Madeira	Madeira Island	Potent punch made with fresh sugarcane rum (aguardente de cana), honey, and lemon juice.
Coffee Culture	Café / Bica / Pingado	Nationwide / Lisbon	Robust, dark-roast espresso shots taken standing at the counter (ao balcão) throughout the day.
Summer Iced Coffee	Mazagran	Lisbon & Algarve	Chilled espresso mixed with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and plenty of ice.
Almond Digestif	Amarguinha	Algarve (Southern Portugal)	Sweet and bitter liqueur made from southern bitter almonds; served cold with lemon.

What To Drink In Portugal

Portugal is a relatively small country with a varied climate throughout the year. In Lisbon and the south, the weather is warm and often quite hot in the summer. As a result, Portuguese drinks are designed to refresh and replenish and are often high in sugar to counteract sweaty outdoor activities. 

In Porto, and Northern Portugal summers can get hot, but winters are cold and wet. This means that fortified wines can warm up the evening.

Portugal is famous for its wine, however, Portuguese beer brands aren’t as well known as they should be! From mass-produced Portuguese beers to locally produced craft beer, there are loads of options.

Due to the warm climate and nutrient-rich soils, Portuguese liquor is very sweet, high in alcohol, and pairs perfectly with tropical fruit juices like pineapple and mango.

Many Portuguese locals will add drops of zesty citrus like lemon or grapefruit to their drinks to cut through the sugary taste.

Traveling to Portugal? Check out our comprehensive Portuguese Food Guide, with a list of the 28 traditional Portuguese dishes you must try!

Learn more about what to drink in Portugal:

Lisbon Craft Beer Guide – How To Find Craft Beer in Lisbon

How To Book The Best Porto Wine Tours and Food Tours

16 Must-Try Portuguese Drinks

While you’re in Portugal, beer and wine aren’t the only things on the to-try list! Here are 16 must-try Portuguese drinks to look for across the country. Some of these are uniquely Portuguese beverages.

If you are booking a trip to Portugal, check out our recommended 10-day itinerary for Portugal, with a focus on food and drink.

Ginjinha – Sour Cherry Liqueur

Ginjinha (or simply ginja) is Portugal’s beloved ruby-red sour cherry liqueur, traditionally sipped from a small shot glass as a quick standing aperitif or digestif.

You may have seen this Portuguese liquor also sold as ‘ginja’ or ‘ginjia’ in grocery stores. A favorite among tourists and locals alike, this sweet and sour Portuguese drink is drunk as a shot before or after a meal. The sweet and sour flavor comes from the sour cherries that are used to make the drink, and are often served inside.

Ginjinha is one of my favorite alcoholic drinks, particularly when we are in Lisbon. In fact, there are entire establishments in Lisbon and Port that only sell ginjinha! Some of them will even serve ginjinha in edible chocolate cups for a truly decadent take on this Portuguese alcohol.

So choose whether you have additional cherries put into your aperitif, or simply take the tasty Portuguese beverage as is.

Do yourself a favor and make sure you have some tasty Portuguese food in your system before drinking ginjinha, it does pack a punch. And, it’s a bit of a surprise because it goes down so easy!

Portuguese Espresso – Café, Bica, and Pingado

Portuguese coffee culture revolves around intense, dark-roasted espresso shots taken standing at the counter, ordered as a bica in Lisbon or a cimbalino in Porto.

Just because Portugal doesn’t grow coffee doesn’t mean they don’t make a fantastic brew! The only place in Portugal where coffee beans are grown are in a small sliver of an island in the Azores.

This most popular drink of Portugal combines the best of Arabica and Robusta beans and slow roasts them, for a creamy, almost sweet beverage that will satisfy the die-hard caffeine addicts amongst you.

Our favorite Portuguese coffee is called the pingado, which is a shot of espresso with a small bit of warmed milk. It’s similar to the Italian coffee called macchiato. It’s available at cafes across the country, including some of our favorite Lisbon cafes.

Licor Beirão – The National Herbal Liqueur

Licor Beirão is Portugal’s iconic amber-hued herbal liqueur, double-distilled from seeds and botanicals like cinnamon, cardamom, and lavender from an 19th-century secret family recipe.

Simply known as Beirão, this national drink of Portugal is one you don’t want to miss! Possibly the most popular Portuguese liqueur on the market, this drink originated in the Beiras region and is an excellent option for those with a sweet tooth.

Hints of vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and lavender work together to create a unique flavor experience that is best enjoyed with plenty of ice. Beirão is also used in many popular Portuguese cocktails, such as Caipirão, or to boost other drinks like sangria with sweetness, alcohol content, and a distinctive aroma that will make your mouth water. 

