Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas: A Taste of Portugal's Tradition
Portugal is a country known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite cuisine. But among the country's many culinary treasures, there's one particular liqueur that has gained increasing popularity in recent years: Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas. This cherry liqueur is not only a delight for the palate, but also a captivating part of Portuguese culture and tradition.
The origins of Ginja
Ginja, also known as Ginjinha, is a traditional Portuguese cherry liqueur that dates back to the 17th century. Legend has it that monks were the first to macerate cherries in alcohol and infuse them with sugar and spices. The result was a delicious, sweet liqueur that quickly became popular throughout Portugal. Especially in the regions around Óbidos and Lisbon, Ginja became an integral part of local culture.
Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas: A Family Heritage
Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas is one of the best-known brands of this traditional liqueur. The Mariquinhas brand is distinguished by its commitment to quality and tradition. The knowledge of making the liqueur has been passed down within the family for generations. What makes Mariquinhas special is the use of exclusively regional, carefully selected sour cherries, which give the liqueur its distinctive flavor.
The manufacturing process
The production of Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas is an artful process that requires a great deal of patience and care. First, the sour cherries are steeped in alcohol and macerated for several months. This slow maceration process allows the cherry flavors to fully infuse into the alcohol. The liqueur is then refined with sugar and sometimes other natural ingredients such as cinnamon or vanilla. After another resting period, the liqueur is finally filtered and bottled.
Taste and enjoyment
The taste of Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas is a true experience. The liqueur captivates with its intense cherry notes, accompanied by a pleasant sweetness and subtle spice aromas. It can be enjoyed neat, traditionally served in small glasses, often with a cherry in the glass. Ginja is also versatile in cocktails, desserts, or as an ingredient in the kitchen.
Very common in Portugal, cherry liqueur is served in small chocolate cups . The small cups are eaten after consuming the cherry liqueur.
A sip of culture
Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas is more than just a liqueur—it's a piece of Portuguese culture. In many Portuguese towns, you'll find small taverns and bars serving Ginja, often in a convivial street setting. Especially in Óbidos, a picturesque medieval town, enjoying Ginja is a must for every visitor. Here, you can sample the liqueur on-site and immerse yourself in the history and tradition.
Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas is a liqueur that embodies the essence of Portugal. With every sip, you can feel the passion and dedication that goes into its production. For lovers of liqueurs and culinary discoveries, Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas is a must-try. Whether enjoyed neat, in a cocktail, or as a special touch to a dessert, this cherry liqueur adds a special Portuguese touch to every moment.
Visit Portugal, try Ginja, and let yourself be enchanted by this unique flavor. Saúde!
Delicious recipes in which the cherry liqueur Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas plays a central role:
Recipe 1: Sangria Mariquinhas
Ingredients:
- lemon slices
- 10 mint leaves
- 150 ml lemon juice
- 150 ml pineapple juice
- 250 ml cherry liqueur Mariquinhas
- ice cubes
- 250 ml rosé wine
(depending on taste also a cinnamon stick)
Preparation:
- Put the lemon slices into a jug.
- Add the mint leaves.
- Pour in pineapple and lemon juice.
- Add the cherry liqueur Mariquinhas.
- Fill with ice cubes.
- Add rosé wine.
- Stir well.
Recipe 2: Mariquinhas Mint
Ingredients:
- long drink glass
- orange slice
- 5 mint leaves
- 60 ml cherry liqueur Mariquinhas
- ice cubes
- 30 ml orange juice
- Carbonated water
Preparation:
Prepare a long drink glass, cut an orange slice and the
five mint leaves.
Add Ginja mariquinhas cherry liqueur, orange juice, and mint leaves to a shaker and shake vigorously. Double strain into a highball glass with ice.
Top up with mineral water and garnish with an orange slice.
Recipe 3: Ginja Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 200 g butter
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 100 ml Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas
- 150 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a springform pan (approx. 24 cm in diameter) and lightly dust it with flour.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until frothy.
- Stir in the melted chocolate-butter mixture and the Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas.
- Mix flour, baking powder and salt and carefully fold into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the cake is firm but still slightly moist in the center.
- Let the cake cool in the tin, then carefully remove it and dust with icing sugar.
- Serve the cake plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy these delicious recipes that beautifully showcase the unmistakable flavor of Ginja de Óbidos Mariquinhas!
