You won’t need to travel far to sample a good cup of coffee or glass of wine in the Algarve. The popular tourist areas are dotted with bars where you can relax with one of a menu of coffees, freshly squeezed juices or something a little stronger. There’s no shortage of bars off the beaten track either. They may not offer the latest craze in cocktails, but they’ll serve you a freshly brewed coffee, chilled beer or a very acceptable glass of wine and probably at a fraction of the price of those located in the stylish tourist hot spots.
Coffees
The Portuguese take their coffee drinking very seriously. There are many different ways that coffee is served in the Algarve. A typical coffee menu will include the following:
Uma bica – a small strong black coffee
Uma carioca – a small, but weaker black coffee
Um abatanado – a large black coffee
Um garoto – a small white coffee
Uma meia de leite – a large white coffee
Um galão – a white milky coffee served in a glass
Soft drinks
The usual International brands such as Coca Cola and 7 Up, and bottled mineral water of course, are available in most bars. Still water is referred to as Água sim gás (water without gas) and sparkling water is Água com gás (water with gas) – simple!
The abundance of orange groves in the Algarve, mean that orange juice (sumo de laranja) can be enjoyed at its best, freshly squeezed from freshly picked fruit.
Milk shakes (batidos) and tea (chá) such as mint and camomile are popular in Portugal, as is iced tea. You will see a wide variety of boxed herbal teas and canned or bottled sweet flavoured iced teas for sale in supermarkets. You can normally order these in bars and restaurants too.
Beers
Portugal is one of Europe’s 11 largest beer producers and is the seventh largest European exporter of the product. Beers commonly served across the Algarve include Super Bock, Sagres and Cristal. Super Bock and Sagres are available in a number of varieties including the popular pale lager, dark stout and non-alcoholic.
Spirits and liqueurs
The usual spirits and liqueurs can be ordered in most bars in the Algarve, alongside Portugal’s own specialties.
Aquardente de Medronhos is a strong spirit made from the fruit of the Medronho tree. Medronho trees grow wild on the poor soils in Alentejo and inland areas of the Algarve such as Monchique. There is no commercial plantation of the trees. The fruit is collected, processed and sold by local farmers. The alcohol content of this beverage can be as high as 50%, which is maybe why it is referred to as Aquardente (firewater). Very few farmers have a license for distillation, but the authorities tend to turn a blind eye to help keep alive this traditional Portuguese speciality. Served in shot glasses, Medronho is sometimes sweetened with honey.
Ginjinha, also known as Ginja, is a liqueur made from ginja berries infused in alcohol, usually Aguardente and sugar together with other ingredients. First produced by the monks of the São Domingos convent in Lisbon, it is less common in the Algarve, but remains a firm favourite in the Lisbon and Obidos area.
Macieira is a Portuguese brandy, named after its creator Jose Guilherme Macieira. Made from Portuguese grapes, Macieira is produced according to the original recipe which is over 125 years old. Macieira has earned a reputation for its quality. A market leader in Portugal, it is also exported to 30 countries across five continents.
Beirão, produced in the region of Beira, is recognised worldwide as the liqueur of Portugal. First made in the 1800s as a medicine for stomach aches, its secret recipe blends seeds and herbs from all over the world. Beirão has a unique, semi-sweet aromatic flavour and is certainly the best medicine I’ve sampled in a long time.
Sangria is a popular summer drink in the Algarve. It is served in bars, restaurants and at social occasions. It can also be found bottled for sale in supermarkets. The ingredients and the potency of Sangria varies. Essentially it is a refreshing blend of wine, fruit juice and lemonade, with a hint of brandy. Fruit and ice cubes are usually added and it is often served in a large pitcher.
Cocktails
Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, has become a popular summer drink in the Algarve. Made with Cachaça, sugar and lime, and served poured over crushed ice. This cocktail’s cool scented lime flavour makes it very easy to drink and equally easy to drink too much before realising just how potent it is.
Mojito is another refreshing summer favourite. Originally from Cuba, it’s based on light rum, mixed with lime and lemon juice, sugar and mint. If you don’t think you like rum, try a Mojito and you may change your mind.
