Poncha: the typical drink of Madeira Island

Poncha is a traditional beverage from Madeira Island, Portugal. It is known for its simplicity and unique flavour. This drink is made with sugarcane brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, and honey.

Ingredients
Sugarcane brandy
Honey
Lemon juice
Orange juice
Lemon peel
Sugar
Nutritional Profile
Calories
240 per serving
Alcohol content
11.95% alcohol by volume (ABV)

Tangerine Poncha

Tangerine Poncha uses tangerine juice instead of lemon juice.

Passion Fruit Poncha

Passion Fruit Poncha replaces lemon juice with passion fruit pulp.

Lime and Tea Punch

Lime and tea punch is made with 250 ml of black tea, a cinnamon stick, 20 ml of lime juice, and sugar (optional). Start by boiling the black tea with the cinnamon stick. Add the lime juice, and, if necessary, add sugar.

Strawberry Poncha

Strawberry Poncha is made with half a lemon, 60 ml sugarcane brandy, 30 ml honey, and 40 gr strawberries. First, squeeze the lemon juice and combine it with the honey in a glass. Mix well. Then add 30 ml of the brandy. Puree the strawberries and add to the mixture. Mix everything very well. Then add the remaining 30 ml of brandy and serve.

Algarrobina Punch

The Algarrobina Punch is made with 60 ml Mosto Verde Italia, one egg yolk, 30 ml condensed milk, one tablespoon of carob extract, and crushed ice. First, blend all the ingredients in a blender along with the crushed ice. Then strain into a goblet and serve.

What ingredients are in Poncha?

Poncha is made with sugarcane brandy, honey, lemon juice, orange juice, sugar, and lemon peel.

How do you drink Poncha?

Poncha can be drunk both in summer, with ice, and in winter, as it contains a lot of vitamin C.

What is the utensil used to stir Poncha called?

The used to stir Poncha, used on Madeira Island, is known as “caralhinho”, “mexelhote” or Poncha stick.

Where and when was Poncha invented?

Poncha is a typical drink from Madeira Island. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century. However, other studies suggest that this drink originated in India, where it is known as “pãnch”.