Tag Archives: hot chocolate

Indulging in Spanish Soft Drinks: A Unique Beverage Journey!

Indulging in Spanish Soft Drinks: A Unique Beverage Journey! 

Spain, a haven for relaxation and delightful drinks, offers a plethora of options beyond alcoholic beverages. Of course, the classics like Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Pepsi are readily available and beloved.

However, if you’re eager to savor something traditionally Spanish, prepare to be captivated by these exceptional choices! 

Horchata: Originating from Valencia, Spain, Horchata is often associated with Mexico, but the Spanish version uses chufas or tiger nuts instead of rice.

Photo: Horchata. Spain.

A milky, sweet elixir, water-brushed nuts are blended with sugar to achieve a delightful taste. This chilled beverage pairs wonderfully with afternoon pastries, especially on a scorching summer day. 

Granizado: A delightful Spanish twist on the classic Slushie, Granizado comprises crushed or shaved ice combined with flavored syrup.

Photo: Granizado. Spain.

The quintessential lemon flavor remains a favorite, but you can explore a multitude of other enticing options like cherry, red berries, cola, and even mojitos. The Granizado offers a refreshing respite during warm Madrid days and across Spain. 

Casera: For a genuinely unique Spanish experience, the Casera awaits. This simple yet rare drink is seldom found beyond Spain’s borders.

Photo: Casera. Spain.

Comprising sparkling water infused with a hint of lemon, Casera’s charm lies in the perfect harmony of just two classic ingredients – water and lemon. Bottled variations are available, or you can effortlessly create this gem at home. 

Hot Chocolate: Spaniards have an undeniable penchant for sweet treats, and their love for thick, rich Caliente chocolate is unmatched.

Photo: Hot Chocolate. Spain.

Often served for breakfast or as a sumptuous dip for fried churros, this luscious concoction is made directly from cocoa beans, delivering a burst of luxurious flavors. While it may initially pack a robust punch, one can quickly become enamored with its tantalizing taste. 

Mango Agua Fresca: Hailing from Central America, Mango Agua Fresca is a heavenly fruit puree, a perfect companion for the scorching summer months.

Photo: Mango Agua Fresca. Spain.

Whether served as a thick puree between meals or as a more diluted version, this refreshing drink is best enjoyed after cooling for an hour. It’s the ultimate remedy to beat the summer heat. 

Coffee Delights: Coffee culture thrives in Spain, offering a range of options like café solo, café con leche, and café cortado. Among these, Canarian Barraquito stands as a personal favorite, boasting an enchanting blend of flavors. 

Photo: Coffee Delights. Spain.

Tea Transformation: While tea may not enjoy the same popularity as coffee, it is referred to as «infusión» instead of «té.» Those yearning for a savory or sweet tea experience can indulge in various preparations, often served alongside delectable buns or sandwiches. 

Photo: Tee infusión. Spain.

Milk Variety: Spaniards favor long-lasting milk over fresh milk (Leche fresca). Milk with varying fat content is available, including whole (la leche natural, entera, 3-6% fat), bold (la leche semidesnatada, 2-2.5% fat), and fat-free (la leche desnatada 0.5-1.5% fat).

Photo: Milk. Spain.

Additionally, there are milk variants enriched with calcium, vitamin D, Omega-3, and even Leche Digestiva to aid digestion. Notably, Leche con isoflavonas de soja surprises many as cow’s milk infused with soy estrogens, not soy milk. 

Mineral Water Magic: Inseparable from Spanish life, mineral water plays a pivotal role. Diluted with wine, it concocts a Spanish «non-alcoholic» thirst-quencher, with Vichy Catalan being a favored brand. 

Photo: Mineral Water. Spain

Malta (Malta): Among the unique offerings in Spain is Malta, an intriguing beverage deserving of attention. 

Photo: Malta. Spain.

Juicy Extravaganza: Spain boasts an astounding array of juices, catering to every taste and hue. 

Photo: Juicy Extravaganza. Spain.

Sweet Carbonation: Wrapping up the journey, sweet carbonated drinks reign as a cherished favorite among the Spanish populace. 

