Spain, the land of traditions, is known for many things – food, people, festivals, and the drinks. From refreshing cocktails to sharp liqueurs, Spain has got a sip for your every mood. In this blog, we’ll talk about 10 traditional Spanish drinks you must have. So, come with us on this virtual journey to Spain, raise your glasses, and say “Salud!”
1. Sangría
Sangría is deeply connected to the history and culture of Spain. Though the true origins of the drink are unknown, we do know that the Romans are responsible for it. Made with love, Sangría is a combination of a variety of wine, fruits, spices, and liquor. This delicious blend of flavor became popular over the decades, and became an important part of the festivities and gatherings among people of Spain. Today, its popularity has crossed the borders, and spread its wings globally.
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2. Tinto de Verano
Tinto de Verano is a refreshing cocktail which brings life to Spanish culture. This ‘red summer’ drink (which is the literal translation of Tinto de Verano) is a beautiful blend of red wine with lemon or orange soda. Simple but effective! This cocktail is generally served chilled, over ice, making it a perfect rundown for your summers.
3. Queimada
Knitted in history, this next drink comes with quite a story. Queimada, a traditional Galician drink, is from the secluded region of Galicia in the northwest corner of Spain. Known as “fire drink”, it’s made from Orujo (hard white liquor), sugar, coffee beans, and lemon and orange peels. The mixture is poured in an earthenware pot and set on fire (literally), and later transferred to a pot. While the fire burns, a spell is recited which adds a spiritual vibe to it. You can’t curse someone with the spells but the drink will put a spell on you. Spooky huh?
4. Kalimotxo
Kalimotxo (Calimocho) is the drink you make when you have some leftover wine that’s starting to go bad. The Spanish decided to take sustainability into account with this one and thought “we can just add Coca Cola to this and make it a drink”! This two-ingredient cocktail became popular in the 1970s in Spain, and now it’s known globally. It’s served typically in a tall glass, over ice, with a slice of lemon on top. Now, leftover wines aren’t exactly your game (you love alcohol too much for that), so might as well crack open a new bottle to make this drink.
5. Agua de Valencia
The birth of this drink is thanks to the bartender Constante Gil, who accepted a challenge by a group of Basque customers. What started off as something to be proved to the Basque, later became one of the popular drinks in Spain. With its star ingredient being orange, this cocktail is made with a splash of vodka, cava, and gin. A drink to enjoy under the bright Valencian moon and dance till midnight!
6. Cava
Cava, the name of the drink, is derived from the Spanish word ‘Cueva’, which means cave. That’s to say they were made in underground cellars. This sparkling wine is the champagne of Spain, made from Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo grapes. It’s made with Méthode Champenoise (traditional method). After the second fermentation, the cava is made to sit for a minimum nine months. This brings out a rich flavor and aroma to the drink.
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7. Carajillo
The Irish aren’t the only ones who mixed coffee with liqueur. This traditional Spanish drink dates back to the colonial period when Mexican and Spanish culture deeply influenced each other. Carajillo is a balanced blend of coffee with some Spanish liqueur (which can be rum, brandy, Gallina or Fernet-Branca). A perfect drink for day parties when the booze is still going on light! But on another note, this is just amazing for the coffee lovers; you can add another drink to your caffeine-boozy drink list!
8. Vermouth
Vermouth is generally served as an aperitif before a meal to build up an appetite. It’s a fortified wine curated with a blend of herbs and spices. You’ll find two main varieties of this drink – red and white (or you can say sweet and dry). With a bold and rich flavor, red vermouth is generally garnished with a slice of orange, and dry vermouth is garnished with lemon.
9. Sherry
Traditionally prepared as dry wine, Sherry was a fortified wine primarily made from Palomino grapes. But over the years, the drink has been sweetened to become the one you know today. The taste and flavor notes of this drink might vary depending on the aging process. Fino, Manzanilla, and Manzanilla Pasada are some varieties of Sherry you should know about.
10. Orujo
Orujo (pronounced as o-roo-ho) is called the ‘Spanish grappa’ because it’s very often compared to the Italian liqueur grappa. This brandy is made from the distillation of grape marc (residue from pressing of fresh grapes) that are left after the wine-making process. It’s a strong liquor with average alcohol content of 40% ABV. It has a sour-sweet taste, with a few herbal notes. If you love a good hard liquor, drink it as it is; but if you’re someone who likes their alcohol light, you might want to try taking orujo in cocktails such as Queimada.
Summing Up
So you see, there’s a lot more to Spain than just Sangría. La tenemos todo! The next time you’re in Spain, or you just want to get a taste of Spain, try one of these drinks. It’ll take you right to the heart of their culture.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular Spanish soft drink?
La Casera is a popular Spanish brand of soft drink, which can be served as it is or mixed with beer or wine.
2. What is the signature drink in Spain?
Sangría is considered to be the signature drink in Spain.
3. What is Spanish rum?
Spanish rum, also called ‘ron’, is a light, syrupy drink made from a short fermentation of molasses (concentrated cane juice) or honey.
4. What is grenadine?
Grenadine is a syrup made from concentrated pomegranate juice. It has a sweet flavor profile.
5. What alcohol is in a mojito?
White rum is generally used in a mojito.
6. What is a mosto?
Mosto is a non-alcoholic beverage that’s made from pressed grapes that haven’t been fermented.
