The Ginja Project

Portugal has some beverages that everybody knows about it like Vinho do Porto and the best seller "Mateus Rosé". But there are some more, not so publicized... One of them is very appreciated all over the country and has a particular charm over university students, artists and bohemian lovers in the streets of Lisbon. It is called "Ginjinha"

Ginjinha is a liqueur made by infusing ginja berries, (sour cherry) (Prunus cerasus austera, the Morello cherry) in "Aguardente" (if you call it "Water on Fire" it gives you a good description of what it tastes like), almost pure alcohol, and adding sugar together with some cinnamon sticks. Then, you put it in some closed jars and (here comes the hard part) you keep it under the sunlight for one full year.

Served in a shot form with a piece of the fruit in the bottom of the cup, it is relatively easy to do at home and that's what the "Ginja Project" is all about.