If you fancy a beer in Spain? Well, it’s not always as simple as asking for a “cerveza.”
Depending on where you are, the size, style, and even the name of your beer can change quite a bit.
Beer in Spain: The growing Craft scene
There is a growing craft beer scene, but for the most part, locals stick to light, fizzy, and, crucially, ice-cold beers. Cold is king here, so people often prefer several small glasses over one big one to keep their drink refreshingly chilly from start to finish.
Over time, a whole lingo has developed around the different beer sizes and how to order them, with plenty of local twists. If you are after a tiny mouth-wetter before dinner, ask for a “zurito” but only if you’re in the Basque Country. Want something a bit bigger to savour? Go for a “doble.” And if you fancy a mug with a handle, you can ask for a “jarra.”
Most common beer orders
For a pitcher as for a “porrón.” This traditional glass flask is designed for sharing, with a clever spout to pour beer (or “clara,” shandy) straight into your mouth without touching the glass. It takes a bit of practice but looks pretty impressive once you’ve nailed it.
Here’s a quick guide to the most common beer orders across Spain:
- A “caña” is your everyday small beer, about 200 ml, the go-to in most bars.
- A “zurito” (Basque Country), “corto” (León), or “penalti” (Aragón) is even smaller, perfect if you want your beer ice cold from first sip to last drop.
- A “tubo” means a taller glass, roughly 330 ml, sort of like an American beer bottle.
- In Madrid, a “doble” is a double-sized pour. If you want a handle on your glass, ask for a “jarra.”
- A “litro” (or “xibeca” in Catalonia, “katxi” in the Basque Country, or “tanque” in Cantabria) is a full litre of beer!
- Then there’s the “porrón,” that unique sharing vessel, great for parties if you want to show off your pouring skills.
- Lastly, a “clara” (also called “shandy,” “champú” in Tarragona, or “lejía” in the Basque Country) is a mix of beer and lemonade or fizzy lemon, often enjoyed from a porrón.
So next time you’re in Spain, you can order like a local. Cheers!
