Spain is home to some of the world’s favourite food and beverages, with amazing non-alcoholic and alcoholic Spanish drinks to sample. From boozy coffees to fruity Sangria and wine, the drinks here are a must-try.
If you can’t visit here right now, you can still learn more about how the must-try coffee styles, tea, sodas or what cocktails locals are ordering in bars – and maybe even try making some of these authentic tipples at home!
Popular Spanish Drinks
1. Horchata
Horchata (orxata in Catalan) is a popular non-alcoholic drink originating from Valencia. The difference between Mexican horchata is that the Valencian horchata is a mix of water, sugar, and tiger nuts instead of rice.
It’s served ice-cold and is incredibly popular in Spain from mid-March until the end of the summer.
2. Carajillo
This Spanish coffee is three parts of coffee and one part of liquor. Usually, the coffee is paired with either brandy, rum, aguardiente, or Licor 43 (sweet liqueur).
For a drink with a real kick, this boozy coffee is one of the best Spanish drinks to try.
Recipe created by Maura Hernández
3. Sangria
This famous fruity Spanish cocktail is a delicious mix of red wine and fruits such as pears, peaches, berries, apples, nectarines, or pineapple.
The name Sangria means blood in Spanish, referring to the red wine used in the preparation process.
Recipe created by Lauren Aloise
4. Leche Merengada
Leche Merengada is a sweet, cold drink that combines milk and whipped egg whites. The milk is heated and flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon before it is chilled and combined with whipped egg whites.
It is then semi-frozen, and the final result has a texture similar to a milkshake or slushie. Traditionally, you sprinkle the top of the drink with ground cinnamon. Yum!
Recipe is by Noddle.
5. Cava
This light and refreshing drink is Spain’s answer to sparkling wine! Cava is a blend of grape varieties indigenous to Spain, mainly Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarello.
Sometimes producers even add Chardonnay to the blend. Although this sometimes faces criticisms, with some producers suggesting that this practice diminishes Cava’s regional character.
6. Aguas Fresca
Agua frescas is a non-alcoholic refreshing fruit drink blend of fruits, water, lime juice, and a bit of sweetener.
While watermelon is one of the most popular kinds of agua frescas, there’s plenty of other options; honeydew, pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, guava, and papaya.
Recipe created by Lisa Bryan
7. Tinto de Verano
Similar to Sangria, Tinto de Verano is a cold wine cocktail that originates from Spain. The part where it differs is that it’s made with equal parts of red wine and gaseosa (mild-flavored sodas and carbonated drinks).
The beverage is traditionally mixed with a semi sweetened lemonade called La Casera. But don’t worry, you can use Sprite or 7-Up, or even mix it with sparkling water!
Recipe by Lisa & Tony Sierra
