Ginjinha

A liqueur from Portugal.

Ginjinha
Photo: Christine Zenino from Chicago, US,CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing cherries in aguardente or brandy with added sugar. It typically contains whole cherries and has an alcohol strength similar to other fruit liqueurs.

How it is made

Ginjinha is produced by steeping cherries in aguardente (unaged grape spirit) or brandy, with sugar added. Whole cherries are often left in the finished liqueur.

History

The origins of Ginjinha are linked to the São Domingos Monastery in Lisbon. In the mid-18th century, a monk named Francisco Espinheira experimented with cherries and aguardente, creating the liqueur that quickly gained popularity in the capital.

How it is served

Ginjinha is typically served in small shot glasses. In the town of Obidos, it is traditionally served in small chocolate cups that serve as a snack.

Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Жинжинья, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.