25. The DRINK GUIDE

Poncha

Poncha is Madeira’s iconic cocktail, deeply rooted in the island’s culture and traditions. Made with just three key ingredients—Madeiran rum (Aguardente de Cana), freshly squeezed citrus juice (typically lemon or orange), and honey—Poncha is as simple as it is delicious.
The ingredients are mixed using a traditional wooden stick called a caralhinho, which blends them into a smooth, refreshing drink. While the classic version uses lemon juice, modern variations include other fruits like passion fruit, tangerine, or even kiwi, creating a sweeter and fruitier profile.
Historically, Poncha was believed to have medicinal properties, often consumed as a remedy for colds or sore throats.

Where to Find the Best Poncha:
👉 Tap the location names to see their exact position on the map and plan your visit easily.

• Rei da Poncha (Funchal)

• Venda do André (Quinta Grande)

• Casa Da Levada (Funchal)

• Venda do Sócio (Caniço)

• Taberna da Poncha (Serra de Agua)

• Bar Number Two (Funchal)

• Barreirinha (Funchal)

• Taberna da Serra (Serra de Água)

• O Vizinho (Santo da Serra)

• Vaquinha Do Calhau (Câmara de Lobos)

Madeira Wine

No visit to Madeira is complete without tasting its world-famous Madeira Wine. This fortified wine, aged through a unique heating process called estufagem, develops a rich, complex flavour unlike any other. With styles ranging from dry to sweet, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif, with meals, or as a decadent after-dinner drink.

Types of Madeira Wine:

• Sercial (Dry) – Crisp and refreshing, perfect as an aperitif.

• Verdelho (Medium Dry) – Slightly richer, great with soups and cheeses.

• Bual (Medium Sweet) – Smooth and caramelized, pairs beautifully with desserts.

• Malmsey (Sweet) – The richest and sweetest, a true indulgence.

Insider Tip: Visit a Madeira wine lodge in Funchal to sample different varieties and learn about its centuries-old production. Whether you sip it at a seaside bar or bring home a bottle, Madeira wine is a taste of the island’s history in every drop!

Nikita

Nikita is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that perfectly captures Madeira’s love for combining unexpected ingredients into something truly memorable.
This creamy, slightly sweet drink is made with a blend of beer, pineapple juice, vanilla ice cream, and sometimes a touch of white wine. The result is a frothy, tropical beverage that’s light, indulgent, and surprisingly harmonious.

Originating in Câmara de Lobos, Nikita has become a popular choice at local bars and restaurants across Madeira. It’s often enjoyed as a dessert drink or a cooling refreshment on a warm day, embodying the island’s relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Many places offer a non-alcoholic version, omitting the beer and wine but keeping the creamy pineapple flavour.

Where to Try Nikita:
👉 Tap the location names to see their exact position on the map and plan your visit easily.

• Number Two (Funchal)

• O Vizinho (Santo da Serra)

• Taberna da Serra (Serra de Água)

• Barreirinha (Funchal)

Brisa

Brisa is Madeira’s beloved local soft drink brand and a nostalgic favourite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its fruity, refreshing flavours, Brisa is the perfect non-alcoholic companion to a hot day on the island.

The most iconic variety is Brisa Maracujá (passion fruit)—sweet, fizzy, and tropical. You’ll find Brisa served at almost every café, bar, or restaurant across Madeira, often alongside traditional dishes or as a sweet refreshment on its own.

Where to Try Brisa:

• Literally everywhere – from corner cafés to supermarkets.