When you hear the name Madeira, probably, the first word that comes to your mind is Wine. There are, however, other equally delicious beverages available on the Island! “Poncha” is the Madeiran version of Ponche. The regional “Poncha” consists of sugar-cane brandy, lemon and orange juice and honey. Currently, there is a wider range of flavours including mandarin orange and passion fruit.

“Pé de Cabra” is an alcoholic drink that mixes dry red wine, dark beer, chocolate powder, sugar and lemon peel. Picture the glass upside down and you will understand why it’s called Goat’s foot!

“Nikita”, named after Sir Elton John’s greatest hit, is the ideal regional drink to have on hot summer days. It is a mixture of beer, white wine and pineapple ice cream. If you are travelling with children there is also a non alcoholic version for them in which Passion Fruit “Brisa” (an equally regional carbonated drink) is added instead of wine and beer.

When I started writing this article I thought about giving you the recipes but then a better idea came to my mind! Why don’t you book your flight and come and try these specialities here with us?

Fátima Pereira (Official Tourist Guide)

Photo Courtesy of Marla Castro