Poncha da Madeira – what it is, how it’s made and how to make it

,One of the best things about visiting different places is knowing that there are delicious typical foods and drinks, and even learning how they are made. For example, the traditional Poncha da Madeira is an exotic drink with a peculiar taste that practically everyone loves when they try it for the first time.

Don’t know what this drink is? Well, when you visit the island of Madeira, take the opportunity to try the drink, as it is sold in various establishments, especially in Funchal. In this article, learn a little about the history of this drink, its main characteristics, and especially how it is made. Includes a bonus recipe at the end of the article.

What is Poncha da Madeira?

Poncha is a traditional drink from the island of Madeira, created in the mid-19th century as a variation of another drink, “panche” (or pãnch), which had been brought from India some time before.

During the 1900s, poncha was a widely consumed drink among Madeiran families. Indeed, according to scholars, a similar drink was already consumed by Portuguese navigators in the 16th century.

In other words, the traditional poncha, consumed and appreciated by tourists worldwide today, has a very ancient history, dating back to the era of the great navigations. And while in the past it was primarily used to treat a typical disease of navigators at that time, today it is appreciated more for its delicious taste.

(C) Digital Travel Couple

What is poncha made of?

We can say that, basically, and with very few variations, poncha is a well-crafted mixture of sugar cane brandy, sugar, and lemon juice. In the times of the navigations, this drink was the result of a syrup used to preserve lemons in jars.

However, in this case, the syrup was used in the prevention of a disease, namely scurvy (which affects people precisely due to a lack of vitamin C). This preservation of lemons was done during the long voyages of navigators, and the syrup was made with brandy and sugar cane molasses.

In the 16th century, this drink arrived in India and Brazil, undergoing variations in those respective places. In Brazil, for example, it gave rise to the famous “caipirinha”. Over the years, few variations have occurred in the composition of poncha on the island of Madeira. Nowadays, 1/3 molasses or sugar, 1/3 sugar cane brandy, and 1/3 lemon (or lime) juice are used.

Legislation Regulating Poncha da Madeira

It was only in 2014 that the Regional Government of Madeira approved a decree regulating both the production and sale of poncha, which certainly made tourists even happier. This decree aimed to protect the drink as local heritage, as well as its production method, helping to regulate sugarcane producers.

Also, according to the decree, the drink must contain Rum da Madeira. Thus, poncha was recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication. Furthermore, by law, both the equipment and processes used for making poncha must be the most appropriate to preserve its original flavor.

In other words, it is indeed a traditional drink, refined over decades and even centuries (with the addition of new drinks and fruits, among others). Certainly, these measures yield positive results, as the drink is a success on the island and approved by those who appreciate spirits with these components.

We also remind you that nowadays there are variations of this drink with other ingredients, replacing traditional fruits with tangerine or kiwi, for example, and adding other spirits, such as vodka. In other words, they are true poncha cocktails.

Characteristics of Poncha da Madeira

One of the successes of this drink is the fact that, even though it is alcoholic, it has peculiar tastes and aromas that make the experience even more delightful. These aromas and flavors are a result of the fruits used. These must be ripe and in good condition for the drink to be as flavorful as possible.

Poncha, therefore, is traditionally a more opaque drink, resulting from both the pulp and the juices of the fruits. The coloration varies between citrusy and golden, and, through certain combinations, it is possible to make a very colorful and eye-catching poncha.

The aroma, as expected, is fruity, ranging from citrus to something more tropical, like passion fruit, for example. Rum da Madeira can make the aroma even stronger. The flavor, on the other hand, is very intense and characteristic with the original fruits, especially due to the use of honey.

It is, therefore, a sweet and smooth drink that manages to balance its alcohol content with a more delicious fruity flavor.

But now that you know all this, would you like to learn how to make a good Poncha da Madeira, more or less similar to the one on the island? Then, check out its traditional recipe and how you can adapt it to your personal taste.

How to Make Poncha da Madeira – Complete Recipe (6 people)

Ingredients

• 2 lemons;
• 2 oranges;
• 1 and ½ tablespoon of white sugar;
• Honey to taste;
• Madeira sugarcane brandy;

Utensils

• 1 glass to serve as a measuring cup – preferably, the same as the one that will be used to serve the poncha later;
• Caralhinho (this is a wooden instrument used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages);
• a tall, sturdy glass;
• pestle;
• knife or grater;
• A pitcher;
• 1 strainer;
• 1 funnel.

Method of preparation

• In the mortar, place only the lemon peel;
• Next, add the white sugar, and crush the mixture with the help of a pestle;
• Then, squeeze the juice from the lemons and oranges, and add this juice to the mixture with the lemon peel;
• Then, mix with the caralhinho;
• Take this mixture, and strain it into a jug;
• Mix in the cane spirit, adding the same amount as the lemon and orange juice prepared earlier;
• Finally, add the honey with the help of the caralhinho;
• Then, just mix well and serve as soon as it’s ready.

Tips

• You can crush and mix the ingredients with the most suitable utensil you have at home. This recipe is just to show how the traditional poncha is made on the island.
• You can make the recipe with just lemon juice or just orange juice. It’s not mandatory to use both, but that is the original recipe.
• In addition to the fruits already mentioned (orange, kiwi, lemon, and tangerine), you can make variations of this drink with passion fruit, mint, strawberries, tomato, etc.
• It’s also important to note that it’s ideal to drink poncha as soon as it’s made, just like in the establishments in Madeira where it’s served. This way, you can best enjoy its unique flavour.

Video: How to make Poncha

Did you enjoy learning how to make traditional Madeira poncha and a bit about its history? Now, plan your trip to the island, and visit paradisiacal places, delighting in a drink with a rich history. If you’ve already visited Madeira, use this recipe to satisfy your craving for Poncha.