When talking about beverages, Spain is not only wine and sangria. There are a good variety of top-quality non-alcoholic Spanish drinks that you should try during your next visit, especially if you are traveling with kids.
Whether you’re looking for popular hot drinks or the most refreshing beverage to cool down in summer, this post will have you covered.
Keep on reading to discover my list of the most popular soft drinks from Spain.
Table of contents
List of the 10 Best Non-alcoholic Spanish drinks
COLD Non-alcoholic drinks in Spain
1. Horchata de chufa
When talking about Spanish drinks non-alcoholic, the horchata is a refreshing drink made from tiger nut, water, cinnamon, and sugar.
This is the perfect drink to have in summer and is especially popular in Valencia. I love enjoying a delicious cold horchata on a terrace by the sea on a warm day.
But this Spanish drink without alcohol is so popular that you can also find it in supermarkets. You might want to pay attention to the amount of sugar in the ingredients.
And the recipe is quite simple if you want to prepare this popular soft drink from Spain at home. You can follow this awesome YouTube tutorial:
2. Fresh-squeezed orange juice
Most locals in Spain have fresh-squeezed orange juice to start the day. Spanish oranges are high in Vitamin C, they are healthy and delicious.
When I was a child, my mother used to bring me a glass of fresh orange juice to wake me up. I cannot imagine a better way to start the day and I currently do it with my child too.
Valencian oranges are top-quality and are one of the most renowned Spanish products.
If you are visiting Spain, it should be a must to have tasty Spanish orange juice for breakfast. You will find it everywhere, at hotels, bars, and restaurants, and in supermarkets.
Fresh-squeezed orange juice is one of the most typical non-alcoholic Spanish drinks for kids. Your children will love this healthy beverage.
In the last few years, many people are starting to eat the whole orange instead of just squeezing the juice. It is delicious too, and this way you will get more vitamins, fiber, and lower sugar levels.
3. Mosto
Mosto is a typical and healthy alcohol-free drink kind in Spain. It is actually the juice obtained from squeezing, draining, and pressing the grapes before the wine process.
This beverage looks and tastes like apple juice, and it’s usually served chilled with an olive and a slice of orange, most times as an appetizer.
The Mosto has a long list of benefits, as long as it is not consumed in excess. Among others, it can improve mood, tiredness, and blood circulation.
However, be aware that in some parts of Spain, mainly in Andalusia, Mosto is a young wine with alcohol before it´s taken to become Sherry. Always check with the waiter that you are referring to a non-alcoholic drink.
4. Non-alcoholic beers
Spanish alcohol-free beers have gained popularity in the last few years. The strict regulation to avoid alcohol while driving has pushed brands to offer non-alcoholic options for those who love the taste of a beer.
Currently, the quality standard of the beers without alcohol has really improved significantly.
There is also a wider offer, although most 0% beers are still lagers. Estrella Galicia 0,0% and Alhambra SIN are just a couple of the most popular non-alcoholic beers from Spain.
I love having a beer with friends on a terrace, and I always choose a 0,0% when I have to drive.
If you are visiting Spain and want to keep your alcohol intake low, tasting these non-alcoholic Spanish drinks should be a must.
5. Frozen lemonade
There is not much to say about this soft drink in Spain. Lemonade is a sweetened lemon-flavored beverage that is known worldwide.
Lemons, water, ice, and sweetener, that´s all, no colorings or preservatives. Being that simple it is the perfect beverage to cool down in summer.
Are you thirsty after visiting the most popular attractions and monuments? Find a sunny terrace and enjoy a tasty frozen lemonade. Yummy!
As you can imagine, frozen lemonade is also one of the most popular Spanish drinks for kids.
6. Mocktails
In case you don´t know what mocktails are, they are cocktails without alcohol or any type of spirit.
The word “mock” implies that this beverage looks exactly like a sophisticated alcoholic cocktail, but they are actually alcohol-free.
Mocktails are a fun way to offer non-alcoholic options for those who choose to stay 0,0%, pregnant women, and children.
There are plenty of places to taste these delicious non-alcoholic Spanish drinks. But I recommend you to visit some of the best rooftops, as they will allow you to admire spectacular panoramic views with a fresh mocktail in your hand.
Some of my favorites are Le Tavernier, Bianca Madrid, Dani Brasserie at the top of Four Seasons Hotel, and 360º Sky Bar in RIU Hotel.
