A Sip-by-Sip Guide to Spain’s Most Beloved Beverages with and without alcohol.
🥂 Some ask me “Dan, what is the national drink?…” well it’s absolutely not sangría, more on that below.
But first to set the stage, Spain doesn’t just have incredible food, art, and landscapes—it also knows how to raise a glass in style. From ancient Roman wine traditions to chic rooftop cocktails, Spanish drinks are full of festive character—and regional flair. Spain is big, the 2nd largest country of western Europe and has regional wine, beer and food all over to compare and contrast.
Whether you prefer a bold red wine, a refreshing Spanish beer, a sparkling cava, a bitter vermouth, or a refreshing non-alcoholic treat, Spain offers something delicious for every traveler. Here’s our guide to the best drinks to enjoy during your next trip through Spain.
🍷 1. Spain’s Red Wine Regions (Vinos Tintos)
Spain is a red wine lover’s paradise. Rich, earthy, full-bodied, or elegant—there’s a red for every taste.
- Rioja – Spain’s most iconic wine region. Expect smooth, oak-aged Tempranillo with notes of spice and leather.
- Ribera del Duero – Known for powerful reds with deep fruit and structure, often aged for years.
- Priorat – In Catalonia, these bold, mineral-heavy wines come from ancient vines clinging to slate hillsides.
- Jumilla – This southeastern region produces bold Monastrell wines—sun-soaked, fruity, and full-bodied.
- Bierzo – In the northwest, discover fresh, floral reds made from the elegant Mencía grape.
- Ribeira Sacra – Cooled by winds from the Atlantic in the northwest region of Galicia.
- Expert-led tastings can be added to our private custom trips. See ideas for winery tours in Northern Spain here
🥂 2. Spanish White Wines & Sparkling Wines
Spain’s whites are as diverse as its reds—light and crisp or complex and layered. Here are a few standout styles:
- Albariño (Rías Baixas) – Bright, citrusy, with a slight salinity—perfect for seafood by the coast.
- Verdejo (Rueda) – Fresh and fruity, often with notes of green apple and herbs.
- Sherry (Jerez) – A fortified wine from Andalusia. Fino is dry and briny, PX is very sweet, a dessert wine — both are deeply Spanish.
- Cava (Penedès) – Spain’s answer to Champagne. Dry, bubbly, and celebratory, it pairs beautifully with salty snacks or a sunny afternoon.
- Expert-led tastings can be added to most of our private luxury trips. Contact us to explore options.
🍸 3. Spain’s Gin & Tonic Culture
Spain has turned the humble G&T into a full-blown art form.
Served in large balloon glasses, Spanish-style gintonics feature top-shelf gins, small-batch tonics, and creative garnishes—think basil, juniper berries, grapefruit, even rosemary or star anise. It’s not just a drink—it’s a ritual.
Many bars specialize in gin, with menus listing dozens of options from around the world, and bartenders treat each pour like a craft cocktail.
Where to try it:
- Dr. Stravinsky – Barcelona (artsy and experimental)
- 1862 Dry Bar – Madrid (classic meets modern)
- The Gin Club – Madrid (gin-focused heaven)
🍹 4. Sangría & Tinto de Verano
Sangría is fruity, festive, but more for tourists than locals. A good version includes red wine, chopped fruit, brandy, and orange juice served over ice. Beware the many tourist traps that you can identify as they promote Sangría in a big way.
Locals prefer Tinto de Verano, a simpler and lighter wine spritzer over ice that blends wine and soda (La Casera is the most common soda). It’s refreshing and perfect after a warm, sunny day of cultural tourism or Mediterranean beach time.
🍸 5. Vermouth (Vermut)
Aperitif hour is alive and well in Spain—especially on weekends. Spanish vermouth is aromatic and slightly sweet, served over ice with a slice of orange or olive. You’ll see it poured straight from the tap in Madrid or Barcelona’s old-school bars.
It’s the perfect pre-lunch ritual.
🍺 6. Beer (Cerveza)
Want to sound local? Order una caña—a small, cold draft beer. Spaniard now drink more beer than wine and it’s very easy to find in cafés, bars, restaurants, shops and even on the beach.
Popular regional beers include:
- Estrella Galicia – clean and crisp (from Galicia)
- Mahou – classic Madrid lager
- Cruzcampo – Andalusian favorite
Craft beer is growing across Spain too, especially in cities like Valencia, Bilbao, and Barcelona.
🍏 7. Sidra Natural (Traditional Cider)
In Asturias and the Basque Country, cider (sidra) is a cultural experience. This tart, cloudy cider is poured from high above the glass in dramatic fashion—a technique called escanciar.
Served in cider houses (siderías), it’s best enjoyed alongside hearty dishes like chorizo or fabada stew.
🍊 8. Agua de Valencia
Originating in sunny Valencia, this cocktail blends fresh orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin. It’s citrusy, a little boozy, and perfect for sharing in a jug with friends on a terrace.
Let it chill and the flavors deepen over time. Think mimosa—with Spanish flair.
🔥 9. Queimada (The Fire Drink of Galicia)
This dramatic Galician medieval ritual involves strong aguardiente (pomace brandy), sugar, citrus peel, coffee beans—and fire. Prepared in a clay bowl while chanting spells to ward off bad spirits, Queimada is both a drink and a cultural performance.
Sweet, strong, and unforgettable.
🌿 10. Licor de Hierbas (Herbal Liqueur)
Especially popular in Galicia and Mallorca, this vivid green liqueur is made with herbs, citrus peel, and alcohol. Typically served cold as a digestif after meals.
Some of the best versions are homemade in traditional restaurants—smooth, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic.
☕ 11. Carajillo (Coffee with a Kick)
A classic Spanish pick-me-up: espresso with a shot of liquor—often brandy, whisky, or Licor 43.
It’s popular after lunch or dinner and especially common in central and eastern Spain. Strong, warming, and energizing.
🧃 Non-Alcoholic Favorites
🥛 Horchata de Chufa (Tiger Nut Milk)
A creamy, cool drink from Valencia made from ground tiger nuts, water, cinnamon, and lemon. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, it’s perfect on a hot day.
🍋 Granizado de Limón
Think of it as Spain’s slushie. Crushed ice, fresh lemon juice, and sugar—found in cafés and street kiosks all summer long.
💧 Vichy Catalan
This fizzy, mineral-rich water from Girona has a slightly salty taste and is considered therapeutic by many Spaniards. A unique local alternative to regular sparkling water.
🍻 Final Toast: What to Drink in Spain
Whether you’re clinking cava bubbly glasses in Barcelona, sipping sidra in Asturias, chilling with an ice cold Cruz Campo beer in Andalucia or enjoying vermouth in Madrid, or tasting Spanish fine wines all over the country, drinks in Spain are never just about the beverage—they’re about enjoying the moments, slowing down, savoring the moment, and connecting with your favorite people and making memories. To experience the best of Spain, your way see our collection of private guided tours of Spain here.
¡Salud y disfruta! 🍷🇪🇸