Licor Beirão is Portugal’s most popular drink
Everyone knows the famous Portuguese pastry Pastél de Nata. But do you also know Portugal’s most popular drink? That’s Licor Beirão. Licor Beirão has been Portugal’s number one spirit for almost 20 years*. But what kind of drink is it, and what does it taste like? We’ll tell you all about it.
Anyone who has ever been to Portugal knows Licor Beirão. This Portuguese treasure from picturesque Lousã (in the Portuguese district of Coimbra) is not only a staple in every Portuguese household, but has also become an essential fixture in the country’s trendiest bars.
Licor Beirão: Portugal’s number-one liqueur
And when bartenders get their hands on it, you know this household name is also a powerful cocktail hit. But what kind of drink is Licor Beirão, and why is it so popular?
Licor Beirão’s flavour
Just like Coca-Cola and Jägermeister, the recipe for Licor Beirão is shrouded in mystery. The story goes that in 1929, a pharmacist in Lousā used his knowledge of herbal medicine and local plants to create a unique liqueur with a delicious taste and aroma. The family recipe has been kept secret by the Redondo family for three generations and almost 100 years.
Although the exact ingredients are never discussed, the flavour of Licor Beirão is often described in great detail. The liqueur is characterised by a silky-smooth, sweet blend of herbs and refreshing citrus notes, enhanced by a combination of cinnamon, orange blossom, caramel and chamomile.
How do you drink this famous beverage?
Licor Beirão is often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif, neat, over ice or as an ingredient in cocktails. The liqueur works particularly well in summery cocktail mixes with ginger ale or citrus flavours. Want to drink it neat? Pour Licor Beirão into a tumbler with plenty of ice and squeeze the juice from a lemon wedge over it. This brings out the refreshing flavour even more — it’s my favourite way to drink Licor Beirão.
With Bifana and Francesinha
A word of warning is in order. Licor Beirão is the kind of liqueur that is both refreshing and wonderfully smooth. It goes down like water. Especially when it’s warm. So take it easy, and don’t forget to line your stomach. Fortunately, Portugal is an excellent place to do that. Order a Bifana, for example, Portugal’s national pork sandwich. Or go for a real heavyweight: the Portuguese Francesinha.
Licor Beirão is sold at Gall&Gall and local liquor stores. The retail price is €17.39. #NIX18
Also read:
- Know before you go: 10 Portuguese dishes you might want to avoid
- Must visit: Lisbon’s oldest pastelaria
- These are the 50 best sandwiches in Europe
* comparable to the size of Bacardi Carta Blanca in the Netherlands
