Poncha - the refreshing rum punch of Madeira


 Poncha - the refreshing rum punch of Madeira


Ponchas - rum punch from Madeira


Poncha, or rum punch, is a traditional alcoholic drink, 11.95% alc./vol or 23.9° proof, from the Portuguese island of Madeira, made with aguardente de cana (distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice), honey, sugar, and either orange juice or lemon juice, while poncha à pescador (fishermen’s poncha) uses sugar instead of honey. 


For the more daring and adventurous try the avante-garde flavours of this drink, for example, the passion fruit, tomato, orange, absinthe or whiskey. These flavours are obtained with the substitution of honey in the case of fruit or spirits, as in the case of beverages.

Caralhinho - Ponchas wooden stirrer


Poncha is prepared with a wooden utensil, known as a caralhinho, which is used to whip the drink.

Natives say it is a centuries-old fishermen's aid to stave off colds, and has long been the island's beloved firewater.
According to some studies, is originally from India where it is known as Panch which means, translated literally, five ingredients : the arrack – spirits distilled from rice or coconuts -, lemon juice, sugar, spice, tea – and water. It is believed at present that has been experienced for the first time outside India, in Madeira, in Camara de lobos a small fishing village in the mid- eighteenth century by the hand of the British, at that time, were given to frequent trips between these stops.


Recipe of Ponchas


Ingredients 

  • 1/4L of brandy cane sugar
  • 3-5 tablespoons of honey
  • Juice of 2 lemons or oranges

Preparation
  • Squeeze the lemons and pour the lemon juice into a jar with honey.
  • Stir well with a caralhinho” ( the stick to stir – typical Madeira ).
  • Add some sugar cane spirits and stir again.
  • Re-add the rest of the sugar cane spirits.
  • Stir everything well again.
  • Add more honey or brandy, depending on your taste.
  • Serve in small cups.
Saúde!!

References 

  1. Trilivas, N. (2023, December 13). Flavours of Madeira: 5 dishes and drinks that define the Portuguese archipelago. Travel. Retrieved May 12, 2024, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-top-dishes-madeira-portugal
  2. Mad, S. (2021, March 12). Poncha is the traditional drink of Madeira Island. Madeira Holidays - Tourism Guide Madeira - Accommodation. Retrieved May 12, 2024, from https://www.madeira-holidays.eu/madeira-products/poncha-traditional-drink-madeira/
Location: Funchal, Portugal

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