Ginjinha Sem Rival in Lisbon, Portugal

Take a whiff of that ruby liquid. Ginjina, pronounced almost like a New Yorker saying ginger, is a cherry liqueur. Sugar, cinnamon, cherries, and alcohol steep together to create a sweet and dangerous drink. It reminds me a bit of cherry cough medicine, only more sophisticated. In Lisbon, there are a few shops specializing in selling these shots of Ginjinha. We visited Ginjinha Sem Rival, in business since 1890 and serving up shots of liqueur to locals. Most of Ginjinha production is consumed by the Portuguese and about 10% is exported to the United States. With its rarity, all the more reason for one to try this as the Portuguese do. Your shot will come with a cherry or two and costs around two euros.