Image above: The bar at CINCO Lounge

Join us, Paul and Tori, as we take you on a tour of our favorite bars in Lisbon and treat you to a special interview with Ze Robertson of CINCO Lounge. Ze talks about Lisbon’s growing and evolving craft cocktail culture.

But first, here are a few more things that you should drink while in Lisbon.

Dessert Drinks

After-Dinner Brandy

One of the joys of dining in Lisbon is the after-dinner brandy. Usually paired with a coffee (we tend to get espresso), the after-dinner brandy can be ordered with dessert or enjoyed alone. Some options that you will find:

• Budget: Macieira, Constantino, 1920
• High end: CRF, Adega Velha

Tip: Order a café with a cheirinho (“little smell”). This is an espresso with an aguardente (a very strong, clear brandy) float.

Ginja

We can’t believe that we didn’t mention this in the previous episode, but you should definitely have a ginja while in Lisbon.

Ginjas are a “sour” cherry liquor, though they are quite sweet. They are often on the menu as a dessert drink and are commonly available in tiny shops throughout Lisbon called ginjinhas.

Listen to episode one to learn how to order a ginja in Lisbon.

Our Favorite Bars

Lisbon has a great and growing cocktail scene, with lots of fantastic bars that you should try out. Prices will be on par with cocktail prices in other large cities, so be prepared for that.

Here are some of our favorite places.

Go for the Views (and Gin)

• Sky Bar at the Tivoli: Rooftop hotel bar in the middle of the Avenida da Liberdade. The drinks are fine, but the views are amazing. Go earlier in the day, unless you like the club scene. Then you’ll want to go at night

• Gin Lovers: Located in a converted embassy in the Principe Real neighborhood, Gin Lovers specializes in beautiful gin and tonics that range in flavor profiles from citrus to floral to everything in between

Creative Cocktails and a Classic Twist

• Red Frog: Frequently listed as one of the top cocktail bars in the world, Red Frog is a speakeasy that is both outrageously creative and yet very welcoming
• Foxtrot: A classic bar for classic drinks. This beautiful art deco bar in Principe Real will take you back in time

New On the Scene

• Monkey Mash: The people who brought you Red Frog bring you a delightful tropical-themed bar in the same neighborhood. Step down into an oasis and enjoy the delicious drinks
• Toca da Raposa: One of the few women-owned bars in Lisbon, this spot uses local produce as the inspiration for its refreshing cocktails. Bonus: It’s right near Duque da Rua, the fado bar that we highlight in this podcast

Where Our Hearts Lie

• CINCO Lounge: CINCO captured our hearts from the very start. The first true modern craft cocktail bar in Lisbon, the drinks—and people—are amazing, creative and fun.
  
  Ze Robertson of CINCO Lounge talks to us about the growing and evolving cocktail scene in Lisbon. Don’t miss Ze’s interview!