When people think of Spain they think of warm weather, a passionate language and rich culture. But those who know Spain, will also know that the Spanish love their cocktails. Nothing beats sipping on one of the many Spanish alcoholic drinks that can be found at any rooftop terrace or at any local bar or restaurant near you. In this article we will cover some of the most popular cocktails in Spain and how you can make the most authentic versions for yourself at home!
If you’re looking for drinks without alcohol, check out our article about traditional non-Alcoholic Spanish drinks. If you’d like to get down to the basics and learn about some of Spain’s most favoured liquors and ciders, take a look at our article about authentic Spanish Made Alcohol!
1. SangrÃa
Everyone around the world has heard of Sangria. This wine based drink is a true staple in Spanish culture and you must try it at least once in your life! It’s best to order this red wine mixture in a large jug so that all of the fruits and flavors can sit and mix with each other while you eat and chat with your friends. Many cultures have tried to reinvent Sangria – but those recipes are just not the same as the real thing. So if you want to taste the real version of this Spanish cocktail you must pay attention to all of the details.
If you want to add a little kick to the mixture, add a small amount of lemon flavored gas water. If you want to try another twist, try making a white wine sangria. It’s just as crisp and refreshing on those hot summer days.
Remember: it is important to let the sangria sit undisturbed for at least 2 hours before enjoying!
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 2 oranges thinly sliced
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Allow to sit without stirring for at least 2 hours
2. Gin & Tonic (Spanish Version)
Another classic and refereshing drink that comes straight from the south of Spain is a Spanish gin & tonic. The key ingredient to this drink that distinguishes it from its UK counterparts is the strawberry flavoured gin that is used. The go-to brand is Puerta de India’s premium gin which comes straight from Sevilla. The light and natural strawberry flavour makes this drink absolutely perfect for a hot summer evening.
Mix it yourself
- 1 long class filled with ice
- 50ml (1.5oz) of Puerto de Indias strawberry gin
- 200ml (7oz) of tonic
- freshly sliced strawberrys (optional)
3. Cava
Ok, so this isn’t exactly a cocktail, but it is a truly popular Spanish drink. Cava is a sparkling white wine, more or less the Spanish equivalent of Champagne that can be find it as a white or rose. It’s really one of the most iconic alcoholic drinks in Spain! The drink is served cold and is commonly mixed with a variety of fruits. In fact, some recipes suggest that you add cava to your sangria recipe to give it an extra kick!
Pour as much cava as you’d like into a champagne flute. Add a few berries if you’re feeling it.
Mix it yourself
- 1 bottle of cava
- Assorted berries
4. Agua de Valencia
This Spanish Cocktail offers a twist on the traditional mimosa recipe. It was created in the coastal city of Valencia which is known for its amazing beaches and summer culture and it doesn’t disappoint. This refreshing cocktail reflects the city’s beautiful sun-filled coastline as well as the famous oranges that grow in the same region. It is perfect for your next brunch or midday party. Mix everything into a large pitcher. Mix in sugar and lemon slices until you reach your desired sweetness!
Mix it yourself
- 250ml (8 oz) orange juice
- 2 shots of gin
- 2 shots of vodka
- 1 bottle of cava
- A few lemon slices
- A few tablespoons of sugar
5. Tinto de Verano
Tinto de Verano is the most popular Spanish cocktail that you’ve never heard of. Sangria might be the first drink that foreigners think of, but once they arrive they will quickly learn that Tinto de Verano is the local favourite. This is because it’s simply easier to make and not quite as strong to drink as its famous counterpart. It’s called the Summer Wine because it’s a perfect mix of red wine and lemon soda and is offered literally everywhere. If you’re looking a sweet, lemony twist you will want to mix your wine with lemon soda. However, if you’re just looking to water down your wine and add some bubbles you will want the tonic water known as Casera.
Mix it Yourself
- 1 glass of red wine
- 1/2 cup of lemon soda or tonic water (casera).
6. Clara (de Limón)
Another classic Spanish drink that doesn’t necessarily count as a cocktail is the Clara de Limón. This unique mix is the most refreshing alternative to a simple pint of beer because it’s simply a mix of beer with a bit of lemon soda. It’s also a lighter option if you’re incredibly thirsty and want to drink beer but not feel too heavy or bloated afterwards. It’s also incredibly easy to make at home. Mix as much of each ingredient as you wish together and maybe add an ice cube or two. It’s as simple as that!