What’s your favourite drink in the Algarve? Do you have a cocktail recipe to share with us?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
What to drink in the Algarve: Part 1
By Almonds & Oranges
Part 1 – from coffees to cocktails
You won’t need to travel far to sample a good cup of coffee or glass of wine in the Algarve. The popular tourist areas are dotted with bars where you can relax with one of a menu of coffees, freshly squeezed juices or something a little stronger. There’s no shortage of bars off the beaten track either. They may not offer the latest craze in cocktails, but they’ll serve you a freshly brewed coffee, chilled beer or a very acceptable glass of wine and probably at a fraction of the price of those located in the stylish tourist hot spots.
Coffees
The Portuguese take their coffee drinking very seriously. There are many different ways that coffee is served in the Algarve. A typical coffee menu will include the following:
Soft drinks
The usual International brands such as Coca Cola and 7 Up, and bottled mineral water of course, are available in most bars. Still water is referred to as Água sim gás (water without gas) and sparkling water is Água com gás (water with gas) – simple!
The abundance of orange groves in the Algarve, mean that orange juice (sumo de laranja) can be enjoyed at its best, freshly squeezed from freshly picked fruit.
Milk shakes (batidos) and tea (chá) such as mint and camomile are popular in Portugal, as is iced tea. You will see a wide variety of boxed herbal teas and canned or bottled sweet flavoured iced teas for sale in supermarkets. You can normally order these in bars and restaurants too.
Beers
Portugal is one of Europe’s 11 largest beer producers and is the seventh largest European exporter of the product. Beers commonly served across the Algarve include Super Bock, Sagres and Cristal. Super Bock and Sagres are available in a number of varieties including the popular pale lager, dark stout and non-alcoholic.
Spirits and liqueurs
The usual spirits and liqueurs can be ordered in most bars in the Algarve, alongside Portugal’s own specialties.
Aquardente de Medronhos is a strong spirit made from the fruit of the Medronho tree. Medronho trees grow wild on the poor soils in Alentejo and inland areas of the Algarve such as Monchique. There is no commercial plantation of the trees. The fruit is collected, processed and sold by local farmers. The alcohol content of this beverage can be as high as 50%, which is maybe why it is referred to as Aquardente (firewater). Very few farmers have a license for distillation, but the authorities tend to turn a blind eye to help keep alive this traditional Portuguese speciality. Served in shot glasses, Medronho is sometimes sweetened with honey.
Ginjinha, also known as Ginja, is a liqueur made from ginja berries infused in alcohol, usually Aguardente and sugar together with other ingredients. First produced by the monks of the São Domingos convent in Lisbon, it is less common in the Algarve, but remains a firm favourite in the Lisbon and Obidos area.
Macieira is a Portuguese brandy, named after its creator Jose Guilherme Macieira. Made from Portuguese grapes, Macieira is produced according to the original recipe which is over 125 years old. Macieira has earned a reputation for its quality. A market leader in Portugal, it is also exported to 30 countries across five continents.
Beirão, produced in the region of Beira, is recognised worldwide as the liqueur of Portugal. First made in the 1800s as a medicine for stomach aches, its secret recipe blends seeds and herbs from all over the world. Beirão has a unique, semi-sweet aromatic flavour and is certainly the best medicine I’ve sampled in a long time.
Sangria is a popular summer drink in the Algarve. It is served in bars, restaurants and at social occasions. It can also be found bottled for sale in supermarkets. The ingredients and the potency of Sangria varies. Essentially it is a refreshing blend of wine, fruit juice and lemonade, with a hint of brandy. Fruit and ice cubes are usually added and it is often served in a large pitcher.
Cocktails
Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, has become a popular summer drink in the Algarve. Made with Cachaça, sugar and lime, and served poured over crushed ice. This cocktail’s cool scented lime flavour makes it very easy to drink and equally easy to drink too much before realising just how potent it is.
Mojito is another refreshing summer favourite. Originally from Cuba, it’s based on light rum, mixed with lime and lemon juice, sugar and mint. If you don’t think you like rum, try a Mojito and you may change your mind.
What’s your favourite drink in the Algarve? Do you have a cocktail recipe to share with us?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.