Are you planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country? Or maybe you just want to impress your Spanish-speaking friends with your language skills? Whatever your motivation may be, knowing how to order drinks in Spanish is a great place to start! From refreshing agua frescas to strong tequila shots, there are plenty of beverages to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some common drinks in Spanish and share some tips on how to ask for them like a pro. So grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!
What are the Most Popular Drinks in Spanish?
When it comes to Spanish beverages, there are a variety of delicious and refreshing options to choose from. From traditional favorites to modern twists, here are the top 10 drinks you should try if you want to experience the best of what Spanish culture has to offer.
1. Sangria
Sangria is a classic Spanish drink that has become popular worldwide. It’s made with red wine, fruit, and brandy, and is typically served chilled. Sangria is perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy winter evening, and is often enjoyed with friends and family.
If you want to try making your own sangria, start with a good bottle of red wine and add chopped fruit, such as oranges, lemons, and apples. You can also add a sweetener, such as honey or sugar, and a splash of brandy for an extra kick.
2. Horchata
Horchata is a sweet and creamy drink made from ground almonds, rice, or tiger nuts. It’s a popular drink in Spain and Latin America, and is often served with a side of churros.
To make your own horchata, soak rice or almonds overnight, then blend with water until smooth. Add sugar or honey to taste, and serve chilled with ice.
3. Tinto de Verano
Tinto de Verano is a refreshing wine-based drink that’s perfect for a hot summer day. It’s made with red wine, soda, and lemon, and is often served over ice.
To make your own Tinto de Verano, start with a good bottle of red wine and add soda water and lemon juice. Add sugar or honey to taste, and serve over ice.
4. Cava
Cava is a sparkling wine that’s produced in the Catalonia region of Spain. It’s made using the same traditional method as Champagne, but is typically less expensive.
Cava is perfect for celebrations and special occasions, and is often served with a variety of appetizers and small bites.
5. Rebujito
Rebujito is a popular drink in Andalusia, and is made with sherry and lemon-lime soda. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail that’s perfect for a warm evening.
To make your own Rebujito, combine sherry and lemon-lime soda in a glass with ice. Add a slice of lemon for garnish.
6. Café con Leche
Café con Leche is a traditional Spanish coffee drink that’s made with espresso and milk. It’s often enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
To make your own Café con Leche, brew a strong espresso and add hot milk. Add sugar or honey to taste.
7. Clara
Clara is a refreshing beer-based drink that’s popular in Spain. It’s made with beer and lemonade, and is often served over ice.
To make your own Clara, combine beer and lemonade in a glass with ice. Add a slice of lemon for garnish.
8. Agua de Valencia
Agua de Valencia is a cocktail that’s popular in Valencia. It’s made with cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka, and is often served in a large pitcher for sharing.
To make your own Agua de Valencia, combine cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka in a large pitcher with ice. Add sugar or honey to taste.
9. Kalimotxo
Kalimotxo is a popular drink in the Basque Country, and is made with red wine and cola. It’s a simple and easy-to-drink cocktail that’s perfect for a casual evening.
To make your own Kalimotxo, combine red wine and cola in a glass with ice. Add a slice of lemon for garnish.
10. Licor 43
Licor 43 is a sweet and aromatic liqueur that’s popular in Spain. It’s made with 43 different herbs and spices, and has a unique flavor that’s perfect for sipping on its own or as a base for cocktails.
To enjoy Licor 43, serve it chilled in a small glass. You can also mix it with soda water or tonic for a refreshing cocktail.
In conclusion, Spanish drinks are diverse and delicious, ranging from classic favorites to modern twists. Whether you prefer wine, beer, coffee, or cocktails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab a glass and raise a toast to Spanish culture and cuisine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about ordering drinks in Spanish.
What drinks can I order in Spanish?
There are a wide variety of drinks you can order in Spanish. Some popular options include:
– Agua (water)
– Refresco (soda)
– Cerveza (beer)
– Vino (wine)
– Café (coffee)
– Té (tea)
– Jugo (juice)
– Batido (smoothie)
– Licuado (blended drink)
Depending on where you are, there may be regional variations or local specialties to try as well.
How do I order a drink in Spanish?
To order a drink in Spanish, you can use phrases like:
– ¿Qué quieres tomar? (What do you want to drink?)
– Quisiera un/a [drink] por favor. (I would like a [drink] please.)
– Me gustaría un/a [drink] por favor. (I would like a [drink] please.)
– ¿Tienen [drink]? (Do you have [drink]?)
It’s also helpful to know some basic drink vocabulary so you can understand the server’s questions or recommendations.
How do I ask for a drink with no alcohol?
If you want a non-alcoholic drink, you can say:
– Una bebida sin alcohol, por favor. (A drink without alcohol, please.)
– ¿Tienen bebidas sin alcohol? (Do you have non-alcoholic drinks?)
– Quiero un refresco/jugo/té/etc. sin alcohol. (I want a soda/juice/tea/etc. without alcohol.)
If you’re not sure if a drink contains alcohol or not, you can ask “¿Tiene alcohol?” (Does it have alcohol?)
Can I order a drink with ice in Spanish-speaking countries?
Yes, you can ask for a drink with ice in most Spanish-speaking countries. You can say:
– Con hielo, por favor. (With ice, please.)
– ¿Puede ponerle hielo? (Can you put ice in it?)
However, some places may not have ice or may not use it as much as you’re used to, so be prepared for different customs.
How do I pay for drinks in Spanish-speaking countries?
In most cases, you can pay for drinks with cash or card in Spanish-speaking countries. You can ask “¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?” (Can I pay with a card?) or “¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito?” (Do you accept credit cards?) if you’re not sure. Some places may also accept mobile payment apps or other methods, so it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case.
Which Drink Do You Want? – Flavors – The Kids’ Picture Show (Fun & Educational Learning Video)
In conclusion, asking for drinks in Spanish can be a fun and enjoyable experience. With a little bit of practice, you can easily order your favorite drinks in Spanish like a pro. Remember to start with the basics like asking for water or soda, then gradually move on to more complex drinks like cocktails or beer.
Furthermore, learning to speak Spanish can not only enhance your travel experience but also broaden your cultural horizons. So why not take the time to learn a few basic Spanish phrases before your next trip? You never know, you may just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy speaking a new language.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification if you’re unsure about a particular drink or how to pronounce it. Many people are happy to assist and may even appreciate the effort you’re making to speak their language. So go ahead and give it a try, you may just discover a new favorite drink or make a new friend along the way.
