Spain is well known for its sunshine, tapas, and beer! 🍻 Whether you're sipping a cold one on a terrace in Madrid, enjoying the sea breeze in Barcelona, or exploring Seville's nightlife, beer is an essential part of Spanish culture. But what should you order? And how do you sound like a local? 🤔
This guide will help you discover Spain’s top beers, the best times to drink them, and key Spanish phrases to make your beer experience even better. ¡Salud! 🍻
If you're visiting Spain and wondering what the most popular beer is, the answer is Mahou. This Madrid-based brand dominates the Spanish beer market, with its classic Mahou Cinco Estrellas being the best-selling beer in the country. Its balanced taste and smooth finish make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Spain has a vibrant beer culture, and the most commonly consumed types of beer are:
Lager: The most popular style, served cold and light, perfect for the warm Spanish climate.
Pilsner: A crisp and refreshing beer that is widely available.
Tostada (Amber Beer): A slightly stronger and maltier option.
Craft Beer: While Spain is not traditionally known for craft beer, cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are experiencing a craft beer boom.
Spain is home to a variety of well-loved beers. The biggest beer brand in Spain in terms of sales is Mahou, but several others are just as iconic:
Estrella Galicia – Known for its smooth and slightly bitter taste.
Cruzcampo – A staple in Andalusia, often served very cold.
San Miguel – A widely recognised Spanish beer with an international presence.
Damm (Estrella Damm) – A top choice in Barcelona and Catalonia.
Mahou Cinco Estrellas – The most popular beer nationwide.
Estrella Galicia 1906 – A premium lager with more character.
Cruzcampo Gran Reserva – A stronger, fuller-bodied beer.
Alhambra Reserva 1925 – An Andalusian classic with a rich taste.
Turia Märzen – A great tostada beer from Valencia.
Lunchtime (1-3 PM): A small beer (caña) with a meal is common.
Afternoon (5-8 PM): A relaxed time to socialise with friends.
Dinner time (8-11 PM): Beer pairs perfectly with tapas.
Nightlife (11 PM onwards): Beer is popular in bars and clubs.
The average beer consumption in Spain is around 50 litres per person per year. This is lower than in some Northern European countries but reflects Spain's Mediterranean drinking culture, where beer is often enjoyed moderately alongside food.
Beer size varies by region. Here are some common beer size terms:
Caña – A small glass (200-250 ml), the most popular size.
Doble – A larger glass (400-500 ml), common in Madrid.
Jarra – A beer mug (500 ml or more).
Tubo – A tall, thin glass (330 ml).
Botellín / Quinto – A small bottle (200 ml).
Tercio – A standard bottle (330 ml).
Litrona – A large one-litre bottle, often shared among friends.
When ordering beer in Spain, knowing the right terms can make you sound like a local. Here are some essential phrases:
Una caña, por favor. – A small draft beer, the most common order.
Una doble, por favor. – A larger draft beer.
Una jarra, por favor. – A big mug of beer.
Un tercio de Estrella Galicia, por favor. – A 330ml bottle of a specific brand.
¿Qué cervezas de grifo tienen? – What draft beers do you have?
Una cerveza sin alcohol, por favor. – A non-alcoholic beer.
With this guide, you'll be ready to explore Spain’s beer scene like a local. 🍻 ¡Salud!
In Spain, the most common toast when drinking beer (or any drink) is '¡Salud!', which means 'To your health!' If you're with a group of friends, you might also hear '¡Chin chin!', a fun and informal way to clink glasses before taking a sip. Just remember to make eye contact when toasting—it’s a Spanish tradition! 😉
Want to see how Spaniards toast in real life? 🥂 We've prepared a video where you can learn how to make a typical Spanish toast and sound like a local! Watch it below and start practising! 👇
Beer is almost always served with tapas, small dishes meant to be shared. Classic beer pairings include:
Patatas bravas – Fried potatoes with a spicy sauce.
Jamón ibérico – Spanish cured ham, a must-try.
Calamares a la romana – Fried calamari, perfect with a cold beer.
Tortilla española – Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions.
Queso manchego – A popular cheese that pairs well with beer.
Beer is part of many cultural events:
Ferias and Fiestas – Local festivals full of beer stands.
Football Matches – Beer and football go hand in hand.
Summer Gatherings – Beach bars (chiringuitos) are perfect spots to enjoy a beer.
Christmas and New Year – While wine is common, beer remains a festive option.
Beer culture is a fun and practical way to improve your Spanish! Next time you're in Spain, challenge yourself to order in Spanish, read a beer menu, or ask a local for recommendations. Whether you prefer a refreshing lager or a strong craft brew, exploring Spanish beer will also help you gain confidence with the language. 🍻🇪🇸
Want to learn how to invite someone for a beer in Spanish? 🍺 We've prepared a fun video where you'll learn useful phrases and expressions to suggest plans and socialise like a local. Watch it below and practise your Spanish with us! 👇
Have you ever tried Spanish beer? 🍻 Which one was your favourite, or which one would you love to taste first? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️