Tasting traditional Spanish drinks is an exciting way to immerse yourself in the country. Not only do these beverages refresh you after sightseeing but they engage you with customs and production techniques passed down through the ages.
Sipping local specialties in tapas taverns and kicking back with a cold cerveza on beachside chiringuitos belong on a Spain travel itinerary as much as the Alhambra and Sagrada Família.
Many classic Spanish drinks find their perfect match with cuisine. Think, gazpacho with Fino sherry, cava with seafood, and Rioja wine with Manchego cheese and Jamón Ibérico.
Not a drinker? This guide also includes delicious non-alcoholic traditional drinks in Spain.
An Overview of Spanish Wine
As one of the most famous Spanish drinks, wine deserves its own segment. Spain has developed distinct viticultural and vinicultural methods since the Greeks and Romans first cultivated grapes.
Spain’s geographical diversity and microclimates are reflected in the wine industry. Northwest Spain is the powerhouse behind wine cultivation although southern Spain and the islands make prized contributions.
Spanish wine is systemized as follows:
- Vino de Mesa: table wines from unclassified vineyards.
- Vino de la Tierra: similar to table wines only with the harvest year and region specified.
- Denominación de Origen (DO) wines: top-quality wines specific to a geographic region.
- Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) wines: superior-quality wines specific to a geographic region.
- Vino de Pago wines: these are similar to DO/DOCa wines but they apply to individual vineyards.
Rioja DOCa wines made from Tempranillo grapes are the most famous red wines produced in Spain. The same grapes produce Ribera del Duero DO wines.
White lovers should check out the fruity, floral wines produced in the Rías Baixas DO region using Albariño grapes.
The Málaga DO region relies on Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes for its sweet dessert whites.
Beyond these, other traditional Spanish alcoholic drinks relating to wine include vermouth, sherry, cava, and sangria.
You will find tons of traditional Spanish drinks at tapas bars all over the country.
Traditional Spanish Drinks
These tasty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are just the tonic when traveling in Spain.
1. Cava
France has Champagne, Italy has Prosecco, Spain has Cava. Spanish sparkling wine has DO status and the name refers to the cellars used to age the cava.
This is one of Barcelona’s famous Spanish drinks as most cava is produced in the Catalan region. The Penedès region is responsible for most Spanish cava with Freixenet and Codorníu being the major brands.
Only varieties produced using traditional methods are labeled cava. Other sparkling wines in Spain are listed as vinos espumosos. Cava appears on menus as champán (xampany in Catalan). An achampañado is a cheaper, non-DO alternative.
Confused? You’re not alone. Get to the bottom of things on a cava tour in Catalonia. Taca Devi operates cava tastings in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the wine capital of Penedès.
Simply sipping a copa de cava in a tapas bar is one of the best things to do in Barcelona after a day’s exploring.
2. Horchata/Orxata
Also known as orxata, horchata is a typical non-alcoholic drink in Spain and Mexico. These are sweet beverages using a milky base and cinnamon although there are different variations between recipes in the two countries.
Hailing from Valencia, Spanish horchata traditionally combines tiger nuts (a superfood plant with edible tubers), water, cinnamon powder, lemon zest, and sugar.
Horchata is served cold, often with a cinnamon stick for garnish. In this form, horchata is a vegan-friendly drink that is also quite healthy – especially when the sugar is substituted with maple syrup or honey for non-vegans.
By comparison, Mexican horchata usually includes soaked rice grains and milk.
Vermouth is one of the best summer drinks to have with a bowl of olives or some other salty tapas snacks.
3. Vermouth/Vermut
Vermouth has roots in Ancient Greece and Rome before it was popularized in Italy and France. The modern version of vermouth – a crucial ingredient in negronis – originated in Turin at the hands of Antonio Benedetto Carpano.
Italian immigrants introduced the botanical beverage to Spain where it became especially popular in the Catalan region. Reus is a hub for crafting Spanish vermut rojo (red vermouth) consumed as an aperitif regionally and nationwide.
This fortified wine is aromatized with the likes of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Spaniards drink red vermouth straight or on the rocks with a slice of orange or an olive although it may be diluted with tonic or soda water.
Vermouth has gone on to become one of the traditional Spanish alcoholic drinks savored in the tapas bars of Madrid. Unlike in Barcelona where vermouth comes bottled, vermut de grif (vermouth on tap) is the Madrileño way.
