Poncha.
Madeira island’s best-known cocktail, just ask the locals.
Maybe you’ll enjoy the fisherman’s original version called Pescador, made of lemon muddled with sugar and Madeiran Rum known as Aguardente. When made proper portion, it should be a nice balance of sour and sweet. Often the best pescador on the island is made especially well in the town of Câmara de lobos.
The Regional is a variation where sugar is substituted out and honey is the sweetener. Often orange is often added along with lemon to create a sweet citrus note, this version is adored closer to the mountains away from the coastal areas.
With so many fruit varieties on the Island, Poncha comes in a lot of other versions beyond the main two mentioned. You will find Maracuja (passion fruit), Strawberry, kiwi, Banana, and one of our new favorites is tangerine. You will also find blended fruit variations too. Which sounds best to you? Take your time and make a few stops around the Island during your stay to enjoy yourself a bit of the Island’s best loved cocktail.
Christmas in Funchal
Boas Festas!
Celebrate Christmas at the festival in Funchal like a true Islander, trying all styles of Poncha and meat sandwiches. Travel the island from the coast where it all began, up to the mountains where recipes vary. It’s literally available at almost every roadside snack bar.
Madeira’s 2 best known Ponchas.
Regional or Pescador? Come to Madeira and discover Poncha for yourself. Taste the difference and the Island’s bounty of fruit. You will absolutely leave here with a favorite.
Madeirans
do it well
As it should be on a warm Sunday afternoon on the Island…
a few friends, a comfortable bar stool, peanuts shells at your feet and Poncha in your hand. Cheers! Or as they say in Portugal, Saude!
See recipe link above.
Tip from Brett- Instead of Honey, use sugar for a more authentic fisherman’s poncha flavor profile. Another option is to use Lakanto monkfruit confectioner’s sugar to reduce calories. A true Pescador recipe is without honey. Try these variations for a true Pescador version of Poncha.