Five authentic ways to make Madeira's drink at home — from the everyday classic to the fishermen's original and a trio of fruit variations.
Madeira's classic poncha: sugarcane spirit, honey and fresh lemon, hand-whisked frothy. The benchmark recipe to start with.
The original fisherman's poncha: more aguardente, sharp lemon, little or no honey. Bracing, dry and authentic to Câmara de Lobos.
Passion fruit poncha: aguardente, honey and fresh maracujá, balanced with a squeeze of lemon. Fragrant, tropical and crowd-pleasing.
Tangerine poncha: aguardente, honey and fresh tangerine juice with a touch of lemon. Bright, sweet-tangy and a seasonal winter favourite.
Orange poncha: aguardente, honey and fresh orange juice with a squeeze of lemon. Smooth, sweet and the easiest poncha for newcomers.