Ginjinha in Lisbon: The Cherry Liqueur You Must Try
Ginjinha is a sour cherry liqueur served in a shot glass, and Lisbon drinks it standing on the pavement. A shot costs about 1.50 euros at the two historic bars by Rossio, and the whole stop takes five minutes. Sweet, aromatic and slightly tart, it is as much a part of Lisbon’s identity as fado music and pastel de nata.
The History of Ginjinha
The story begins in the 1840s when a Galician friar named Espinheira discovered that macerating sour cherries (ginjas) in aguardente with sugar, cinnamon, and water created a deliciously smooth liqueur. He began selling it from a small establishment on Largo de São Domingos, right next to Rossio Square. That tiny bar, A Ginjinha, still operates today in the very same spot, almost two centuries later.
Where to Drink Ginjinha in Lisbon
A Ginjinha (Largo de São Domingos) is the original and most famous spot. This standing-only bar has been serving the cherry liqueur since 1840. Order « com elas » (with cherries) or « sem elas » (without) and enjoy your shot for about 1.50 euros. The queue moves fast.
Ginjinha Sem Rival, just a few steps away on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, has been the friendly rival since 1890. Some locals swear their recipe is even better. Try both and decide for yourself!
Ginjinha Rubi and Ginjinha Popular in the Rossio area also serve excellent versions, each with their own subtle variations in sweetness and spice.
For a special twist, try ginjinha served in a small edible chocolate cup. Several bars around Rossio offer this indulgent option that combines two of Portugal’s favourite flavours.
The ginjinha bars, side by side
| Bar | Where | Since | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Ginjinha | Largo de São Domingos, beside Rossio | 1840 | The original. Standing room only, about 1.50 euros a shot, queue moves fast |
| Ginjinha Sem Rival | Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, a few steps away | 1890 | The rival. Some locals prefer the recipe here |
| Ginjinha Rubi | Rossio area | Slightly different balance of sweetness and spice | |
| Ginjinha Popular | Rossio area | Quieter than the two historic bars |
Frequently asked questions
What does ginjinha taste like?
Sweet and syrupy at first, then sour from the cherries, with cinnamon underneath. Closer to a dessert wine than a spirit, though it is stronger than it tastes.
Com elas or sem elas?
Com elas puts the boozy cherries in the glass, sem elas leaves them out. First time, order com elas and eat the cherries at the end.
How much does a shot cost?
About 1.50 euros at A Ginjinha. You drink it standing on the pavement, and nobody lingers.
What is the chocolate cup version?
Several bars around Rossio serve the liqueur in a small edible chocolate cup. You drink the ginjinha, then eat the cup.
Where was ginjinha invented?
In the 1840s, by a Galician friar named Espinheira, who macerated sour cherries in aguardente with sugar, cinnamon and water, and sold it from the bar that still stands on Largo de São Domingos.
Ginjinha on Your Lisbon Tour
A ginjinha stop is a highlight of our food walking tours, where you will taste this iconic liqueur alongside other traditional bites. It also features in our wine and spirits tasting experiences. For a deeper dive into Lisbon’s drinking culture, our private tours can include a full tour of the city’s historic bars and tascas.
Whether you discover ginjinha in a tiny standing bar or as part of a curated cocktail tour, it is five minutes and 1.50 euros well spent.
