Alright, next up on my semi-overwhelming remaining list of cool places I went to when I was in Portugal a couple months ago - one of three distinct, very similar spots to try locally made craft ginja, so obviously I made a crawl of it and tried all three in a row, the first day I got to Lisbon. All three are, similarly, very tiny bars, basically just alcoves, no seating, large enough to fit a couple people standing inside if it's raining, which it was. Not a spot people stick around a long time at, which is reasonable, since all they sell are cheap shots of ginja, and to-go bottles of ginja. Well, in this case, uniquely, they also sell a second, more complex liqueur called Eduardino, one reason I'd give the crown to this stop over A Ginjinha around the block, though I also think I liked the ginja here a *hair* more than A Ginjinha. Both great, though. (You can skip Ginginha do Carmo. :p) The ginja, like their most direct competitor's, is quite fruity, and sweet, but not overly so. The one here is also *particularly* smooth. Their second product, Eduardino, apparently invented here in 1908 (I just looked it up) is an anise-infused ginja that doesn't taste anything like ginja, but does taste like a great, complex, sweet anise liqueur, that I imagine would be *wonderful* in cocktails that call for absinthe as a modifier, or probably also as a swap for Benedictine or any of those more famous sweet/herbal liqueurs, if you're a cocktail nerd like me. Though here, obviously, they just sell it neat or in bottles. It is also pretty tasty served neat. I wish I'd had room to bring back a full 750 bottle of each, instead of just a 200 ml bottle (I had most of a suitcase already earmarked for Port wine), but I was glad they *sold* 200 ml bottles! read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - menu - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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We saw this place on the map directly across from the oldest ginja stall and thought the idea of a rivaling ginja place was hilarious. It's the same set up as the other spot - it's a small stall, the line moves fast, and it's cash only. One of the differences is that there were small standing tables outside so you could hangout for a bit if you wanted to. The other difference is the taste of the ginja - I found their version to be less sweet and more smooth than the other, older stall across the street. I preferred Sem Rival's version a bit more actually! At the same exact price (1.55 euros) and in the same area, you might as well try both and come to your own conclusion. read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - interior - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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A stop at Gin Jinha Sem Rival for the famous cherry liquor, because nothing says holy spirit like a monk accidentally inventing cherry moonshine. Legend goes, a friar in Lisbon in the 17th century got a little too curious in the kitchen, tossed sour cherries in booze, and oops, we got Ginjinha. He said it was a medicinal mistake. Do we believe that? Now, at Sem Rival, one of the OG spots, rustic and looking to get you f'd up, you can sip this ruby red elixir from a tiny plastic cup like a true Portuguese grandma or bold tourist. And don't forget to shout A Nossa! (translation: To your health! Because obviously drinking cough syrup for fun is wellness now). I don't make these rules, but I'm willing to participate. You can also take the shot and a chocolate cup. Do you want a cherry on top? You can get it with or without the boozy berry at the bottom. Pick your poison. read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

A fun stop in an old shop to try the sour cherry liquor. It's good. A tourist trap. Worth it. read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

As soon as you step into this little store there is a shot in your hand. The Ginjinha is good and the men working the counter were fast and friendly! read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Shot of Ginjinha - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

This is one of the local historic spots in Lisbon for Ginginha (cherry liquor shot). Our food tour took us here and it is a pretty touristy street. The shots are about 3 euros and easy to get. Reminds me of cough syrup. If you get a cherry pit and eat it after, it is pretty bitter. I've tried some other ones around the area and they say this spot is a bit better. Nice quick bar stop before going out or throughout your day. Or even to buy some for souvenirs! read more

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GINJA SOUR CHERRY LIQUOR. A fast 3-5 minute walk from Rossio square, worth stopping by for a cheap shot that's used traditionally to calm, energize, and heal sickness. The smell will hit you strongly even just stepping 1 foot into the door. The shopkeepers are jolly and warm, you have to be a little buzzed inhaling those fumes all day. This shop sells nothing but Ginja and the first part of the name translates to "without rival" and the second part is named after Eduardino, a famous Italian clown that used to come here after shows and ask for crazy cocktails and drinks. It's also marked with a "Lojas Com Historia" plaque, you'll see some of these outside of certain buildings and its meant to call-out the establishment as a place of great historical importance, the only way to get the plaque is it must be bestowed by the city council. The liquor itself is fine, not very strong and smooth and easy on the throat. It reminded me most of grappa, the Italian digestif. They said not to eat the cherry because it was very bitter after absorbing all the alcohol but i wanted to try it anyway. It was bitter. read more

