The canonical version and where to order it.
Aguardente de cana, sugarcane spirit distilled on the island, stirred with bee honey and citrus juice using a grooved wooden stick called a caralhinho. Sharp, sweet and considerably stronger than it tastes.
Poncha started as a fisherman's drink on Madeira's south coast, made from the cane spirit that was a by-product of the sugar industry and drunk against cold and damp. The traditional version is lemon, honey and aguardente in fixed proportions, stirred rather than shaken with the caralhinho, a stick turned specifically for the job. Passion fruit and tangerine versions came with tourism and are now poured alongside the original in the Zona Velha and in the poncha bars of Câmara de Lobos, which remain the reference point.
1 editor pick for Poncha in Funchal, ranked by editorial score. All Funchal signature dishes · Poncha across every city.
Barreirinha Bar Café sits above the old bathing complex in the Funchal Zona Velha, a seafront terrace running from morning coffee to weekend DJs.
TipMorning coffee and late drinks happen in the same room. Weekends run to 02:00.
Poncha makes more sense with someone from Funchal explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Day trip · 4 hours
Get stunning views of the natural beauty and historical villages of Madeira on a scenic drive by classic VW Beetle. Sample some of island's famous "poncha" drink and v...
Day trip · 8 hours
Sample the fine wines of Madeira on a full-day tasting tour from Funchal and learn about the island's wine industry and delicious food. Stop at a selection of wineries...
Guided tour · 8 hours
Take in the landscapes of Madeira's vineyards on this full-day tour. Ride Fajã dos Padres cable car, visit a wine cellar, taste local wines and enjoy a typical Madeira...
