You can’t really claim to have enjoyed a truly Menorcan holiday without having tasted its famous drink, known as the Menorcan pomada; and if you want to complete the experience and live it at its fullest, you should drink it during one of the jaleos at the local patron saint festivities.
Menorca’s pomada is a simple, refreshing and exquisite cocktail that brings everyone together during long summers and endless celebrations — and beyond the festive calendar too.
Let’s discover everything about it — and we guarantee that by the end of this article, you’ll be rushing out to buy or prepare one yourself.
What is Menorcan pomada?
Pomada is THE drink of Menorca and basically consists of a mix of gin and lemon juice or lemon soda. However, as always, there are secrets and details: pomada is not made with just any gin, but exclusively with Gin Xoriguer from Mahón. Its only botanical ingredient is juniper, and it is made using wine alcohol rather than grain spirit, as is the case with most other gins.
It is refreshing, smooth, delicious and perfect for hot days. It suits almost any time of day. But beyond being a must during patron saint festivities, extending the night after watching a sunset in Menorca, sipping an ice-cold pomada, is one of the best ways to enjoy it.
The origin of pomada, Menorca’s most distinctive drink
As often happens with the most iconic and delicious recipes, its origin has more to do with coincidence than with a specific plan or strategy.
Magí Camps spent his days behind the bar at the old Maritime Station of Mahón, breaking the routine with his favourite drink: Gin Xoriguer. However, his frequent intoxication began to cause domestic problems and, in an attempt to mask the smell of gin rather than stop drinking it, he started mixing it with lemonade from old siphon-style machines. The pressure with which the lemonade was dispensed and blended with the gin gave it a light, foamy texture — which is why he called it pomada.
The year was 1927, and pomada spread across the island so quickly that the distillery itself offered Magí the chance to patent it. Although he declined — as he was simply seeking peace at home — it is now a registered trademark of Destilerías Xoriguer.
Although it became popular throughout the island, in the Mahón area it is called pomada. In Ciutadella, it is known as gin amb llimonada, and in some villages simply ginet. However, thanks to tourism and the fame of this drink, you can order a pomada anywhere in Menorca and everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Where to try the best pomada in Menorca
There is probably no bar, restaurant, tavern or beach kiosk in Menorca that doesn’t serve pomada. At the very least, you will find its slushy version almost everywhere.
Pleasure is subjective and often depends more on the company, the setting or your mood than on the drink itself. However, there are some “undeniable truths” — at least when it comes to drinking pomada — and having one at the Port of Mahón is one of them. There, you can watch life go by in the dreamy atmosphere that only summer ports seem to have, while enjoying several pomadas in honour of Magí Camps.
Making Menorcan pomada at home
If you don’t have the chance to set foot on this island — or if nostalgia hits you after you leave — here is the most traditional Menorcan pomada recipe.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Gin Xoriguer
- 100 ml lemonade (fresh lemon juice or homemade lemonade)
- Slice or half-moon of lemon (optional)
- Fresh mint (optional)
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Fill a glass with ice and add the lemon slice. Pour in one third Gin Xoriguer and two thirds lemonade. Stir gently with a long spoon. Garnish with a few mint leaves… and enjoy without guilt!
Without guilt — but with moderation. Pomada may be delicious, but it can also be a little deceptive. Beneath its fresh, citrusy character lies a strength capable of intoxicating you far beyond metaphor or poetry.