Photo: Sweet Carbonation. Spain.

Embrace the richness of Spanish soft drinks, an adventure that guarantees a unique and refreshing experience. Allow your taste buds to traverse the vibrant and diverse world of Spanish beverages!

Discover the Top 10 Most Popular Drinks in Spain

Spain, renowned for its exquisite sangria, offers a delightful array of lesser-known yet remarkable drinks that captivate the locals and extend beyond the country’s borders.

Horchata: Valencians’ beloved and highly popular drink, Horchata, is made from water, sugar, and chufa, also known as tiger nuts. Its production is regulated by a special governing body.

Photo: Horchata. Spain.

The most renowned variety is produced in Alboraya, and the city streets are adorned with numerous bars specializing in serving this delightful beverage.

Tinto de Verano: The choice of many Spaniards, this refreshing red wine with a tonic twist combines lemonade or soda for a distinct flavor. Surprisingly, Tinto de Verano can be enjoyed at much more affordable prices compared to its well-known counterpart, sangria, even though it is often served at upscale bars.

Photo: Tinto de Verano. Spain.

Gin and Tonic: Enterprising locals took the classic cocktail to new heights, transforming it into one of the trendiest and most popular drinks of our time. A large rounded glass brimming with ice and various additives enhances the taste of this iconic beverage, which has become a staple in every bar.

Photo: Gin and Tonic. Spain.

Cerveza (Beer): When it comes to ordering a beer in Spain, the phrase “A couple of beers, please” is indispensable. The assortment of this intoxicating drink is remarkably diverse. Spaniards typically savor their beer in small glasses (cañas) to keep it cool and flavorsome for longer.

Those who prefer larger volumes can opt for doble (twice the size of cañas) or harra mugs. Beer enthusiasts seeking bottled options should familiarize themselves with “tercio” and “boteyin,” referring to bottles of 330ml and 250ml, respectively.

Photo: Cerveza (Beer). Spain.

Fans of beer mixed with regular or ginger lemonade can request a “clara con lemon” to ensure they enjoy their preferred concoction at the bar.

Sidra (Cider): Hailing from the northern regions of Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, cider holds a special place in Spanish culture. Asturias alone produces approximately 80% of the country’s total cider volume.

Photo: Sidra (Cider). Spain.

While you can sample this beverage in any Spanish bar, visiting a cidreria is recommended for the complete cider-tasting experience.

These establishments specialize in serving cider and employ an interesting pouring method: the bottle is held high above the head, allowing the cider to flow into a wide-mouthed glass and form delightful bubbles.

Vermut (Vermouth): So beloved among Spaniards that a designated time, just before dinner, is allocated for its enjoyment.

Photo: Vermut (Vermouth). Spain.

During this period, many Spaniards, particularly the Catalans and residents of the capital, gather for a glass of vermouth. For an authentic experience, we recommend trying the draft version, known in the country as “de grifo.”

Chocolate Caliente (Hot Chocolate): Spaniards not only indulge in alcoholic delights but also have a penchant for national treats such as churros accompanied by rich, fragrant hot chocolate.

Photo: Chocolate Caliente (Hot Chocolate). Spain.

This heavenly beverage, unlike its diluted instant cocoa counterparts offered in some countries, boasts a dense texture, deep delicate taste, and tantalizing aroma.

Chacoli: A traditional dry white wine crafted in the Basque Country, Chacoli can be found in bars throughout Spain and is typically served with light snack sandwiches. The serving method is akin to that of cider.

Photo: Chacoli. Spain.

Calimocho: Another creation from the Basque Country, this cocktail is simplicity itself: a mix of equal parts cola and red wine. Popular among the younger crowd and perfect for social gatherings, Calimocho can be experienced and appreciated in any Spanish bar, preferably served over an abundance of ice.

Photo: Traditional spanish alcoholic cocktail calimocho. Spain.

Jerez (Sherry): Named after the city in Andalusia where it originates, Sherry can only be called as such if it is produced in the Jerez de la Frontera region, much like the strict regulations governing the use of the term “champagne” for wines produced in Champagne.

Photo: Jerez (Sherry). Spain.