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The best independent guide to Lisbon
LisbonLisboaPortugal.com
The best independent guide to Lisbon
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Ginja is a sweet cherry liqueur that originated in Lisbon, and the small "A Ginjinha" bar is the traditional home of the drink.
The Portuguese are incredibly fond of this drink, as it was a "grand-parent" wonder cure for all manner of illnesses, and this love of the drink has been passed onto the younger generations.
The A Ginjinha bar originally opened in 1840, and has been run by the same family for five generations - if you want a taste of authentic Portugal then there is no better place!
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The A Ginjinha bar is also known as Ginjinha Espinheira bar (named after the owner), and is tucked in a row of shops just off Rossio plaza. It is easy to spot the bar as there is always a crowd of semi-inebriated tourists and Portuguese stood around outside, as there is no space inside!
A shot of Ginja costs €1.20, and although it's unlikely to cure many illnesses, it is a great addition to a day of sightseeing!
The first person to produce and sell Ginjinha in Lisbon was Francisco Espinheira. A similar cherry liqueur had been served for many centuries in Portugal, but it was exclusively for the upper classes, as it was expensive and time-consuming to make, being fermented directly from the cherries.
Two rival Ginjinha producers soon started up in Lisbon after Espinheira, and their bars are within staggering distance of A Ginjinha. Literally on the opposite side of the road to A Ginjinha is Ginjinha Sem Rival (Ginjinha Without Rivals), which opened in 1890.
Down the Rua de Barros Queirós is the Ginjinha Rubi, which started in 1931. All three bars sell their own version of Ginjinha, and are tiny, social and immensely fun.
Ginja of Obidos, is a very similar drink but produced in the pretty town of Obidos, and is widely sold (and marketed) throughout Portugal.
Our opinion: While in Lisbon, support the traditional bars by drinking there, and then take a bottle Ginja of Obidos home as a gift!
Related articles: Obidos town guide
One of the best ways to discover Lisbon and to meet fellow travellers is to join a guided tour. We have worked with Getyourguide.com for the last six years, and some of the best tours of Lisbon include:
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