Poncha| a stiff drink made by a little cock

Madeira, a Portuguese gem in the Atlantic, three hours from London maybe known for  its famous namesake Madeira wine but it’s also known by the locals for its potent Poncha, served straight, on the rocks, or warm. It’s origin was  likely Indian made from arrack, lemon juice, sugar, herbal tea, and spiced water brought by the British to this Portuguese archipelago back in the 18^th century. Today Poncha "punch" is made from 50% abv aguardente, honey, and fresh squeezed juice.  The traditional version is made from tart lemon juice but orange and passion fruit "maracuja ". A typical cocktail would be made from 1 teaspoon of honey, 2oz of aguardente (white rum), and juice of one lemon. This muddled drink is mixed with vigour with a mexelote or as the locals call it a caralinho "little cock". The drink has a number of variations and made with class at Reids Palace Hotel, impromptu at a fisherman's beach shack, or my favourite at a mobile poncho cart on the popular Avenida Arriaga. 7 Mares, a mobile pirate ship cart was my favourite with their stiff poncho for less than 3 Euros along with shots of strong espresso and Coral draught beer. Poncha and a balmy Funchal afternoon - classic cocktail drinking.