Mix it yourself
- 1 can/glass/bottle of beer
- A splash of lemon-lime soda
7. Kalimotxo
Another simple mixed drink that is very unique to Spain, is the Kalimotxo. Originally made popular in the Basque country, Kalimotxo is a mix of red wine and Coca-Cola with some ice to top it off. The drink has a distinct sweet and tart flavor and is common among young Spaniards for the popular botellón –a large get-together outside meant for dancing and drinking. Add a half a can of coke or so to a glass of (cheap) dry red wine
Mix it yourself
- 1 glass of red wine
- 1/2 a can of coke
8. Queimada
Queimada is one of those Spanish drinks with a spooky and magical background. Traditionally from Galicia, this cocktail is a mix of orujo, sugar, lemon peel, and spices that is then lit on fire. While the drink cooks, more brandy is poured into the punch to make it even stronger. To top it off, a spell is recited so that the special powers of the drink are transferred to the person drinking it! The spell references witches, demons, and devils, which makes Queimada the perfect drink for any spooky occasion!
Find a fireproof bowl (clay usually works well). Set aside about 4 tablespoons of orujo (or a grape spirit substitute) and 1 tablespoon of sugar, mixed. Mix the remaining orujo with the remaining of sugar. Add the lemon and coffee beans. One everything in the pot is stirred up, take your smaller orujo/sugar mixture in a ladle and light it on fire. Move the flaming ladle close to the pot so it also catches on fire. Stir until the flames are blue; cover to extinguish.
Warning: please be careful mixing this!
Mix it yourself
- 1 liter orujo
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Rind of one lemon cut into strips
- 1/4 cup whole coffee beans
9. Vermouth
One of the most classic Spanish liquors to sip on an evening out, at a dinner with friends, or after a long day at work! Vermouth, or vermút, is a fortified wine liquor that is sweet, red, and spicy. It’s a local favorite that can be found at almost all Spanish establishments and it usually comes straight from the tap. If you’re looking to try something that’s reminiscent of a cold mulled wine, this is your drink. Serve your vermouth over ice. Throw a little lemon or orange slice in there and eat some olives to balance out the flavors.
Mix it yourself
- 1 bottle of vermouth (not martini vermouth)
- A lemon or orange slice
10. Rebujito
If you find yourself in the south of Spain, in the region known as AndalucÃa during the spring and summer then you will most likely see everyone drinking a light carbonated drink called Rebujito. Rebujito is a typical Spanish cocktail made of white sherry and lemon-lime soda. The lemon-lime flavor combined with the dry sherry creates a crisp and refreshing drink in the heat of the Andalusian sun. Mix everything together in a glass with ice. For a more bitter version, swap the soda out for some lemon-lime tonic water.
Mix it yourself
- 60ml (2 oz) of sherry
- 120ml (4 oz) of lemon-lime soda
- A sprig of mint for added freshness!
11. Cuba Libre
Originally a Cuban drink that has been enthusiastically adopted into Spanish culture. The cuba libre is one of the most popular drinks you’ll find when going out for drinks in Spain and is the perfect go-to if you can’t think of what to order. The twist that makes this drink stand out from a basic run and coke is the premium rum and the signature fresh lime (not a lemon!) slice that is squeezed and thrown in before serving.
Mix it yourself
- 1 long class filled with ice
- 5 cl of Puerto de Indias strawberry gin
- 20cl of tonic
- freshly sliced strawberrys (optional)
More Articles on Spanish Food Culture:
Beginner’s Guide to Lunch in Spain
Beginner’s Guide to Breakfast in Spain
Vegan & Vegetarian Tapas -The Ultimate Guide
What are Spanish Tapas and Where did They Come From?
Classic Tapas for Newcomers to Spain
How to Order Coffee in Spain – Our Beginners Guide!
How to Order Beer in Spain – Everything you Need to Know
Olive oils of Spain – Taste the Good Life!
Leah Warner
Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!
5 Comments. Leave new
Cava is not sparkling wine, it’s the Catalan denomination for champagne and has DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin). The only difference is where it is produced, champagne has the DOP if it comes from the Champagne region in France. Other than that, they are just called sparkling wines and are normally unprotected and cannot be labeled neither as cava nor champagne.
Thanks for the insight! What we meant to say is that it’s a wine-like beverage that is sparkling.
Actually, Cava is a sparkling wine. It’s made in the traditional method, meaning that it’s made in the same style as Champagne but it’s also made with different grapes. Champagne, too, is a sparkling wine.
There are major differences in climate as well, so Cava is its own sparkling wine coming out of Spain.
Great article!
WOW…Seems great have to try these all this summer.