José, it seems, is very proud of the ‘Portuguese Cherry Daiquiri Recipe’ when he himself created for sharing with family and friends and one of the many local fiestas. “Would you like to try one?” he smiles. At the Fundão’s Escola Hotelaria school’s bar counter where the students had been busy polishing their skills, José springs into action. The ingredients are gathered, the preparations are made and like an alchemist at work in his laboratory José the creator gets to work with his master class. The result is a thick, ruby-red delight, which slinks rather than pours into the glass, and is garnished with a single strawberry impregnated by a sprig of fresh green mint. José smiles as I put the drink to my lips. I am convinced, I am in the presence of greatness. “You may share my recipe if you wish”, José offers charmingly. And so, here it is.
José Carlos Gil Graça, a teacher at the professional school in Fundao, holds a bottle of locally produced Cherry Liquor, Fundao, 2016
Cherry liquor, Fundao, 2016
Portuguese Cherry Daiquiri Recipe
Portuguese Cherry Daiquiri Ingredients
(Created by José Graça)
Crushed Ice
White Rum – 4cl
Cherry Liquor – 2cl
Sugar Syrup (Can be made from sugar and water) – 1.5cl
Fresh Lemon Juice – 1cl
Blueberry Syrup – 1cl
3/4 Pitless Portuguese Beira Baixa Cherries
1 Strawberry
2 pieces of finely sliced Ginger Root
2 Leaves of Mint
a teacher at the professional school in Fundao gives the finishing touches to a cherry and strawberry based daiquiry cocktail, Fundao, 2016
Portuguese Cherry Daiquiri Preparation
Mix all ingredients very well in a blender
Pour 3/4 quarters of the mixture into a cocktail glass of your choice.
Add Red Bull (or 7-Up/Sprite/Guaranha) to within 1cm from top of glass
Mix lightly with a spoon just before serving.
Decorate with a cocktail skewered with a strawberry, topped with a cherry and a sprig of mint mounted on the rim of the glass. Drink and enjoy.
Drink and enjoy.
A guest at the professional school in Fundao sips a freshly prepared cherry and strawberry cocktail made by a teacher, Fundao, 2016
This Portuguese Cherry Daiquiri Recipe post is a part of a series of 9 posts I wrote based on my journey to Beira Baixa in March 2016. Please find the links o the other articles bellow:
Beira Baixa in Centro de Portugal
Belmonte in Centro de Portugal
Beira Baixa Heritage
Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional
Portuguese Beira Baixa Cherry
Portuguese Beira Baixa Olive Oil
Castelo Branco Embroidery
Beira Baixa Glamping
Disclaimer:
This Portuguese Cherry Daiquiri Recipe post was written by my inspiring friend Brendan Harding as part of my ongoing collaboration with the Centro de Portugal Tourism Board. All opinions are my own. Photo credits to my inspiring friend Emanuele Siracusa.