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Well, we've been in Portugal for three days, had Ginjinha three times and had it twice at Ginja Sen Rival e Eduardino! Day two of our trip saw us on a walking food tour and one of the last stops was here at Ginja Sem Rival - it was perfect timing and both the Ginjinha and the Eduardino tasted spectacular. Day three saw us return not only for another sip, but to buy a small bottle of each to bring home with us. I certainly see why it's so popular here. Both days there were lines to get in, but since there's no place to linger, service is fast and they get you out the door quickly. When you step inside you feel like you've stepped back in time (except for the modern computer cash register, but the guys were so friendly...they make you want to come back for more. read more

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Ginjinha Sem Rival literally means Ginjinha without a rival, which really rings true considering this is the best Ginja I've had in Lisbon. You have the moonshine, cherries, cinnamon, and sugar all combined to create the best and perfect liqueur. I still think about it to this day. read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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First Impressions: lots of locals and tourists of all hanging handing out in front and enjoying their drinks and talking... seems very promising. The guy inside serving was very nice and explained how to drink the Ginja The Noms: Ginja was good, flavors were nice. Aftertaste reminded me a little of cough syrup. The cherries at the end were a nice end to the drink. In Conclusion: I might try the other two popular ginja spots (A Ginjinha + Ginjinha Espinheira) just to experience it but I probably wouldn't drink this again. It was fun for the experience though and very inexpensive to try! read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Cherries! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Fifty or so meters from the other Ginja shop https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-ginjinha-lisboa?hrid=jAgfYbBvsv15zCxrV9X7zQ, this is also worth a stop for the famed Lisbon liqueur. There's some bad blood between the two that caused a split. Or maybe they're secretly working together and maintaining the feud as a façade. I don't know. If you just want a shot, have your euro coins ready and decide if you want it with or without cherries. I recommend "with" cherries. The ginjinha is also for sale bottled. Ginjinha is not a "shooting" liquor. Sip and enjoy the sour cherry flavor. Delicious! [Review 19019 overall - 215 in Portugal - 2543 of 2022.] read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino, Lisboa - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Ok, this, or one of the Ginja shops are a must do in Lisbon. Searched on the web and YT and this was the main one that people pointed out. Super low key, but awesome. Love the "only a counter and drink at the table" thing. Not expensive, fun and super great tasting (yea - we bought a couple bottles to take home because you can't get it in Colorado). After we went here, we found a bunch of other places that sold it, but this felt the most authentic (I might be wrong - so don't yell at me) and the prices were lower or the same as what we saw elsewhere. There is a super local Lisbon store I will mention elsewhere that sold local Ginja and had Sem Rival there - so it has to be decent. read more

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My favorite Ginja shop of them all in Lisbon and I tried many. Not sweet or sugary at all. Smooth and you feel a nice little buzz. Service was fast and the Ginja AND Eduardino tasted great. I ended up buying bottles in a few different sizes from this shop. Adorable packaging. A tiny small fee if you want a clear bag. read more

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We had to try it. It was pretty darn good. Good service, barely a line. Simple tasty and fun. I'm not sure what else to say besides it's a fun tasty treat so give it a shot (pun intended). read more

Such a great place to try your first shot of cherry liqueur from Portugal. Just 1.50 euros with an actual cherry! Don't miss it. read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

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Last time in Lisbon we always went to the other place, just a few meters from here ("A Ginjinha"), which was really good as well. But this time we mostly came here a bit later in the night (around 11pm-midnight) and the other place was already closed for the day. This place though was still open. Serves similar-sized Ginjinha (cherry liquor) for similar (low) prices. Take a shot...or two....or three. Served with a smile, quick and tasty. At least as good as the competition. Maybe even a bit better. Always nice to come here for a late night shot of Ginjinha before sleep. read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - open late - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

Walked by this place, discovered it was visited by many famous people, the owner was very personable. We tried the cherry shot, it was very good although it is the first time I tried it. Personally I like the tea leaves, lemon and star anise. read more

It has became our routine that Walked past it everyday while in Lisboa and grabbed a shot before moved on lol

When in Lisboa, drink ginjinha! We were lucky enough to be staying only a block from this place and could have this little nightcap before heading off to bed. €1.40 per shot and make sure to indicate if you want with or without the berries (com or sem). This is the Ginjinha Bar most recommended by locals and always has its doors wide open for locals and tourists alike. The famous little shot is a cherry-like liquor with sugar, cinnamon, and brandy. 23% alcohol, so don't let the super sweet flavor fool you Saúde! read more

