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 Indi