Spain may not be as renowned for its coffee culture as countries like Italy, but coffee is an integral part of daily life in Spain. Local cafés offer many ways to prepare coffee. In Spain, darker roasting of coffee beans is preferred, resulting in coffee with more bitter notes, and it’s common to sweeten it.
What Type of Coffee is Popular in Spain
Café Solo (Espresso)
The base of most Spanish coffee drinks is espresso, also known as “café solo.” It’s a small, strong coffee with a bold flavor and a creamy foam on top. Espresso is made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee. This process extracts maximum flavor and aroma from the coffee beans.
Café Cortado (Espresso with Milk in a 2:1 Ratio)
If you like coffee with milk, you’ll surely enjoy “café cortado.” This drink consists of espresso with a small amount of hot milk, usually in a 2:1 ratio. The milk softens the intense taste of the coffee and gives it a velvety texture. Cortado in Spain is often served in a glass, not in porcelain.
Café Con Leche (Espresso with Milk in a 1:1 Ratio)
For those who prefer even more milk, there’s “café con leche.” This popular drink combines espresso with a larger amount of hot milk and its consistency is similar to an Italian cappuccino. The amount of coffee is similar to café cortado, but you get more milk.
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Café Con Hielo (Espresso with Ice Cubes)
On hot summer days, Spaniards often reach for a refreshing “café con hielo.” This is a espresso served with ice cubes. Iced coffee is an ideal choice to cool down and refresh during the sweltering afternoons. The ice cubes are served separately in a larger glass. You then pour the hot coffee over the ice yourself.
Café Bombón (Espresso with Condensed Milk in a 1:1 Ratio)
For those with a sweet tooth, there’s “café bombón,” espresso with sweetened condensed milk. This combination creates a rich and decadent flavor that will satisfy even the biggest sweet lovers. Café bombón is somewhat similar to Vietnamese phin coffee, which can also be served with sweetened condensed milk.
Café Carajillo (Espresso with a Shot of Alcohol)
Spain also has its own version of Irish coffee, known as “café carajillo.” This drink combines espresso with alcohol, usually brandy or whiskey. The coffee and alcohol complement each other perfectly, creating a warm and invigorating drink that’s especially popular in the colder months.
Café Manchado (Hot Milk with a Splash of Coffee)
For those who prefer milder flavors, there’s “café manchado.” This drink consists mainly of hot milk with a splash of coffee. It’s an ideal choice for those who want just a hint of coffee flavor without the strong bitterness. The literal translation of the name is “stained milk.”
Café Descafeinado (Decaffeinated Coffee)
Spanish cafés also cater to those who, for various reasons, cannot or do not want to consume caffeine. All the above-mentioned varieties are also available in a decaffeinated version, known as “café descafeinado.” Thanks to modern decaffeination technologies, you can enjoy your favorite coffee without worrying about the unwanted effects of caffeine.
When Do People in Spain Drink Coffee?
In Spain, coffee is enjoyed throughout the day, often several times a day. Each time of day has its typical coffee ritual:
- Morning (desayuno): many Spaniards start their day with a cup of coffee, usually café con leche (coffee with milk) or café solo (espresso), along with a light breakfast.
- Late morning (media mañana): around 10:00 to 11:00, Spaniards often enjoy a second cup of coffee, often an espresso or cortado, sometimes accompanied by a light meal (almuerzo).
- After lunch (sobremesa): after the main meal (la comida), which is served in Spain between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, it’s common to have coffee, usually café solo or café cortado.
- Afternoon (merienda): between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, especially in summer, many Spaniards enjoy an iced coffee (café con hielo) or coffee with milk with something sweet for a snack.
- After dinner (después de la cena): although dinner (la cena) is served late (between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM), some Spaniards have coffee afterward, often a descafeinado (decaf) so as not to disturb their sleep.
What kind of coffee do you order in Spain?
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