Apparently, I have a very specific drinking schedule.
One Pomada every eight years.
I don't actually drink. In fact, before our recent trip to Menorca, the last alcoholic drink I'd had was a Pomada... in Menorca, eight years ago.
Fast forward eight years and we'd barely arrived at our first hotel before we were greeted at reception with glasses of icy cold Pomada.
Now, a sensible non-drinker would probably have said, “No thank you.”
Unfortunately, I am an absolute sucker for anything lemon.
So... SALUD! 🍋🥂
And this is where I became a little overconfident.
Later, I decided I'd quite like another one.
What I hadn't anticipated was the WHOPPING great glass of Pomada that arrived.
Exhibit A: Why I only drink once every eight years. 😂
Look at my face.
That is the face of someone who doesn't drink and has just realised she may have seriously underestimated the gin-to-lemonade ratio.
By gosh, that thing was enough alcohol to last me another eight years.
So unless Menorca tempts me again before then...
See you in 2034, Pomada.
For something so synonymous with Menorca, Pomada is surprisingly simple.
Menorcan gin + lemonade.
That's basically it.
But, as with Avarcas, there's a lot of Menorcan history hiding behind something seemingly so simple.
The gin traditionally used in Pomada is Gin Xoriguer, produced in Mahón (Maó), Menorca.
Menorca's association with gin goes back hundreds of years to the British occupation of the island during the 18th century.
British sailors wanted gin.
The Menorcans obliged.
Local distillers began producing their own version, and a drink originally made to satisfy thirsty British sailors eventually became part of Menorca's own identity.
Funny how these things work.
Which, as a lifelong lemon obsessive, I fully support.
Pomada, also known locally as gin amb llimonada, combines Menorcan gin with lemonade to make an icy, refreshing drink that is absolutely perfect for a hot Menorcan summer.
You'll find it served over ice, pre-mixed and chilled, and sometimes almost frozen like a slushie.
And therein lies the danger.
It tastes like a delicious lemony summer drink.
It does not taste like the amount of gin that's apparently hiding in there.
Please refer back to Exhibit A.
Pomada isn't just something tourists sip beside the Mediterranean.
It's very much woven into Menorcan culture, particularly during the island's famous summer fiestas.
From the Festes de Sant Joan in Ciutadella in June, towns across Menorca hold their own traditional celebrations throughout summer.
And if you've ever seen footage of a Menorcan fiesta, you'll probably remember the horses.
Beautiful black Menorcan horses and their riders move through streets absolutely packed with people during the traditional jaleo, with the horses rearing high onto their hind legs amongst the crowds.
There is music.
There are thousands of people.
There are horses.
There is Pomada.
A LOT of Pomada.
It is loud, chaotic, steeped in tradition and unmistakably Menorcan.
Returning to Menorca reminded me that it's all these little traditions that make me love the island so much.
Of course, the beaches are ridiculous. The water really IS that blue. There are whitewashed villages, gorgeous little calas and beautiful old streets that you could happily wander around for hours.
But Menorca is so much more than a pretty Mediterranean island.
It's the horses.
The fiestas.
The food.
The people.
The Pomada.
And, of course, the Avarcas.
And that's probably why returning there always feels particularly special to me.
Avarcas aren't simply a style of Spanish sandal.
They're Menorcan.
They began as practical footwear worn by the island's farmers and have evolved over generations into the iconic sandals you see everywhere in Menorca today.
When you've walked the streets where they're made, spent time with the people behind them and experienced the island and its traditions firsthand, you understand a little more about what makes genuine Menorcan Avarcas so special.
They're a little piece of Menorca.
Thankfully, unlike the Pomada, you don't need to ration your Avarcas to one pair every eight years.
If all this talk of lemon and gin has you thirsty, you don't need a plane ticket to Menorca to try one.
Although I fully support using Pomada as an excuse to book one.
You'll need:
1 part Menorcan gin — traditionally Gin Xoriguer +
2–3 parts cloudy lemonade, lemon soft drink, or fresh lemon juice with simple syrup and sparkling water +
Plenty of ice +
Lemon to garnish, if you're feeling fancy
Fill your glass with ice, add the gin and top generously with lemonade. Give it a stir, and you're done.
For something closer to the icy Pomadas you'll find during a Menorcan summer, blend it with plenty of ice until it's almost slushy.
Just remember: The lemonade makes it VERY easy to forget there's gin in there.
You've been warned. 😂
So there you have it.
A drink that started with British sailors, became part of Menorcan culture and somehow managed to convince a woman who hadn't touched alcohol for eight years to drink two of them in one day.
Menorca, you got me.
Pour yourself a Pomada, put on some Spanish music, throw on your favourite Avarcas and find yourself a sunny spot.
Close your eyes.
Menorca.
Well... almost.
As for me?
I'll take the Avarcas and lemonade for now.
Pomada and I have another date booked for 2034. 🍋😂
♡ Nae x
