Ginjinha
Portuguese sour cherry liqueur often served with fruit in the glass
Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing sour cherries in alcohol with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Popular throughout Portugal, especially in Lisbon and the Oeste region, it is typically served as a shot, sometimes with a cherry at the bottom or in a chocolate cup in Óbidos.
- Made by infusing sour cherries in alcohol with sugar and spices
- Often served with a cherry in the glass
- Óbidos version comes in a chocolate cup
- Serra da Estrela ginja has protected designation of origin
- Most ginjinha is consumed in Portugal
What is Ginjinha?
Ginjinha is a sweet, aromatic liqueur from Portugal made by steeping sour cherries, known locally as ginja, in alcohol. Sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves are added for extra flavor. The finished drink is deep red and usually served in a small glass, often with a cherry at the bottom. In some places, especially Óbidos, it may come in a small chocolate cup. The taste is rich and fruity with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and cloves.
Where does Ginjinha come from?
Ginjinha has its roots in Lisbon, where it became popular after a Galician friar named Francisco Espinheira experimented by soaking ginja berries in aguardente (a clear spirit), adding sugar, water, and cinnamon. The drink quickly caught on and became a Lisbon specialty. Today, it is enjoyed throughout Portugal, with certain regions like Covilhã and Óbidos known for their own versions. Some local ginja liqueurs, such as those from Serra da Estrela, have protected designation of origin status.
How is Ginjinha made?
To make ginjinha, sour cherries are left to infuse in alcohol, typically aguardente, for a period of time. Sugar is added to sweeten the mixture, along with cinnamon sticks and cloves for warmth and spice. The mixture is left to steep until the flavors blend and the liquid takes on a deep cherry color. The liqueur is then strained and bottled, sometimes with a cherry left in each bottle or glass.
![Óbidos, Portugal in Wikipedia Ginja[1] ou cereja ácida (Prunus cerasus), também conhecida como amarena, é uma espécie do género Prunus, pertencendo ao subgénero Cerasus (cereja), nativo de grande parte da Europa e do sud](https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/%C3%93bidos%27_%22Ginja%22_%283982328290%29.jpg/960px-%C3%93bidos%27_%22Ginja%22_%283982328290%29.jpg)
How and when is Ginjinha eaten?
Ginjinha is usually served as a small shot, often with a whole cherry placed in the bottom of the glass. In Óbidos, it is common to drink it from a small edible chocolate cup, adding a sweet twist. It is enjoyed as an everyday treat, often sipped while standing at a bar or kiosk. The drink is popular with both locals and visitors, especially in Lisbon and the Oeste region.
Kinds of Ginjinha
Different regions in Portugal have their own takes on ginjinha. The ginja from Alcobaça and Óbidos is well known, and the Serra da Estrela ginja from Covilhã has a protected designation of origin. In Óbidos, serving ginjinha in a chocolate cup is a local custom. While the basic recipe remains the same, the type of cherries and the balance of spices may vary by region.
What Ginjinha means
Ginjinha is a symbol of Portuguese hospitality and tradition, especially in Lisbon, where historic bars have served it for generations. It is a common drink for socializing and is often associated with local pride. The ginja from Alcobaça and Óbidos has applied for protected status, highlighting its importance in regional identity. Most ginjinha is enjoyed in Portugal, with only a small amount exported.
Questions people ask about Ginjinha
What is ginjinha made of?
Ginjinha is made by infusing sour cherries (ginja) in alcohol, usually aguardente, with sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
Where does ginjinha come from?
Ginjinha originates from Portugal, especially Lisbon, and is also popular in regions like Alcobaça, Óbidos, Covilhã, and Algarve.
How is ginjinha served?
It is typically served as a shot in a small glass, often with a cherry at the bottom. In Óbidos, it may be served in a chocolate cup.
Is ginjinha a protected product?
Some regional varieties, such as Serra da Estrela ginja, have protected designation of origin status. Ginja from Alcobaça and Óbidos has also applied for protected status.
Is ginjinha vegetarian or vegan?
Based on its ingredients—sour cherries, alcohol, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves—ginjinha is vegan.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ginjinha", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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