Ginjinha
Lisbon's beloved sour cherry liqueur served in tiny chocolate cups at iconic ginjinha bars, offering the choice of with or without a cherry at the bottom.
- 1½ ozginjinha liqueur(A Ginjinha brand if available)
- 1 wholesour cherry(optional, from the bottle)
- 1Chill ginjinha liqueur (optional but recommended).
- 2Pour into a small shot glass or traditional chocolate cup.
- 3Ask the recipient "com ou sem?" (with or without a cherry).
- 4If "com" (with), add a soaked cherry from the bottle.
- 5Serve immediately and sip slowly.
Share this page
Ginjinha (also called ginja) was invented by a friar named Francisco Espinheira in the 1840s in Lisbon's São Domingos church area. He steeped sour ginja cherries in aguardente with sugar and cinnamon. Today, A Ginjinha bar near Rossio Square still serves the original recipe. The traditional serving includes the iconic question "com ou sem?" (with or without a cherry), and chocolate cup vessels add another layer of indulgence.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Ginjinha at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.