I must confess that I had to do some research to write this post since I do not drink coffee, it makes me jittery and anxious, but I LOVE the smell. So I either drink decaff or hot milk with a few drops of coffee. Anyways, as I'm still a fan of this hot beverage -and fall requires a lot of that- I've put together the ultimate guide to ordering coffee in Spain. So forget about Starbucks' menu and learn to order coffee like a local.
Fancy a coffee? Let's start with some interesting facts.
Espresso is the most popular way to prepare coffee in Spain. So basically, the type of coffee depends on how much milk you want to add. As for the sugar, your cup will be accompanied by a little packet so you can add it if you want.
Coffee to go is not as common in Spain as in other countries. Spaniards drink their coffee at the cafe/restaurant so you may have a hard time finding a cup to go unless you go to a Starbucks or similar.
Apart from morning coffee, Spaniards love their coffee after lunch. Lunch here is the biggest meal of the day and if you are eating out it usually consists of a starter, main dish, dessert and finally coffee or infusion.
So how do you order coffee in Spain? These are the most popular types.
Café con leche: this is the closest equivalent to a latte you'll find in Spain. Literally it means "coffee with milk".
Café americano: plain coffee, no sugar or milk in it.
Leche manchada: literally it means "stained milk" and it's hot milk with just a few drops of coffee.
Café descafeinado: decaffeinated coffee. This is much more common in Spain than abroad. If you order it you will be asked if you want it de sobre (coming in a little packet of instant decaff) or de maquina (machine made).
Café solo: shot of espresso. It's Spain's favorite after a copious lunch.
Cortado: strong espresso shot, topped with frothy hot milk.
Café bombón: espresso with condensed milk. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth (like yours truly).
Café con hielo: this summer favorite consists of espresso and ice served in separate glasses. Pour the hot coffee into the glass with the ice and stir. If you want it with milk, ask for a café con leche, con hielo.
Carajillo: this coffee with a twist is more common in winter as it comes with a shot of liquor, usually brandy, rum or whisky.
My favorite cafes in Madrid
I also recommend Cafe Mur if you are looking for healthy dishes and homemade cakes to pair with your coffee or La Duquesita (which is in the same street as Mama Framboise) if you want to see a charming coffee shop from 1914. Need more? Check out this post about The Most Amazing Coffee Shops in Madrid
So tell me. How do you like your coffee?
RECREATE SPAIN'S FAVORITE COFFEES WITH THESE ESSENTIALS
I don't like coffee either, but could know with being told how to order those cakes! ☺
ReplyDeleteDefinitely very similar to how things are in Italy as well - they take their coffee very seriously! xo, Biana-BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteOh how cute!! I would love to go to Spain...hopefully we are heading there next year! Thanks for the tips and recommendations!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great little post and definitely something I'd be researching before going to Spain. Lol, I love the way espresso is favorited in Europe. I was just in Switzerland and we had a small cup of espresso with a little bit of milk each morning and it was just so good! Your pictures are so cute, too! Saving this for my Spain trip one day. :)
ReplyDeleteGood to know, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind comment on my blog. Do you want to follow each other?
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/10/master-potter.html
thanks for the useful info on coffee! all fund facts.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea they're big on coffee. Thanks for sharing this! I'm not a coffee drinker either; however if I do visit Spain, I will remember Café bombón because that's my fave too :)
ReplyDeleteI will have to remember this. Spain is next on the list for my hubby and I. I am learning Spanish from an app on my phone. We just got back from Italy, and the coffee was amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh my the Carajillo for me!! I might have to introduce that as an afternoon pickup haha (ok maybe just on Sundays) xx Maria from Passion fruit, Paws and Peonies
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny how all over the world with so many different cultures that coffee is still a universal must for the mornings (almost!). I really do like how in Spain and other European countries that coffee isn't really for to-go, but for staying and sipping enjoying. I wish I had more time for that in life!
ReplyDelete-Kristin
countdowntofridayblog.com
Mmm - delicious!
ReplyDeleteNever had coffee in Spain. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these tips! Hope to visit Spain one day and will definitely need my caffeine fix to keep me at top travel level!
ReplyDeleteEuropeans are very particular about their coffee! I love coffee and I like trying new types.
ReplyDeleteI loved the coffee in Spain, but not as much as the sweets ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking part in the Travel Tuesday meme.
They look so delicious, don't they? :)
ReplyDeleteyep, same here :)
ReplyDeletethat's great! Let me know if you need any recommendations when the time comes
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katherine! I'm so glad you liked it :)
ReplyDeleteYES, I recognise this post so much. I have lived in Spain years and years ago and when I first ordered coffee I was so, so surprised at the miniature cup with motor oil I was served, hahaha. I have learned since then ;-)
ReplyDelete#WanderfulWednesday
I am exactly the same as you, I can't drink coffee, but I LOVE the smell. And I will choose Tiramisu over any other dessert every day of the week. I didn't get coffee when we were in Spain, but we did get sneaky take away breakfasts and tea that was delicious!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you about feeling anxious and jittery after drinking coffee! I didn't drink it for the longest time for that reason. I have recently switched to decaf and can mostly handle that, but sometimes I still feel a bit strange after drinking it. My go-to drink is a decaf vanilla latte, preferably with oat milk! I'm a sucker for super sweet drinks and could never drink coffee plain. Café bombón sounds amazing and would definitely give that a try!
ReplyDeleteNow that I think of it I didn't really drink coffee in Spain when I visited over 8 years ago. It's good to know they have such an array for next time!
ReplyDeleteAmanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Wow! It certainly is complicated! Personally, I don't enjoy frothy or strong coffee, but I have to admire all the possibilities!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a charming place! It's complicated, but it's actually part of the fun and experience. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos dear.
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome :)
ReplyDeleteOh, you are going to love it, it's delicious! I hope you get to visit Spain some day
ReplyDeleteYay, that's great! If you have any questions/need recommendations about Spain let me know.
ReplyDeleteHahaha, glad to see you've found a favorite ;)
ReplyDeleteThe plan early, research, pack early, pack pretty, making list and final look through have been explained so nicely. Thanks for sharing such an experiencing brilliant piece of work. https://getdealstravel.com/
ReplyDeleteEuropeans are very particular about their coffee! I love coffee and I like trying new types.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a charming place! It's complicated, but it's actually part of the fun and experience. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos dear.
ReplyDelete