Licor Beirão
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.
One alcoholic treat that is sold in more than 40 countries around the world is Licor Beirão, Portugal's favourite spirit which has been produced in the J. Carranca Redondo distillery since 1929.
Fun fact: Caipirinha is Portugal's national cocktail made from Cachaca. Cachaca is a liquor made in Brazil, and as Brazil and Portugal share history and customs, the drink is very popular in both countries. Known as a drink of the people, Caipirinhas are minimalist and are dangerously delicious.
Sumol Ananás
Behold the most popular Portuguese soft drink! Go to any respectable local café or restaurant across Portugal and Sumol will be there.
When in Lisbon, do as the locals do and drink ginjinha. Trying ginjinha in Lisbon is a travel must. Also known as ginja, this is a sweet liqueur made from Morello (sour) cherries soaked in a distilled spirit called aguardente. The mixture is flavored with sugar and spices like cinnamon.
Douro. Port is the most famous and most copied wine from Portugal, and it grows in the Douro Valley. The hills along the Douro River have been worked by hand into terraced stair steps since the time of Jesus.
Vinho Verde is the protected designation of origin for a special type of wine, produced in the far-north regions of Portugal. Although it literally translates to "green wine", the name is supposed to mean "young wine", as it is usually not allowed much time to mature and is consumed soon after bottling.
Ginjinha or simply Ginja, is a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries (sour cherry, Prunus cerasus austera, the Morello cherry) in alcohol (aguardente) and adding sugar together with other ingredients, with cloves and/or cinnamon sticks being the most common.
of old Portugal variety. 100% orange juice. This juice is obtained from Portugal oranges, the oldest variety of eating use of which we have news in Europe since 1726. For decades forgotten and denigrated, this variety has all the rights to come back being appreciated.
Cinnamon, vanilla, lemon zest, orange zest, aniseed, clove and allspice are used in many traditional desserts and some savoury dishes. Garlic and onions are widely used, as are herbs; bay leaf, parsley, oregano, thyme, mint, marjoram, rosemary and coriander are the most prevalent.
Bacalhau – Salted and Dried Codfish
Bacalhau in the market in Portugal. Considered the national dish of Portugal, Portugal's culinary repertoire boasts more than a thousand bacalhau recipes! You will fall in love with salted cod because of the delicious flavour it develops due to the salting and drying process.
The most common choices of coffee in the morning are galão, one part coffee and two parts milk served in a tall transparent glass, meia de leite, 50% coffee and 50% milk served in a ceramic mug, or a straight up espresso which, unlike the milky drinks that are sipped while you eat, would normally be downed at the end ...
Bacalhau, which translates to cod in English, is Portugal's national dish, a symbol of the country's identity, and one of the most popular foods in restaurants across the country. Bacalhau is such a go-to staple in Portuguese cuisine that it even has an endearing nickname: fiel amigo, or faithful friend.
Beer lovers who come to Portugal are often disappointed by the range of Portuguese beers that are on offer. Essentially, there are just two: Super Bock and Sagres.
The galao coffee is Portugal's answer to the latte or cafe au lait. It's a base of espresso topped with three parts of foamed milk and served in a tall glass. The galao is traditionally served at breakfast, but you can enjoy it any time of day with our simple recipe. Here's everything you need to know about the galao.
Vá em frente, Espumante
Espumante (pronounced 'esh-pu-man-te') is the Portuguese term for sparkling wine and it is produced throughout the country (however surprising that may be!).
Aguardente vínica is basically Portuguese brandy, a spirit distilled from wine. A key difference with brandy, though, is purpose: the Portuguese make a lot of aguardente to fortify their Port wines.
As you have understood in this article Portuguese beer is dominated by Super Bock and Sagres beer which are the two most sold Portuguese beers. Coral beer is the beer of the island of Madeira and is also well distributed in Portugal.
You'll come across some varieties you've tried before, but Portuguese wine is famed for showcasing a fascinating array of indigenous grapes, all of which open up a new world of flavours and tastes. Touriga Nacional is the most well-known Portuguese variety.
Due to its high mineral content and the added chlorine, the taste can be a little strange. The Algarve, in the south of Portugal has hard water, high mineral content and added chlorine in the treatment stage. Most locals use bottled water for drinking and tap water for cooking, laundry, bathing, etc.
What's more, Portugal is home to Europe's oldest tea plantation, which is also the only one still in operation. A particularly popular local drink is chá com leite (tea with milk, honey and spices). All of this means one thing: if you're looking for afternoon tea in Lisbon, you're in luck!