Are you searching for the most popular cocktails in Spain? You are in the right place.
Read until the end, I have included as a bonus the most traditional and lesser-known Spanish drink.
Consider that the prices of alcoholic drinks in Spain are much lower than in most of the other European capitals. Therefore, you will be able to taste all the cocktails on my list with a low impact on your travel budget.
Remember to always drink responsibly and, if you drive, the country offers excellent non-alcoholic alternatives.
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Famous mixed drinks and cocktails in Spain
Mixed drinks and cocktails are extremely popular in Spain.
And not just at night but also during the daytime. The truth is that the nice weather in the country is favorable for locals to enjoy some fresh drinks on a terrace or on an exclusive rooftop bar.
It is clear that mixed drinks and cocktails are not the same.
A cocktail is not just blending a spirit with a non-alcoholic mixer. They usually involve three or more components, and can include additives and condiments. They are mixed in a cocktail shaker and served in special glasses.
However, I have decided to create just a single post summarizing both the most popular mixed drinks and cocktails in Spain.
I hope you like it, and if you are missing any, leave your comments below!
List of the 10 + 1 popular Spanish cocktails and mixed drinks
1. Sangria
Sangria is undoubtedly one of Spain’s most well-known alcoholic beverages, and most tourists love it.
There are many different recipes and every bar and restaurant prepares its own homemade Sangria.
But the main ingredients are red wine, chopped fruits, and sugar. Additionally, Sangria frequently contains additional liquors or spirits.
As you can imagine, this popular Spanish cocktail is one of the best summertime beverages for the warmest days because it is served extremely chilled.
Sharing a jar of sangria with your friends on a terrace by the seaside is a unique Spanish experience. Don´t miss it!
2. Valenciano
Halfway between a dessert and a cocktail, we have this tasty beverage. I really love it and it is one of my favorite cocktails in Spain to enjoy after lunch.
As you can easily imagine when taking a look at the name, the freshly squeezed juice of Valencian oranges is the base ingredient, together with vanilla ice cream, and Grand Marnier orange-flavored liquor.
Valencian oranges are top-quality and renowned around the world. They have plenty of benefits and provide a large quantity of vitamin C that protects cells from oxidative damage, and helps to decrease fatigue.
Surprisingly, the first time I tasted this delicious drink was some years ago at a celebration in the north of Spain.
Since then, I had no doubt this beverage should be on this list of the 10 best cocktails in Spain.
3. Scottish Coffee
I don´t know if this is an international drink, if it has the same name everywhere, or even if in Scotland they call it like this. What I do know is that this is the perfect dessert after a heavy meal in Winter.
If Valenciano is my favorite after-lunch cocktail in Spain in Summer, I always choose Scottish Coffee in colder seasons.
Besides, these 2 popular cocktails share one ingredient, vanilla ice cream. In this case, it is combined with coffee (in my case, espresso) and Scotch whisky.
If you like Scotch and coffee and you have not already tasted this delicious drink, well…, it´s about time!
4. Tinto de verano
This is without a doubt one of the most refreshing Spanish mixed drinks. It is most times made up of one part red wine and one part soft or lemon soda.
I usually drink it with soft soda, called in Spanish “Casera” or “Blanca”, which also has fewer calories. But Tinto de Verano with lemon is also pretty popular.
In the summer, tinto de verano is most consumed. It is poured over ice and includes a lemon or orange slice.
Drinks like Tinto de Verano or Sangria are sometimes too refreshing and easy to drink.
Always remember that they are alcoholic drinks, so leave your car at home and use public transport.
5. Kalimotxo
The Kalimotxo is a famous beverage that combines red wine and coke.
Although it is consumed throughout all the Spanish regions, it is especially popular among youngsters in the Basque Country.
Red wine and coke amounts might vary. In theory, it should be equal parts, but for example I prefer 60 percent coke and just 40 percent wine.
It’s typically served chilled and in nearly-one liter plastic glasses called “katxis” or “minis”.
6. Agua de Valencia (Valencian water)
Agua de Valencia is one of the most popular cocktails in Spain, particularly in the Valencian region.
The direct translation of Agua de Valencia is “Valencian water”, however as one might expect, there is absolutely no water in this beverage.
Actually, alcohol makes up the majority of this cocktail. The primary components are freshly squeezed orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin.
You can easily prepare this Spanish cocktail at home and amaze your friends. Just follow the instructions in the video attached before.
7. Destornillador (screwdriver)
A screwdriver is a popular alcoholic highball drink made with vodka and orange juice.
Few Spanish mixed drinks are as simple as the famous screwdriver. Just combine vodka and squeezed orange juice in a highball glass filled with ice cubes and stir to combine.
You can add some slices of orange as garnishes.
To be honest, while I am writing this post I am realizing how Valencian oranges are present in Spanish gastronomy.
Of course, it is not by chance, they are top quality and valued for their high juice content and availability outside of the typical citrus season.
8. Gin & tonic
I have no doubt Gin & tonic is the mixed drink which has gained more popularity in Spain over the last years.
You can easily find bars and restaurants with plenty of different Gin brands and garnishes that bring this drink closer to a cocktail.
As you can imagine, this increase in demand has also affected the prices, and depending on the brand the price of a G&T can be higher than another mixed drink.
I do not know the best G&T recipe, if there is any.
But according to experts, you should pay attention to the tonic water and garnishes used. Sometimes we only focus on choosing the best brand of Gin and forget about the rest.
9. Rebujito
If you have visited Andalusia, you will have probably heard about this renowned Spanish cocktail.
It is one of the most popular drinks at Andalusian fairs in April and May.
The Rebujito is prepared with sherry wine (Fino or Manzanilla) and lime-flavored soda like 7up or Sprite.
All you need to do is serve over ice and add some mint leaves.
You will find a tasty and refreshing beverage, and the alcohol content is not high.
10. Mojito
This traditional Cuban preparation is one of the most popular cocktails in Spain, and probably in the world.
White rum, cane sugar syrup, lime juice, soda water, and mint are the most common ingredients in this classic cocktail.
I still remember my visit to the famous La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. I cannot promise that the Spanish mojitos are at the same level but I am sure that you will not be disappointed.
10+1 (Bonus). Sol y Sombra
Being probably the most traditional cocktail in Spain, it is true that over the years its consumption has dropped significantly.
Soy y Sombra has been quite a common drink among low-income communities since the 19th century.
Just by mixing equal parts of brandy and anisette, it was ready to be served and enjoyed by anyone.
The direct translation of the name means “sun and shade,” from the combination of dark and light spirits.
A different theory declares that the name refers to the different types of seats at bullfights. The cheap seats are the sun whereas the most expensive seats are fully shaded.
This popular cocktail in Spain is served in a brandy snifter, and ice is optional.
I hope you have liked my list of cocktails to try in Spain. All of them can be tasted in Madrid´s bars and restaurants.
Leave your comments below!
