It 's the aperitif
time? The portuguese answer is Ginja. Of course, in
Portugal, there isn't the "italian aperitif" (like
the italians are used to do), but drinking a glass of ginja
downtown, post-work, it is a fairly common practice.
But what is
ginja?
Ginja, is a liqueur made of black cherry, or rather an infusion of sour cherry in (aguardente) alcohol with the addition of
sugar, water and cinnamon. Say
"Ginja" means to say everything and nothing in
the same time, in fact every ginjeria
(with its local
homemade production) prepares its
particular ginja. Ginja is a famous and
traditional drink in Lisbon and so, especially in the area located between Martim Moniz, Rossio and Mouraria, there are
many hidden ginjerias.
Casually, many of them are in the same streets where Fado
was born ... maybe alcohol and music go hand in hand.
The "Ginja Tour" can be easily done during any other tour you want
to do in the city center and it
is recommended for everyone, young
and old, as long as you do not have
to drive.
The Ginjinha Espinheira, do Eduardino,
Rubi, are just some
of the most famous ginjerias where it is absolutely necessary to go for see the beauty of
the streets, for hear the historical
curiosities, but above all ... for
drink a ginja!