Food tours in Madrid usually include vermouth tastings in the buzzing La Latina and Chueca neighborhoods.
4. Sangria
Sangria is one of the most typical Spanish drinks enjoyed in summer. Such is its success that it’s widely available across the continent and overseas – you may well forget it was born in Spain!
The Romans took to dripping wine into their drinking vessels to mask the taste of bacteria-ridden water. They’d also add scraps of fruit or herbs to improve the experience and, theoretically, soak up some of the contaminants.
Either white or red wine can form the base of sangria. It’s topped with pineapple or orange juice and/or carbonated water and usually rounded off with a dash of cava, vermouth, sherry, or brandy.
Chopped seasonal fruit is the final touch. This usually includes red berries, diced oranges, cubed apples, and lemon slices. Mint is often added.
However, there’s no set recipe for sangria and it varies from place to place. Larger bars often give you the choice of sangria roja or sangria blanca.
You can often learn how to make it as part of a cooking class, such as this paella and sangria workshop in Madrid.
Sangria is one of the more famous Spanish drinks, but locals prefer a glass of tinto de verano instead.
5. Tinto de Verano
Translating to “summer red wine”, tinto de verano is a pared-down version of sangria.
While sangria is one of the famous Spanish drinks found all over the world, tinto de verano is favored by Spaniards on their home turf.
Tinto de verano is a simple blend of red wine and a mildly sugared carbonated drink or sparkling water. It’s often garnished with a token slice of lemon rather than the lashings of fruit seen with its cousin.
6. Zumo de Naranja/Jugo de Naranja
One of the typical non-alcoholic drinks in Spain is a staple at the breakfast table in most countries. However, there’s something about Valencia oranges that makes zumo de naranja hit differently.
High in vitamin C and significantly lower in sugar compared to packaged orange juice, there’s no better way to start the day than with a glass of freshly squeezed jugo de naranja. Juicy Valencia oranges have a thin rind meaning less peel, more zest.
During the winter harvest season, travelers may take an orchard tour and orange picking experience in Valencia. Rest assured, the citrus fruits are at hand year-round.
Most supermarkets around Spain have a machine where you can place a bottle inside and grab yourself freshly squeezed oranges.
Fun fact: Valencia oranges flourish in Spain but they originate from California!
A fresh glass of orange juice with breakfast is a must if you have breakfast at a local restaurant or bar during your trip to Spain.
7. Sherry
Anglicized from the name Xérès (Jerez), sherry is one of the most unique traditional Spanish drinks. This fortified wine hails from the Palomino grapes grown in the valleys around Jerez de la Frontera.
This region has been active on the wine-making scene since the Phoenicians and Romans settled respectively in Andalucia. These days, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry is a Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) wine region.
In order to satisfy the regulations, sherries must be produced in the white albariza soils within the sherry triangle of Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
The solera production method sees young wines blended gradually in barrels with older wines.
Most sherries are dry, with Fino and Manzanilla being the most common. These carry citrusy notes whereas aged sherries are darker with nuttier undertones and a higher alcohol content. Jerez Dulces are sweetened sherries fashioned from Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel grapes.
More than just a dessert wine, sherries pair with light dishes including oysters, Jamón Ibérico, and cheeses. Taking a bodega tour and sherry tasting is a wonderful way to experience the most underrated of Spanish traditional drinks.
8. Rebujito
Besides sampling neat sherry, you can also find it in cocktails.
Rebujito is a classic Spanish cocktail where sherry is mixed with lemon soda and fresh mint leaves. Fino sherry is the usual choice although it could be substituted with a comparable white wine.
This refreshing beverage is best enjoyed during the summer. It’s prevalent at famous festivals in the Andalucia region, including spring fairs and family celebrations.
Another perk is that Rebujitos are so easy to recreate back home.
9. Aigua de València
Aigua de València is another of the traditional Spanish drinks consumed with fervor in summer.
“Valencian Water” is an infusion of cava, vodka, gin, and orange juice squeezed from Valencia oranges.
It was created in Café Madrid Valencia by Constante Gil at Café as recently as 1959. The original bar has since closed down but reopened under the same name. Cafe de las Horas also makes an incredible Aigua de València.
