Drink like a local in Madrid

Most people’s idea of drinking in Spain involves one thing only – sangría sangría sangría. However, this is seen by most Spaniards as more of a party drink, and nothing will show you up as a tourist more than ordering it in a restaurant – it’s like ordering a bowl of punch to drink with your meal! Instead, here’s a guide to drinking like the locals do, so you’ll know what to order if you’re ever invited out for a copa.

Cañas

The Spanish are big beer drinkers, and going out for a caña is a Spanish way of life. If in doubt about what to drink, whether it’s a fancy restaurant or a local café, ask for one of these. A caña is a small draught lager, usually very light and easy to drink. Unlike pints in the UK, a caña doesn’t refer to any specific size, so you could get anything from a small glass to something approaching a pint. In Madrid, it’s usually Mahou or Estrella Damm on tap; in Barcelona you’ll most likely be offered a Cruzcampo. There’s little difference between them (though Mahou always gets my vote), and you’ll be surprised how even non-beer drinkers find themselves quite liking the taste. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to the fried and occasionally greasy food which is a mainstay of Spanish cooking. If you want something less alcoholic, ask for a “clara” – a caña diluted with lemonade. British readers will know this as a shandy, and possibly scoff at these wussy Spaniards, but it’s far more common in Spain and occasionally even available on tap.

Tinto de Verano

Not a beer person? Really did quite fancy that sangria? A tinto de verano is the classier and more common version. Literally meaning “summer red wine”, it’s a cold drink of red wine diluted with either gaseosa (carbonated lemonade) or limón (bitter lemon). It’s incredibly refreshing during summer, and some bars spice theirs up with some rum or sweet vermouth. Definitely worth trying.

Cider

An unexpected delight in Spain, Spanish sidra usually hails from the northern region of Asturias. Normally served in wide glasses or cups, the trick is to pour it from the bottle from as great a height as you can manage, in order to aerate the cider and give it a champagne-like sparkling taste. Top cider venues can be found in places such as Casa Mingo (Paseo de la Florida, 34), Bar Melo’s (C/ Ave María, 44) and El Tigre (C/ Infantas, 30). 

Vermouth

Often found on tap in many of the older institutions of Madrid, a vermut de grifo, sweet vermouth often served with a twist of orange, makes for the perfect pre-dinner aperitif. Many bars will claim to offer the oldest, the best or the most prestigious, so it’s worth wandering round to find your favourite. A particular recommendation is Antigua Casa Ángel Sierra in Chueca (C/ Gravina, 11), which has been serving its handmade vermouth since 1917.

Wine

Spain has a fantastic wine industry, and there are some varieties you must try if you’re a wine buff. Generally you should look to wines from the north of the country for the best that Spain has to offer. Rioja is the most well-known - look out for the Reservas and Gran Reservas - but Ribera del Duero from the vineyards on the banks of the Duero river is also highly recommended. This region also boasts Spain’s most expensive wine, produced by Vega Sicilia. Cava, Spain’s famous sparkling wine, chiefly originates from Catalonia in the northeast – rest assured that the best bottles can easily give any champagne a run for its money. Heading to the south of the country, sherry is the speciality of the area around the town of Jerez. The enormous Tio Pepe sign, which overlooks the Puerta del Sol, is an advert for Spain’s most popular sherry, demonstrating the drink’s iconic status in this country. Try a dry fino, a dark amontillado or a sweet oloroso, perfect after dinner or accompanying a bite of tapas.

Sangría

Okay, so you’ve come to Spain and absolutely refuse to leave without drinking it’s signature drink. In that case, there’s only one place to go: the legendary Cuevas del Sesamo in Sol (C/ Príncipe 7). In this old-fashioned basement bar, furnished with faded red tablecloths and tiny wooden stools with quotes from famous writers and thinkers painted on the walls, morose waiters will bring you jugs of sangria while an aged pianist tinkles away on an authentically out-of-tune piano. This place is a one-off with an incredible atmosphere, so it’s understandably packed on weekends – get here early and soak up a fantastic Madrid experience.

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Lindsey Ford is a writer and translator who blogs about Madrid accommodation, restaurants and travellers tips for the hotel price comparison website SubwayHotels.com.