Hello, everyone! Today, I’m taking you with me on a little trip through Beer in Portugal. While wine often steals the spotlight, beer also holds a special place in the hearts of the Portuguese. In the YouTube video below, I talk about how to order beer in Portugal, the different types of beer, and some useful terminology. And here, we’ll dig a little deeper into this topic on the blog.
The History of Beer in Portugal
The beer tradition in Portugal is older than you might think. The Lusitanians already consumed a fermented drink during festivities. However, it was with the birth of the Portuguese kingdom that cereal cultivation for beer production started to gain importance. During the Age of Discoveries, Portugal became a strategic point for trade, and German, Flemish, and English beer began arriving at our ports.
The real turning point came in the late 18th and throughout the 19th century, when industrial beer production consolidated in Portugal. In recent years, artisanal production has gained prominence, with over 100 independent brands emerging across the country.
How to Order a Beer in Portugal
If you’re planning a visit to Portugal or just want to improve your Portuguese, knowing how to order a beer is essential. Here are some quick tips:
1 – Know what size you want:
- “Uma lambreta”: 15cl draft beer.
- “Uma imperial”: 30cl draft beer in the south.
- “Um fino”: 30cl draft beer in the north.
- “Uma caneca”: 50cl draft beer, similar to a pint*.
- “Uma girafa“: a large jug or pitcher of beer, usually between 1,5L to 2L
And when it comes to bottled beer, you have:
- “uma garrafa”: a regular bottle.
- “uma mini”: 25cl bottles of beer.
There are also mixed drinks like:
- “Um panachê*”: shandy – beer with lemon fizzy drink/soda (like 7up or Sprite).
- “Um tango”: beer with red currant juice.
- “Um diesel”: beer with Coca-Cola.
Now, to order, your keyword is “queria” (I would like):
Queria uma imperial por favor. (I would like a glass of beer please.)
Queria uma caneca por favor (I would like a pint* please.)
Watch the video below for more examples and tips!
*pint is not a size we have in Portugal, so the closest is 50cl. An English pint (~57cl) is slightly larger than 50cl and an American pint is smaller (~47 cl). Also, the word caneca means mug or tankard.
*”panachê” is also pronounced “panaché” so /ˈpa.na.ʃe/ or /ˈpa.na.ʃɛ/
Types of Beer 🍺
Portugal offers a variety of beer types, each with its unique characteristics. We also have informal terms to refer to beers in general:
- Cerveja Loira (Blonde Beer): Made from pale malts, it is light, refreshing, and slightly bitter. Yellow/Gold in colour. It’s perfect for a hot summer day.
- Cerveja Ruiva (Red Beer): Artesenal recipe, made with a blend of malts, giving it a richer flavour and a slightly sweeter taste compared to “blonde” beer. It has a beautiful amber/reddish colour.
- Cerveja Preta/Morena (Black or Brunnette Beer): Made from roasted malts, it has a deep, robust flavour with hints of chocolate and coffee. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a more intense beer experience. It’s typically black in colour.
Beer Culture and Vocabulary
When enjoying a beer in Portugal, you’ll often hear some local terms:
- “uma rodada”: A round of drinks.
- “uma fresquinha”: A cold beer.
- “jola” or “bejeca”: Informal slang for beer.
- “grade” (crate)
- “carica” (bottle cap)
- “abre-garrafas”* (bottle opener)
*abre-garrafas can have other names: abre-cápsulas, tira-cápsulas, saca-cápsulas
Snack Pairings 🍽️
No beer experience is complete without some snacks. Here are a few typical Portuguese snacks to pair with your beer:
- Tremoços: Lupin beans, perfect for snacking.
- Amendoins: Peanuts, a classic choice.
- Caracóis: Snails, a popular summer snack.
- Bifana: A Portuguese pork sandwich, great with a cold beer.
To truly appreciate Portuguese beer culture, one must try some local cuisine. From the salty bacalhau (salted codfish) to the satisfying crunch of petiscos (Portuguese tapas). In the summer, a fresquinha (chilled beer) effortlessly complements the char-grilled aroma of sardines during our lively street festivals.
For a quintessential experience, pair your beer with tremoços—salted lupin beans that serve as the ideal beer snack.
Cheers! 🍻
Once you’ve ordered your beer, the most important thing to learn is how to say cheers:
- “Saúde!”: Cheers, literally “health.”
- “À nossa!”: To our! (to our health)
- “Tchim tchim!”: Cheers, mimicking the sound of glasses clinking.
Where Beer Takes Center Stage 🎉
Portugal is home to lively festivais de cerveja (beer festivals) that celebrate the craftsmanship and diversity of the country’s brews. Beer Festivals draw beer enthusiasts from near and far, providing an immersive experience into the world of Portuguese beer. These events showcase the latest offerings from craft breweries and serve as vibrant hubs for cultural exchange and conviviality.
Whether you find yourself at a local tasca (tavern) or a contemporary craft beer bar, exploring Portuguese beer is a journey of discovery. So, raise your glass, embrace the friendliness, and allow the enthusiasm of Portuguese beer to become a memorable part of your cultural exploration. Saúde! 🍻
Practice your Portuguese
I hope this guide helps you enjoy the beer culture in Portugal as much as I do. Don’t forget to check out my video to practice your Portuguese! And if you’re looking for a song to learn Portuguese on this topic go here.
Até a próxima!