This is another easy recipe to master at home. Until then, you can enjoy sharing a pitcher with your travel partners or new buddies from hostels in Valencia.
10. Queimada
Queimada is one of the most theatrical traditional Spanish drinks. It’s usually consumed as part of a ceremony and is popular at Halloween parties and on Midsummer Eve.
This Galician cocktail is brewed – there’s really no better word to describe it – in a fireproof pot and set alight before being imbibed.
The potion combines orujo (a high-proof pomace brandy), sugar, lemon peel, and coffee beans. Once struck with a match, the liquid will blaze blue while the designated spellmaker will chant a spell in Galician to ward off spirits.
The flames are smothered and then served. Lighting the “fire drink” lessens the potency of the alcohol although it still packs a punch.
11. El Jerez
El Jerez is another delicious cocktail using – yes, you guessed it – sherry as a base. Variations of the nip see either one or two different sherries used with a Fino the usual go-to.
The core measures of sherry are mixed with orange liqueur (triple sec or otherwise) and lemon juice. A flavored brandy is sometimes used, depending on the type of sherry used.
Ultimately, the end result should provide a balance of sweetness and bitterness. As such, bartenders will often prepare it based on your personal tastes.
The Jerez is one of the best Spanish traditional drinks to enjoy as an aperitif or digestif in place of a negroni or martini.
A traditional Spanish breakfast, churros and hot chocolate to dip.
12. Kalimotxo/Calimocho
Pronounced “cali-mocho”, kalimotxos (or calimochos) are classic Spanish drinks that divide travelers. This rioja libre cocktail mixes equal parts red wine and cola to create a spritzer.
Kalimotxos appear to have originated from the Bay of Biscay although records suggest it became widespread in Europe around the same time.
Spain’s origin story tells that those responsible for a festival in Algorta received a bad batch of wine. Coca-Cola was swiftly added to hide the taste, along with wedges of citrus fruits. The duo behind the invention, Kalimero and Motxongo, lent their name to their savior cocktail.
Kalimotxos are extremely popular in the Basque Country. However, their popularity is widespread in the south and other vacation destinations in Spain.
13. Sidra/Sagardoa
Naturally, beer is one of the most typical Spanish drinks consumed on hot summer days. While cerveza can be ordered at any restaurant or chiringuito, sidra (or sagardoa) is the domain of the north.
Cider is brewed in northwest Spain where the wetter climate yields flavorsome apples. It’s entirely different to the cider you’re used to drinking in the UK and US; Spanish ciders are neither sweet nor sparkling.
Instead, the tang of the apples shines through. They’re cloudy and a little on the dry side, which ultimately makes them more of an acquired taste.
Cider is another of the traditional Spanish alcoholic drinks traced to Roman settlers. These days, the Asturias region churns out around 80% of Spanish sidra. The Basque Country also plays a role in producing sagardoa, with Astigarraga being the unofficial cider capital.
Siderías (cider houses) stud Green Spain offering a jovial place to unwind over a freshly crafted sidra. The 16th-century Petritegi Sagardotegia Bodega is perfect for a comprehensive education on Basque cider heritage with immersive and gastronomic experiences.
14. Chocolate Caliente
Hot chocolate is another of the traditional Spanish drinks with roots further afield that became popularized in the Iberian Peninsula.
Chocolate caliente originates from the Indigenous people of Latin America, specifically the Olmecs and later the Mayan and Aztec societies.
Grounded cacao beans were mixed with water, spices, and chilies and consumed cold. After the drink was introduced to Spain during the 16th century, it was shaped into the chocolate caliente we know today: a sweetened drink served hot.
In modern-day Spain, chocolate caliente is delightfully thick and often served with churros. It’s prevalent across the country although sampling churros con chocolate caliente in a traditional churrería is one of the top things to do in Madrid.
15. Cerveza
Although overshadowed by its easterly neighbors, Spain holds its own as a major beer producer in Europe. Household names you’ll likely have supped before your first trip to Spain include Mahou, Moritz, San Miguel, and Estrella Damm.
Cerveza is cheap, thirst-quenching, and a fun way to break the ice while staying in hostels or to break up a cycling adventure.
The Spanish even have a name for when friends gather in public to clink beers: botellón, which means “big bottle.”
Salud to ice-cold beer and all other traditional Spanish drinks!