All images by Nuno Alves Rocha, unless specified otherwise
Portugal is known for many things - football, Fado, tourism…, but I really love the country's food and drink. One alcoholic treat that is sold in more than 40 countries around the world is Licor Beirão, Portugal's favourite spirit which has been produced in the J. Carranca Redondo distillery since 1929.
Lisbon tram advertising Licor Beirão
Made from a secret recipe, passed down through three family generations, of 13 botanicals and local spring water, this 22% ABV seeds, spices and herbs-based liqueur had originally been produced in the 19th century as a medicinal aid for stomach pain! Today, its consumption may be for different reasons, but the original copper stills remain at the heart of the production process and the taste remains unique.
Licor Beirão founder (J. Carranca Redondo); son and master distiller (José Redondo); grandson and director (Daniel Redondo)
Cold maceration for a minimum of three weeks allows the aromas and flavours of the botanicals to infuse the spirit base. This is followed by a double distillation, after which the liqueur is filtered and stored in stainless steel vats for a few months prior to bottling. Each bottle is then adorned by a yellow ribbon which is still tied by hand - that's an average of 30,000 every day!
Licor Beirão, 'Portugal Liqueur of the Year' in the New York International Spirits Competition 2015, is sweet, but not cloyingly so. Delicate on the nose and palate, with notes of eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon and other spices, there is a refreshing touch of bitterness which offsets the sweeter notes perfectly. Although great served simply "On the Rocks" with a slice of lemon, there are numerous cocktail options available and here are some suggestions from Export Manager, Nuno Alves Rocha:-
Caipirão made with Licor Beirão
Cut half a lime into quarters and muddle in a glass. Add crushed ice, 40ml of fresh lemon juice and pour over 60ml of Licor Beirão. Shake for about eight seconds, then garnish with a slice of lime.
Morangão made with Licor Beirão
Muddle six strawberries and 40ml of fresh lemon juice in a Boston-style glass. Add crushed ice and 60ml of Licor Beirão, then shake for six seconds and serve with two straws.
Filipe Braz's Sunbeam made with Licor Beirão
Place 50ml of Licor Beirão, 10ml of Jonge Genever, 20ml of lime juice, 20ml of grape juice, one egg white and one dash of Angustura Bitters into a shaker and hard-shake for 8-10 seconds. Strain the drink and dry-shake for about 5 seconds. Strain the drink into a rock glass filled with ice and garnish with grapefruit zest and dehydrated lime.
Rocha also recommends two creations of Marian Beke, manager of London's Gibson Bar, who describes them here:-
Marian Beke's Mylk, Eggs & Chese - image by Rusty Cerven
Shake and strain into a pre-burn wood mug.
Marian Beke's Wizard of Oz - image by Rusty Cerven
Smoke and stir in mixing glass. Serve inside mini-hat with homemade chocolate on top as garnish.
Tarcísio Costa, General Manager of Mussels 'N Sausages, recommends Ditmars 35-01, named after the Astoria address of his NYC concept restaurant where the cocktail was conceived:-
Tarcísio Costa's Ditmars 35-01 - image by Tarcísio Costa
Add 1.5oz Queens Courage Old Tom-style gin, 3/4oz Licor Beirão, 1/2oz fresh lime juice and 2 barspoons of Fernet Branca to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and gently roll it (so as to avoid bruising the gin) until chilled. Strain into a coupe and float 1/2 orange wheel on top as garnish.
Additionally, the liqueur's versatility lends itself to many sweet and savoury food recipes. Here are two provided by the company:-
Braised Salmon with Tomato Sauce and Licor Beirão
Crème Caramel with Licor Beirão
An advert for Licor Beirão
Licor Beirão is available in the UK from Gerry's Wine & Spirits and Portugalia Wines and in the US from HGC Imports, Aidil Wines and Saraiva Enterprises.
This is the full version of the article written for The Alcohol Professor.