Sumol Ananás – Sparkling Pineapple Soda

Sumol Ananás is Portugal’s quintessential nostalgic soft drink, a lightly sparkling, real fruit-juice soda that has refreshed beachgoers since 1954.

If you’ve seen the jokes, you’ll know that ‘ananas’ is the word for pineapple in most other languages. Sumol Ananás is one of the most popular non-alcoholic Portuguese drinks.

The name comes from a combination of the words ‘sumo’, meaning juice, and ‘sol,’ meaning sun. This fizzy soda has been around since the 1950s and is a favorite of adults and children alike. 

Port Wine – Historic Fortified Douro Wine

Port wine (Vinho do Porto) is a globally celebrated fortified wine produced exclusively in the terraced Douro Valley and matured in the historic riverside lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Like France’s champagne, fortified wine is only considered port if the grapes are grown in the Douro Valley region in northern Portugal. Home to the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, Portugal has been creating unique and delicious fortified wine for over 2,000 years.

Known around the world for its sweet and rich flavor, port wine is easily the most famous of the fortified wines from Portugal. Most people think of port as one of the most popular dessert wines. But, when we are in Porto, we drink it throughout the day. This includes before a meal, or as a cocktail.

Porto Tónico – White Port and Tonic Highball

A Porto Tónico is northern Portugal’s answer to the gin and tonic, pairing crisp, chilled dry white Port with quality tonic water, ice, and a sprig of fresh mint or citrus.

When thinking about the sweet wines of Portugal, most people assume that port wine only comes in a dark or ruby red color. Some of the most popular versions include tawny and ruby port wines. But, white port, and even rose port, is becoming a lot more popular.

Particularly in the summer months, expect white port cocktails including the Porto tonic, with a fresh spring of mint. Perfect on a hot summer day.

Madeira Wine – Heated Island Fortified Wine

Madeira wine is a unique fortified Atlantic wine made through a deliberate heating and oxidation process (estufagem), producing virtually indestructible wines with notes of roasted nuts and caramel.

With port wine on this list, don’t forget about Madeira wine! Produced only on the Atlantic islands of Madeira, this protected Portuguese alcohol comes in many different styles, alcohol contents, and flavors. Most varieties are a sweet wine, similar to port.

Like port wine, Madeira wine is typically very sweet and is intended to be served as a dessert wine. However, be careful when purchasing this Portuguese drink – many recipes call for Madeira wine as a flavor booster, and cooking wine is much lower quality than drinking wine. So splash the cash and get a high-quality Madeira wine for the best enjoyment. 

Poncha – Traditional Madeiran Rum Punch

Poncha is Madeira’s signature island punch, vigorously whipped with a notched wooden stirrer (caralhinho) using local sugarcane rum, wild bee honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

The second most famous Portuguese liquor to come out of Madeira, poncha is a must-try for anyone who loves a tipple!

This delicious drink from Portugal is made from Madeira rum, then sweetened with sugar or honey and flavored with citrus juice for a zesty finish. Deceptively sweet and oh-so-tasty, poncha drink is perfect served with ice on a hot summer’s day.

Mazagran – Iced Lemon Coffee

Mazagran is a refreshing Portuguese warm-weather pick-me-up combining a freshly pulled shot of hot espresso poured over ice, sweetened, and brightened with fresh lemon juice.

Portuguese people love their coffee and have many unique ways of fitting it into their day. Originating in Algeria, mazagran is a tasty iced coffee drink infused with lemon or sometimes grapefruit for a zesty, refreshing treat in warmer weather.

Poured over plenty of ice, this delicious beverage is served in cafes and restaurants around Portugal.

A popular variation on this Portuguese drink is to add rum or Portugese brandy to add a little spice to the proceedings. Make sure you don’t overindulge and enjoy this delicious beverage in moderation under the warm sun!

Aguardente – Portuguese Firewater and Digestifs

Aguardente (literally “burning water”) is a potent grape brandy or fruit distillate reaching 40% to 50% ABV, frequently ordered after a heavy meal or dropped into morning coffee as a café com cheirinho.

Rather than referring to one specific drink, aguardente (meaning ‘fire water’) is a collective name for any drinks in Portugal containing around 50 percent alcohol. Traditionally distilled from wine, aguardiente can also be made using sugar cane, fruits, or even coffee beans!

Many traditional establishments will have a proprietary version of this popular Portuguese drink and add it to coffees or juices for a little extra ‘scent.’

This Portuguese liquor is also used as a digestive to go with your meal, so many cafes will serve heavy dishes with a small shot on the side. 

Cerveja Artesanal – Portuguese Craft Beer

While mass-market lagers like Super Bock and Sagres dominate daily life, Portugal’s independent craft beer scene has exploded with excellent microbreweries like Dois Corvos, Musa, and Letra.

