Let’s talk about Portugal. When most people think of Portugal and alcohol, they immediately think of Porto—the city, sure, but mostly the wine. Oh yes, that sweet, velvety, makes-you-feel-fancy-and-cultured port wine. The very reason for Nico puts Portugal in his bucket list. But did you know that their national drink is actually a cherry liquor called Ginjinha? Or as the locals casually call it, Ginja? Me neither!
The history of Ginja goes all the way back to the 1800s, when—surprise, surprise—it was the monks who started making it. Yep, it's always the most religious folks who somehow concoct the strongest and most delicious alcohol. Proof monks were secretly party animals, ahem... No wonder, though—according to history, their God turned water into wine. Casual shrug.
My first experience tasting this nectar of God happened in Lisbon, where there’s more Ginja vendor than Starbucks. The original vendor of Ginjinha history is located in Praça de São Domingos. It’s basically the holy ground of Ginja. This is where the magic started, the first place to ever sell this glorious morello cherry liquor. This vendor is so hardcore, it only sells one brand of Ginja: the legendary Espinheira. Rumor has it that a friar named Francisco Espinheira accidentally invented this heavenly potion by leaving ginja berries (aka morello cherries) in aguardente, then adding sugar, water, and cinnamon. And just like that, Ginjinha was born—a delicious mistake, like all the best things in life.
The vendor has kept its original, no-nonsense vibe ever since. We’re talking about a literal hole-in-the-wall shop that serves nothing but Ginja by the shot. That's it. No frills, no snacks, no fancy decor. Just pure, unadulterated cherry goodness in a shot glass. It's quaint, it's historic, it's also where I unknowingly had my first sip of a drink that would change my life. I’ve always been a fan of sweet and strong drinks, but never had a particular liquor as my favorite. But man, stepping out of that stall, I was a changed person. I now DO have a favorite liquor, and it’s Ginja.
Obidos
Fast forward, and I’m dragging Nico to Óbidos, the medieval Mecca of Ginjinha. Óbidos is a stunning, medieval town inside walls in central Portugal, often described as a living postcard. With its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers, and the iconic Óbidos Castle towering above, it does feel like stepping back in time. Nothing quite prepares you for the combo of cherries and castle vibes.
Óbidos is a paradise for Ginja lovers for a few key reasons. First, this medieval town is a hub for the production of the iconic cherry liqueur, with a rich history tied to its creation and consumption. Plus, the locals take their Ginja seriously, perfecting the balance of sweet, sour, and boozy goodness that leaves you craving more. Nearly every corner of Óbidos offers a chance to savor Ginja in its purest form, often served in delightful chocolate cups, adding a sweet twist to the experience. Ginja is the town’s official fuel.
Óbidos is also known for its annual festivals, including a famous medieval fair. To be honest, it’s the perfect place for cherry-liquor-induced medieval LARPing, where you can sip Ginja, roam the ancient streets in chainmail or cloak cape, and pretend you're storming the castle.
The trip to Obidos
Getting to Óbidos is easy enough—a quick ride from Lisbon or simply join a tour guide could do it. We stopped by Óbidos on our way to Peniche from Porto. It wasn’t peak season, so the town was relatively quiet, yet—every corner still had Ginja vendors ready to serve you alcohol wrapped in chocolate. It’s like entering a candy store, except the candy is 20% booze.
Like any other alcohol beverages producer area, you can visit Ginja distilleries around to learn all about how this magical elixir is made. Of course, since our visit was kind of last minute impulse, we skipped the official tour. But, no worries, our impromptu visit still resulted in a lot of Ginja tasting.
Ginjinha in a chocolate cup
In Obidos, Ginja isn’t just a drink—it’s a lifestyle, preferably served in a tiny edible chocolate cup. Yep, you drink your liquor, then you eat the cup, like a boozy Willy Wonka experience. Is it genius? Absolutely. Is it dangerous? Oh, you bet, because the combination of both can be easily addictive.
Now, while I’m no expert, I can confirm that the ratio of Ginja to chocolate cup is exactly what the universe intended. The sweetness of the cherry liqueur balances out the bitterness of the dark chocolate, and honestly, it's the kind of thing that makes you wonder why this hasn’t caught on worldwide yet. I mean, cocktails in *chocolate*? Where’s the downside?
By the end of my day in Óbidos, I had gained two things: a borderline obsession with Ginjinha and a new appreciation for chocolate as a drinking vessel. The town itself is beyond charming, but we were there for the Ginjas. We left with a few bottles of different brands because we couldn’t decide which ones to bring. We left with a cherry-stained smile and possibly a mild sugar hangover. Totally worth it.
Saúde! 🍒
