Spain’s streets and plazas are always filled with people chatting and enjoying a drink with friends, especially in the summertime. If you’re looking to stay cool in the shade and sip on a refreshing drink, look no further. Here’s a guide to some of the best drinks that capture the essence of Spanish summers.
Tinto de verano is like a sister to the classic sangria, and very popular among the locals. It’s less complicated to prepare and purely refreshing. It consists of red wine mixed with either sparkling water or lemon soda. Served over ice and garnished with a slice of lemon, this drink couldn’t get any simpler.
For beer drinkers, the ‘clara’ is a lighter, less alcoholic option for easy summer drinking. The clara is made by combining equal parts beer and sweet sparkling water (casera). Many people substitute the sparkling water for lemon soda making it a ‘clara de limón’. This golden-hued beverage is popular throughout the country.
If you’re looking for something a bit more potent, Agua de Valencia is something you must try. As the name suggests, it’s a cocktail that originated in the city of Valencia on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. It is made with freshly squeezed orange juice along with cava, vodka and gin.
The ‘Rebujito’ consists of dry sherry wine mixed with lime soda and fresh peppermint leaves. Although it’s most common to drink this during Sevilla’s popular April Fair, you can also order this at any other time during the year in southern Spain.
The mojito is one of the most popular cocktails in Spain. It can be found on the menu at every cocktail bar, at music festivals, and backyard barbecues. Its five main ingredients are: rum, lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water. Although the classic mojito is made with white rum, most made in Spain contain dark rum. They even come in different variations using fruits like strawberries and mangos in place of lime.
Horchata is a non-alcoholic drink that is sweet but refreshing. It’s made with tiger nuts, called chufa, that are soaked and ground, then mixed with water, sugar and cinnamon. This drink is most commonly found in Valencia where it’s paired with farton, a local pastry.
Lemon slushes are commonly drunk in Spain during the summer months. Both the juice and rind of the lemon are used in this icy, tart drink perfect for all ages. Occasionally we find Coffee slush too, great option for coffee lovers.
Additionally there are Vermouth cocktails and other regional specialties, so ask your Valesa advisor to recommend the best on your trip.