Sipping on a sour cherry liqueur is not only a tradition in Lisbon, it's also really tasty. There are plenty of little places to stop and enjoy one of these dangerous drinks. But if you find yourself within stumbling distance of this place, you may as pop in and sip on a glass. It's frequented by both tourists and locals. The expert pourers are efficient and will have a drink in your hand within mere seconds. You're in Lisbon, Drink Up! read more

Ginjinha sem Rival became our favourite place for sour cherry liqueur fix very quickly. This is the bar we returned multiple times as the ginja is the best I have tasted in Lisbon. During our first visit we got to chat with the owner of the business making the experience even better. This bar offers the ginja with the fruit. The gentleman behind the bar will fill up to the edge the small glass and allow precisely three sour cherries to drop in. They also have small size bottles with the cherry liqueur with or without fruit that can easily fit in the luggage. I'm waiting for a special occasion to open mine and bring back memories of the wonderful time we had in Lisbon, and its ginjinha bars! read more

Ginja Sem Rival e Eduardino - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lisbon, 11

This place is the perfect pregame stop for 1.40 euros Ginja shots! The first day we passed by, there was a huge crowd outside the small liquor shop of people hanging around and taking shots. I believe they do close around 9 or 10pm so make sure to head over there first before you go out. We went on a weekend night and was lucky to caught the door before they were closing. The shots are sweet and not too strong. Highly recommend making this a part of your trip. read more

We tried the infamous cherry liquor, and I have to say that I didn't care for it much. More like cherry cough syrup. But others seem to like it, so I think it's all a matter of preference. I like the aspect that you can pay a small amount and then just get a sample of it. read more

Went in November of 2019, pre pandemic, Nice little shop with two standing tables outside in a popular pedestrian area in Lisbon. This stuff is amazing. I bought back a few bottles to give as souvenirs to friends but I wish I had bought more for myself as this stuff is not available in Chicago. read more

I'm always attracted to places with only one thing on the menu: at this place, it's sour cherry liqueur shots, with a couple of cherries in your cup. I found it a bit cloyingly sweet as a liqueur, unfortunately, and didn't really find it as sour as some of the sour Asian things I like. However, this is a national drink, and I'm happy I got to try it with my friends at what seems to be a pretty representative place. A good place to get the night going if you are going for a bender with your friends :) read more

Really nice liquor, cheaper than other places. At the moment he operates from a truck as the building is being remodeled. 1e for a shot with a cherry at the bottom. read more

I've been in Lisbon for the past couple days, and I kept hearing about a signature cherry liquor drink that is prevalently consumed and purchased in the area (still have yet to try the beverage) so I thought it would be a nice idea to purchase some for family to bring back home/to other countries, so I was encouraged to visit Ginjinha Sem Rival. Located in one of the side alleys perhaps three minutes from the city center (well, the city's commercialized area), the shop is extremely accessible to visitors and locals alike. When you approach the store, the front door is open (quite welcoming) and to the right, you will see a glass case of the signature Portuguese cherry liquor, and to the left, you will find another popular liquor, though I couldn't determine what it is exactly (though it possesses a more golden color). Anyhow, so after determining exactly what I wanted to purchase (there are multiple sizes of the bottle, e.g. 100mL, 200mL, etc), I entered the store to speak with the salesmen working at the time. The shop is extremely small, and there were others inside drinking shots of the cherry liquor (only costs 1euro40 for a shot!) but I didn't feel like it was overwhelmingly crowded. The salesman was extremely kind and patient with me (as I made revisions to my order on multiple occasions) and he did an excellent job at understanding my English. Ultimately, I purchased one large bottle, four 200mL bottles (5euro50 each), and three 100mL bottles (3euro50 each) for under forty Euros total. Considering the amount of alcohol... It was an incredible deal. The bottles are really beautiful as well, and the shop had a very unique flare to it that made me excited to purchase the cherry liquor from HERE, as opposed to any of the other shops nearby. Though I won't be needing more alcohol for this trip, if I ever find myself in Lisbon again, I'll be sure to stop by! read more

When i first came to lisbon i didn t no what cherry liqour was but i heard a lot of people talking. If your in lisbon for a couple of days your really need to try this read more

After trying all of the known ginjinha places in the area, this proved to be the best tasting one of all. This one makes all the others taste like cough syrup! Bought 3 bottles to take back home with me. read more