Best Articles

Where to Sample Ginjinha in Lisbon: Portugal’s Famous Cherry Liqueur

tasting_cherry_licquor-lisbon-tours

No visit to Lisbon is complete without sampling one of the city’s most beloved traditional drinks—ginjinha (or simply ginja), a sweet, sour cherry liqueur that has become an iconic part of the city’s culture. Made from Morello cherries, sugar, and aguardente (a type of Portuguese brandy), ginjinha is enjoyed as a quick shot in small glasses, often with a cherry at the bottom. It’s a drink that locals and tourists alike enjoy, especially when wandering through the historic streets of Lisbon.

If you’re eager to try this quintessential Portuguese liqueur, here are some of the best places in Lisbon to sip and savor authentic ginjinha.


1. A Ginjinha Espinheira – The Original

Perhaps the most famous spot to try ginjinha in Lisbon is A Ginjinha Espinheira, a tiny bar located near Rossio Square, at Largo de São Domingos. Opened in 1840, this establishment claims to be the very first to sell the cherry liqueur commercially, and it’s still one of the most popular places to try the drink.

Why You Should Visit:

  • Authentic Experience: This no-frills bar has been serving ginjinha for over 180 years. Locals often stop by for a quick shot before continuing with their day, giving you a real taste of Lisbon’s traditional culture.
  • Cherries or No Cherries?: When you order, you’ll be asked if you want your ginjinha “com elas” (with cherries) or “sem elas” (without cherries). For the full experience, go for com elas and enjoy the slightly boozy cherry at the bottom of the glass.

A Ginjinha Espinheira is a must-visit for anyone looking to try ginja at one of the most authentic spots in the city.


2. Ginjinha Sem Rival

Located just a few steps away from A Ginjinha Espinheira, you’ll find another iconic stop for this cherry liqueur—Ginjinha Sem Rival. This establishment has been serving ginjinha since the late 19th century and is known for its homemade recipe that includes a hint of cinnamon.

What Makes It Special:

  • Family-Owned: This small, family-run business has been crafting ginjinha for generations, offering their own unique twist on the traditional recipe.
  • Rivalry in Name Only: Despite the name (which translates to “Ginjinha Without Rival”), Ginjinha Sem Rival and A Ginjinha Espinheira exist harmoniously as two of the top spots for ginja in the city. Each bar has its loyal fans, and it’s worth trying both to compare their flavors.

Ginjinha Sem Rival is perfect for those who want to experience a more personalized, family-made version of this beloved Portuguese liqueur.


3. Ginjinha Rubi

Ginjinha Rubi, located on Rua Barros Queirós, has been quietly serving some of Lisbon’s best ginja since 1931. This hidden gem isn’t as crowded as the more famous spots around Rossio, but it offers an equally authentic and delicious experience.

Why Visit:

  • Less Touristy: For a more local vibe, Ginjinha Rubi is a great place to enjoy a glass of ginja without the crowds often found in the more central locations.
  • Smooth Taste: Known for its smooth, slightly less sweet ginjinha, this spot is popular with locals who stop by for a quick drink on their way through town.

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Ginjinha Rubi offers the same great taste but in a quieter, more intimate setting.


4. Confeitaria Nacional

For a slightly different take on your ginjinha experience, head to Confeitaria Nacional, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most famous pastry shops, located in Praça da Figueira. While known primarily for its delicious pastéis de nata and other traditional pastries, this 19th-century bakery also serves an excellent ginjinha, making it a great stop for a sweet treat and a drink.

Why You Should Visit:

  • Pairing with Pastries: Why not enjoy your ginjinha with a traditional Portuguese pastry? Confeitaria Nacional offers a unique opportunity to pair the sweet liqueur with some of the best pastéis de nata in the city.
  • Historical Charm: The café itself is a beautiful piece of Lisbon’s history, and its old-world charm provides the perfect setting for sampling ginjinha in style.

For a more refined ginja experience, Confeitaria Nacional allows you to enjoy this traditional drink alongside some of Lisbon’s most famous pastries.


5. Tasca do Chico – Fado and Ginja in Bairro Alto

Tasca do Chico is a renowned fado house in the Bairro Alto district, and it’s one of the best places to combine a night of music and ginja. While you enjoy traditional fado vadio (fado sung by both amateurs and professionals), you can sip on a glass of ginjinha, soaking up the atmosphere of one of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Why It’s a Must:

  • Fado and Ginja: There’s no better way to enjoy Lisbon’s music culture than with a glass of ginja in hand. At Tasca do Chico, you’ll experience the soul of the city—both musically and gastronomically.
  • Bairro Alto Charm: As you wander through the lively streets of Bairro Alto, Tasca do Chico offers a great stop for those looking to enjoy fado and the classic cherry liqueur in a fun, informal setting.

For a night filled with fado and ginja, Tasca do Chico is the perfect spot in Lisbon.


6. Ginjinha do Carmo

Located near the Carmo Convent and Elevador de Santa Justa, Ginjinha do Carmo is another excellent place to stop for a quick glass of ginja. This small stand serves both traditional ginjinha and some variations, offering a different take on the classic recipe.

Why You Should Visit:

  • Great Location: Ginjinha do Carmo is conveniently located near some of Lisbon’s most famous attractions, making it an easy stop during a day of sightseeing.
  • Unique Flavors: Alongside the traditional ginja, they occasionally offer versions with a bit of chocolate or other twists, adding an extra dimension to the classic drink.

If you’re exploring central Lisbon and want to grab a quick glass of ginja on the go, Ginjinha do Carmo is an excellent choice.


7. A Baiuca – Alfama’s Fado and Ginja Spot

Nestled in the heart of Alfama, A Baiuca is another popular fado house where you can enjoy live performances and a glass of ginjinha. This small, authentic venue is perfect for an evening of traditional Portuguese music, food, and, of course, a shot of ginja to round out the experience.

Why It’s Special:

  • Fado and Ginja Combo: A Baiuca is well-known for its intimate fado performances, and nothing complements the soul-stirring music of fado quite like the sweet warmth of ginjinha.
  • Authentic Alfama Experience: Located in the heart of the Alfama district, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, A Baiuca offers a true taste of Lisbon’s cultural heritage.

For a truly authentic Lisbon evening filled with music and tradition, A Baiuca is the perfect place to enjoy both fado and ginja.


Conclusion: Discover the Spirit of Lisbon with Ginjinha

Ginjinha is more than just a drink in Lisbon—it’s part of the city’s cultural fabric. Whether you’re stopping by one of the historic ginjinha bars in Rossio, pairing the liqueur with a pastry at Confeitaria Nacional, or enjoying it alongside a fado performance in Bairro Alto or Alfama, tasting ginjinha is an essential Lisbon experience.

From the sweet aroma of the cherries to the warmth of the brandy, this drink is the perfect way to toast your time in Portugal’s capital. Be sure to try it at one (or all!) of these iconic spots to truly savor Lisbon’s flavors.

Gonzalo

Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.

For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.

Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.



Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Most Popular

.
 


-

-

LisbonGuide provides authentic, unique, and reliable information for Lisbon/Portugal Travelers.

Restaurants, Hotels, Day Trips, Attractions, Tips & Tricks, News, and much more.

Search

  
    
.

LISBON / PORTUGAL TRANSFERS

RESERVATION LINK   PARTNERS
To Top