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Licor Beirão com Gelo

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Licor Beirão com Gelo

Licor Beirão com Gelo is a staple from the Beiras region, where it's often enjoyed as a refreshing pause during a sunlit afternoon or as a prelude to a leisurely evening meal. This home version captures the unpretentious spirit of Portuguese life, where olive oil flows freely, salt is sprinkled with instinct, and no one fusses over perfection—just the joy of savoring.

The drink presents a delightful balance of sweetness and herbal notes from the Licor Beirão, enhanced by the effervescent lift of tonic water. The citrusy brightness of lemon and the cool aroma of mint make each sip a crisp, invigorating experience. Serve it chilled, with plenty of ice, and let it transport you to a breezy terrace in the heart of Portugal's countryside.

Ingredients

  • 200 mlLicor Beirão
  • 400 mltonic water — or lemonade
  • 1lemon — sliced into rounds
  • 4 sprigsfresh mint
  • ice cubesto fill the glasses

Method

  1. Begin by chilling the Licor Beirão and tonic water in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This ensures that the drink is served refreshingly cold, enhancing the flavors of the liqueur and tonic.
  2. While the liquids chill, prepare the lemon by slicing it into thin rounds. The lemon will add a fresh citrus aroma and a slight tang to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the Licor Beirão.
  3. Once the liquids are chilled, take a large pitcher and add the 200 ml of Licor Beirão. This forms the sweet and aromatic base of your drink.
  4. Pour in the 400 ml of tonic water to the pitcher with the Licor Beirão. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine the liquids thoroughly, ensuring a consistent flavor throughout.
  5. Add the lemon slices to the pitcher, allowing them to infuse the drink with their citrus notes. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Fill each serving glass with ice cubes, leaving enough room for the liquid. The ice will keep the drink cold and refreshing as you serve it.
  7. Pour the Licor Beirão and tonic mixture over the ice in each glass, ensuring each glass gets a couple of lemon slices.
  8. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint. The mint will release its aroma as it contacts the cool liquid, adding a refreshing herbal note to the drink.
  9. Serve immediately while the drink is cold, allowing the flavors to be at their peak. Enjoy the Licor Beirão com Gelo as a refreshing and aromatic beverage.
Cover of Authentic Portuguese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Portuguese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Portuguese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Portuguese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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