We’ve been super impressed with how the Lisbon craft beer scene is exploding and even throughout Portugal. Similar to neighboring Spain, which has also had its own renaissance in small producers. Particularly in Lisbon, there are multiple craft beer producers and bars – all worth a visit.

Sangria Portuguesa – Red, White, and Sparkling Wine Punch

Sangria Portuguesa is a warm-weather sharing punch blending chilled Portuguese table wine with diced citrus, apples, cinnamon sticks, and a generous splash of Licor Beirão or brandy.

While you may associate sangria with the neighboring country of Spain, this wine punch is also considered one of the national drinks of Portugal! So strong is the sentiment about this traditional punch, the EU has declared that only these two nations can name their product sangria.

Sangria is a deliciously refreshing drink in the warmer summer months consisting of red port wine, chopped fruits, and fruit juice.

Every establishment will have its own variety of this drink from Portugal – you’ll find this popular Portuguese drink at bars, restaurants, and festivals across the country. Some modern hospitality venues will even serve a version with white or sparkling wine for a unique take on a classic recipe. 

Amarguinha – Algarve Bitter Almond Liqueur

Amarguinha is a pale, aromatic liqueur crafted from the bitter almonds (amêndoas amargas) of the southern Algarve, best served ice-cold with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

If you love almonds and marzipan, you have to try amarguinha. Derived from an ancient recipe for almond liqueur, this drink from Portugal is a popular addition to cocktails, hot chocolates, and coffees worldwide.

With a uniquely nutty and bitter flavor, amarguinha is made using almonds from the Algarve region of south Portugal and is a favorite with locals for desserts and aperitifs. 

Xarope de Capilé – Historic Maidenhair Fern Cordial

Capilé is a rare, historic 18th-century Lisbon syrup made from maidenhair fern leaves scented with orange blossom water, diluted with cold water and ice for an old-world summer refresher.

You may struggle to find this traditional Portuguese drink these days, but trust us – it’s worth the effort! Known as capillaire in English, this zesty cordial dates back to the 18^th century, and was a favorite during the summer.

Made from a tasty blend of maidenhair leaves, orange blossom, and lemon zest, the result is a refreshing, semi-sweet drink perfect after a hard day exploring. 

Your best chance of finding this drink in Portugal is in Lisbon. Visit the downtown summer markets, and look for large vats filled to the brim with ice.

The scent of capilé is incredibly distinctive, and it is the perfect accompaniment to traditional Portuguese fare like frango no churrasco and Cabidela rice. 

Chá dos Açores – Island Green and Black Teas

Chá dos Açores comes from the volcanic island of São Miguel, home to Gorreana and Porto Formoso—the oldest and only industrial tea plantations in Europe.

Tea may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Portugal, but Azorean tea is a delicious caffeine hit for anyone who doesn’t like coffee! There are two types of tea grown in Portugal, and both are equally tasty.

Black tea comes in Orange Pekoe, Pekoe, and Broken Leaf varieties, and its high tannin content means that it is pungent and somewhat bitter.

Portuguese locals will often add honey or milk to balance out the tart flavors, and it is a standard Portuguese breakfast beverage in areas like Algarve and Porto. 

Hailed for its antioxidant properties, green tea from the Azores is similar to the variety found in Southeast Asia. With a light and refreshing flavor, this Portuguese drink is often served chilled with slices of lemon during summer.

Vinho Verde – Crisp “Green” Wine of the Minho

Vinho Verde is not green in color, but rather a young, high-acid wine from northwestern Portugal celebrated for its bone-dry palate, mineral freshness, and gentle effervescence.

You may think that there are already so many kinds of wine on this list – however, we have to mention vinho verde! While the name translates directly as ‘green wine,’ vinho verde actually refers to wine made in the Vinho Verde region in Portugal’s north. 

The most common form of this Portuguese drink is white wine, but you’ll also come across reds, rosés or even sparkling varieties!

One of the most significant differences between vinho verde and other wines is its texture – often zesty with a creamy mouthfeel, chilled vinho verde is slightly fizzy, and perfectly refreshing in the summer. It’s one of my favorite traditional Portuguese wines to drink when traveling in Portugal.

Portuguese Drinks For All Occasions

Central to holidays, festivals, and other celebrations, one of the best ways to experience the culture during your visit is to try Portuguese drinks!

Whether you pick one up at a convenience store or freshly made in a summer market, drinks in Portugal are guaranteed to be delicious and absolutely unforgettable. 

We understand that Portugal is an underrated European destination. Most people don’t know much about drinks from Portugal other than Port wine. We think the small country is definitely worth a visit for any drink traveler.

FAQs – Portuguese Drinks