I spent my summer eating and drinking my way through Europe all the way from Italy to Iceland. It was amazing and so life-filling, literally. If I wasn’t full from the pizza, pasta, or gelato then I was full from tapas or sangria. Europe is a must, not only for its sights, but for its amazing eats as well.
Through my “research,” I found that the best drinks can definitely be found in Spain. It is the perfect place to get yourself a smoothie made from the freshest fruits possible, or to get a cheap buzz for any person’s taste buds. This list is just the beginning of the options to drink in Spain, but the list is endless.
Fresh Fruit Juices – 3€
Photo by Colleen Daly
The fruits and veggies were out of this world in Europe. The quality of the produce over there was unable to be compared to anything anywhere. In fact, coming home to the US and tasting an in-season cantaloupe did nothing for me afterward. To see just how great their smoothies and juices are, check out the Mercado de San Miguel.
Cold Brew Coffee – 2.50€
Photo by Colleen Daly
Coffee is becoming more and more local everywhere, but over in Europe, you can find a lot more local shops, and a lot fewer Starbucks. The quality of their beans and the cold brew they produce is perfection, especially in 100°F Barcelona weather.
#SpoonTip: Head to Malasana area for the coolest coffee spots.
Sangria – 14€
Photo by Colleen Daly
Sangria is a must. It is a little bit different everywhere, but I preferred the sangria blanca, as it was a bit sweeter. Honestly, I tried a whole lot of sangria and did not have a single bad glass.
#SpoonTip: Don’t forget to eat the fruit at the bottom and share a pitcher, it is cheaper that way. Check out Ojala beach bar for a late night pitcher.
Mojitos – 6€
Photo by Colleen Daly
Unless you pay 10 dollars here in the states, you won’t really find a good mojito. When in Spain though, they are solid everywhere. If you are craving something sweet and refreshing, (with a lot of rum), this is for you.
#SpoonTip: El Tigre is your best option to get the best bang for your buck, as you get a plate of free tapas with your drink.
Frozen Margs – 10€
Photo by Colleen Daly
Every college student who has ever studied abroad in Madrid knows that La Tierra is a must-do after a long week of classes, or to just get the week going. Their strawberry frozen margaritas are on point along with their cheap eats, which are perfect to share or hold you over until your late Spanish dinner.
Cervesas – 1€
Photo by Colleen Daly
Not only were beers or “cervesas” offered to you in the parks for only one euro by random people selling them, but they were also only a couple of euros at a restaurant. It was perfect when you were watching the light show in Barcelona for free and all you had to pay was one euro for your beer.
Cortado – 3€
Photo by Colleen Daly
As I mentioned before, the coffee in Europe is phenomenal. Another drink I found myself ordering over and over again was a cortado. This drink is espresso and foamed milk and is a small cup. It is a perfect afternoon pick me up and very common in Spain.
Tinto de Verano – 2€
Photo by Colleen Daly
This famous Spanish drink is basically a mix of red wine and a citrus soda. It is a perfect cooler to wash down some afternoon tapas or sandwiches at Cien Montedidos. It usually is on tap and is perfect for someone looking to drink something very sweet, but looking to fit in on the trendy streets of Spain.
Cafe con helado – 2.50€
Photo by Colleen Daly
This was definitely a hidden gem. Most of the Mcdonald’s within Spain would offer cafe con helado, and if they didn’t, they had something similar. All it was was just coffee and ice cream, but wow, it blew me away every single hot afternoon in Madrid. I advise you to not eat fast food in Europe because there are plenty of other spots to try, but sometimes those McDonald’s golden arches just speak to you.
Water (yeah, it’s not free) – 2€
Photo by Colleen Daly
So almost everywhere you go in Europe will not offer free water. The thing we started to realize in Spain is that all you need to do is ask for “tap water” and they will most likely give it to you. If not, your best bet is to use your reusable water bottle or purchase a two-euro HUGE bottle that will last you all day or week for some.
Total: 46€
(Keep in mind, most of these were bought multiple times because they were that good.)