Poncha, Madeira Wine & Beverages

Poncha is Madeira's national drink — and after a day hiking on the Levadas, the best drink in the world. The classic Poncha consists of only three ingredients: Aguardente de Cana (sugarcane brandy, 40–50%), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey. The mixture is stirred with a special wooden pestle (Caralhinho) and served in a glass. Smooth, strong, and deceptive — after two Ponchas, you won't feel your legs anymore.

Poncha Variants

• Poncha Regional: The original version with lemon juice and honey.
• Poncha de Maracujá: With passion fruit juice instead of lemon — sweeter, fruitier, dangerously drinkable.
• Poncha de Tangerina: With tangerine juice — mild and aromatic.
• Poncha de Pescador (Fisherman's Poncha): The hardcore version: Aguardente, lemon, garlic, and a dash of beer. Said to help against colds and warm you after a night at sea.

The best Poncha bars: In Funchal, the legendary O Velhinho (Zona Velha, a Poncha institution for decades), in Câmara de Lobos, the bars at the harbor, and in the countryside, any village bar worth its salt.

Other Beverages

• Madeira Wine: The famous fortified wine in four styles (Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia) — see the Funchal chapter for details on wineries.
• Nikita: Madeira's summer cocktail: beer, vanilla ice cream, pineapple juice, and vodka, mixed in a blender. Sounds absurd, tastes excellent on the beach.
• Coral Beer: The local beer brand — light, refreshing, perfect with food.
• Coffee: As everywhere in Portugal, coffee in Madeira is an art form. The Bica (espresso) costs 0.80–1.20€ and is strong, hot, and perfect. The Galão (milk coffee in a glass) is Portugal's answer to the latte.