PONCHA is the most traditional drink of Madeira. Made from sugar cane spirit, bee honey and lemon juice, it is believed that it was sampled on the island in the mid-18th century by the English who, at that time, were frequent visitors, but that a similar drink was the choice of Portuguese navigators in the 16th century, and used to treat or prevent diseases typical of sailors and traders. Today, however, it is appreciated more for its delicious taste than its medicinal attributes, and can be prepared with various ingredients such as passion fruit, tomato and orange, with absinthe or whiskey.
When you order a Poncha in Madeira, you will also get a cup of peanuts, and do not worry, it is fine to throw the shells on the ground.

The classic recipe

Serves 4

• ¼ litre of brandy cane sugar or Madeira rum
• 3-5 tbsps of honey
• juice of 2 lemons

Make it

1. Squeeze the lemons and pour the juice into a jar with honey.
2. Stir together well (in Madeira they use a stirring stick, a caralhinho).
3. Add some cane sugar spirits and stir again.
4. Add the remainder of the spirits and stir some more.
5. Add more honey or brandy, to taste.
6. Serve in small cups or glasses. To sweeten your poncha even more, add the juice of one orange.

If you don’t feel like DIY-ing your Poncha, you can buy it ready to drink.
Visit portuguesewinesshop.com/shop/wine-regions/poncha-da-madeira/poncha-da-madeira-tradicional/

Words: Livia Mokri