Poncha is the traditional drink of Madeira, and it has a special connection to Câmara de Lobos — for it is, by tradition, the drink of the island's fishermen, and Câmara de Lobos is Madeira's fishing village by excellence.
Poncha is made from aguardente de cana — the island's sugarcane spirit — together with honey or sugar and citrus juice, beaten together with a traditional wooden tool, the caralhinho. The original and most traditional version is made with lemon juice and is known as poncha à pescador — fisherman's poncha — a reminder of its roots. Sweeter variations exist, with orange or with passion fruit, the maracujá.
In Madeira it is said that there is no better medicine against a cold than a poncha. It is best drunk fresh, made on the spot in a bar, rather than from a bottle. For the visitor, a poncha in one of the poncha bars of Câmara de Lobos — the village tied to the fishermen who gave the drink its name — is one of the most characteristic experiences Madeira offers.
⭐ Must-try:
Poncha
Highlights
- The traditional drink of Madeira
- By tradition, the drink of the island's fishermen
- Made from sugarcane spirit, honey and citrus juice
- The original lemon version is the poncha à pescador
- Best enjoyed fresh in a poncha bar of Câmara de Lobos
Frequently asked questions
What is poncha?
It is the traditional drink of Madeira — sugarcane spirit beaten together with honey or sugar and citrus juice.
Why is poncha linked to Câmara de Lobos?
Poncha is by tradition the drink of the island's fishermen, and Câmara de Lobos is Madeira's fishing village by excellence.
What is poncha à pescador?
It is the original, most traditional poncha, made with lemon juice — 'fisherman's poncha', a reminder of the drink's roots.