A Ginjinha Bar, Rossio, Lisbon
A Ginjinha Bar (aka A Ginjinha Espiñeira) in Largo São Domingos is a short walk from nearby Rossio Station and a Lisbon institution. It serves shots of a popular Portuguese cherry liquor made from sour cherries.
History
Ginjinha aka Licor de Ginja or ginja is a Portuguese cherry liquor made by infusing ginja berries (sour cherries) in aguardente. The latter is a strong alcoholic beverage with between 29 and 60% alcohol content found in both Portugal and Spain.
Sugar, water, and other ingredients such as cinnamon are then commonly added.
The drink originated in Lisbon in the 1840s with a Galician friar at the Church of Santo António. It was first served at the Espiñeira family tavern at Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 27.
A Ginjinha at Largo São Domingos 8, in Lisbon, has been going since 1910 and is the mecca for ginja aficionados. It is still run by the same Espinheira family going back multiple generations.
It's standing room only and patrons (normally older, male Lisboetas and tourists) spill out into the street. Try the drink either "com" or "sem" - that is with or without the cherry.
The nearby Ginjinha Sem Rival at Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 7 began in 1890. Also nearby is Ginjinha Rubi which dates from 1930.
Nearby
Largo São Domingos contains the Igreja de São Domingos. It is also within walking distance of the Igreja de São Roque (10 minutes), its adjacent Museu de São Roque, and the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II. As well, the Ascensor da Glória, the Monumento aos Restauradores and the Palácio Foz are all just a minute or two from the station.
Hotels
Hotels in the immediate area include the classic five star Avenida Palace, the three star Rossio Garden Hotel and the five star Altis Avenida Hotel with views over Rossio Square from several of its spacious rooms.
Cheaper alternatives are the Lisbon Destination Hostel, the Rossio Hostel and the Pensão Lafonense.
Access
Largo São Domingos 8
1100-201 Lisboa
Tel: 021 814 5374
www: ginjinhaespinheira.com
The bar is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.
The following bus services connect with Rossio: #736, AeroBus#1, AeroBus#2 (from Cais do Sodre to the Airport), #709 #711, #732, and #735.
Rossio Station is a hub for the capital's bus, subway, taxi, and tram network.