7. Tap water
I know that this is not a very original alternative, but a glass of cold water is one of my favorite non-alcoholic Spanish drinks.
No ice, and no lemon, just cold water. At least 99.5% of all public tap water in Spain is safe to drink according to international water quality standards.
And in major cities like Madrid, the quality is excellent. The flavor is great…, as it has no flavor at all.
Remember to always stay hydrated in Madrid in summer when temperatures are especially high, and a glass of cold water is the best alternative.
HOT drinks from Spain
8. Coffee
If you are searching for Spanish drinks non-alcoholic, coffee is the most popular Spanish drink for breakfast together with the orange juice already mentioned,
Well, in fact, locals drink coffee at all times, not only for breakfast.
Around 11 a.m. is the perfect time for a break with your partners and to have a coffee. Obviously, you will need another cup of coffee after lunch to stay active. And even at night, there are some locals who love drinking coffee after a heavy dinner (in my case, decaffeinated).
Espresso is the most popular way to prepare coffee in Spain, and that is what you will find in most bars and restaurants.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the number of coffees to go, most Spaniards usually take some time to enjoy this beverage while having a break or catching up with friends.
The Spanish word to order a coffee to do are “para llevar”.
Below you will find the most popular ways to order coffee in Spain:
Solo: It is just a strong, black espresso shot. It is usually served in a small ceramic cup with a saucer, spoon, and a bag of sugar or sweetener.
In summer, a cup of “Solo” coffee is many times served together with a glass containing several ice cubes.
This is known as “café con hielo” (iced coffee). Sugar must be added to the cup of hot coffee before it is poured into the glass with ice cubes. The coffee will be cold enough in just a minute.
This is the most refreshing way to enjoy coffee during the hot summer months.
Cortado: My favorite. This is a “Solo” espresso coffee with just a splash of milk. In other countries, it is known as espresso macchiato. This small amount of milk makes the coffee a little less bitter.
Con leche: Literally, ‘coffee with milk’, this Spanish hot beverage is prepared with equal parts of espresso and milk. It is similar but a little bit stronger than Latte.
9. Tea
With a coffee culture dating back centuries, drinking tea in Spain was not that popular until just a few years ago.
Even today, most locals only drink tea occasionally, and it’s usually herbal tea. For example, it is typical in Spain to drink Chamomile tea when you feel sick.
However, most restaurants offer at least a minimum variety of options for those who prefer a nice cup of tea, usually red, green, black, and Rooibos.
The truth is that drinking tea has many health benefits, it contains antioxidants and can reinforce your immune system and your cardiovascular health.
In my case, well, I guess I should start to cut down on coffee to drink more tea.
10. Hot chocolate (Spanish version)
The last of the 10 most popular non-alcoholic Spanish drinks is the worldwide-famous hot chocolate.
Although it is not the healthiest, it is probably the most delicious.
Hot chocolate in Spain is different, thicker, richer, and is usually served with churros. Chocolate with churros is one of the most typical Spanish foods.
Churros are deep-fried thin pastries which crunchy on the outside, and lightly dusted with sugar to dip in the hot chocolate.
As an alternative, “porras” are thicker and longer than churros. It is quite a heavy meal and it is occasionally eaten for breakfast. For instance, some families have chocolate with churros every Sunday morning.
If you are visiting Spain with kids, tasting this delicious Spanish breakfast should be a must on your bucket list.
Final Words
In conclusion, there is a delightful array of non-alcoholic drinks in Spain that are both refreshing and comforting.
From icy cold to warm and soothing beverages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a respite from the scorching Spanish sun or a cozy treat during the cooler months, these top 10 non-alcoholic Spanish drinks are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
I hope you have enjoyed this list of the best non-alcoholic beverages from Spain. If so, leave your comments below!
FAQ
What is “horchata”?
“Horchata” is a traditional Spanish drink made from ground tiger nuts, cinnamon, water, and sugar. It is known for its creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor. It is a popular choice in Madrid, especially during the hot summer months.
What is “mosto”?
“Mosto” is a non-alcoholic beverage made from freshly pressed grape juice. This beverage looks and tastes like apple juice, and it is usually served chilled with an olive and a slice of orange.
How is Spanish hot chocolate different from regular hot chocolate?
Spanish hot chocolate, often referred to as “chocolate a la taza”, is known for its thick and rich consistency. It is typically enjoyed with churros for dipping, making it a popular treat during breakfast or as a dessert option.