The Ultimate Guide to
Drinking Culture in Spain
Spanish drinking culture offers a fresh experience for first-time visitors
'Sobremesa' and the endearing Spanish bar scene
Luc Muir June 18, 2025
Live music echoes through the cobblestone streets of Madrid as friends and family take in the scene. Countless bars and restaurants line the narrow streets, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich drinking culture of Spain.
Many are intimidated by the task of exploring a new culture, especially one as vibrant and historical as Spain. Spain has something for every traveler, from the stunning architecture to the flavorful tapas. The difference in culture can be a lot to handle for first-time visitors, especially when it comes to a drinking culture that is night and day from what one would find in the U.S.
Ricardo Aravco, a server at Bar La Campana, immigrated from Peru and has taken some time to adjust to the drinking culture himself.
“The Spanish know how to drink in moderation,” Aravco said. “You really don’t see people get out of control or drunk.”
It doesn’t take long to see why one would hold this sentiment. Despite how ingrained drinking is in Spanish culture, it is done more socially than with the goal of drinking as much as possible. People may share a drink or two with friends and family over lunch, but the conversation at hand is always the most important element.
That bond and connection with family is so important that they created their own word for the conversations held over dinner; ‘sobremesa’.
Another reason for this possible shift in culture from what one would find in America is the legal side of things. The legal drinking age in Spain is 18 rather than 21, which leads to multiple differences in views on drinking. Teenagers no longer have to hide their drinking from their parents and family, meaning it can be done with the supervision of a trusted adult. Introducing alcohol early and establishing limits can lead to a more laid-back relationship with drinking later on in life.
Outside of the heavy social emphasis Spain applies to drinking, tourists also struggle to understand what drinks are popular among the locals.
Bartender Juan Sanchez has noticed just how difficult this can be for tourists. He works at Los Nuevos Alpes, which is within walking distance of the tourist hotspot Mercado de San Miguel.
“Tourists don’t really know what to order,” Sanchez said. “They gravitate towards safer or fruitier beverages like sangria.”
While sangria certainly has its own place in Spanish culture, the real hidden gem lies within the craft beer of Spain. The country is home to several breweries, all in different regions, each with its own craft beers offering a distinct taste.
The most prevalent craft beer is Mahou, made in the capital city of Madrid. Barcelona is home to Estrella Damm, and Zaragoza boasts the popular Ambar.
The relationship Spaniards hold with craft beer surprisingly resembles that of a sports fan. You choose a brand depending on where you live, and you stay loyal to that brand as much as possible. It may sound hyperbolic to an outsider, but these kinds of differences are what you have to understand when diving into the world of drinking in Spain.
The diverse and unique craft beer options are a must for anyone new to the country, but there’s more to the drinking experience than the drinks. The bars and restaurants themselves shape the experience as a whole, and can make or break a night out.
As a starry-eyed tourist, it can be easy to be lured in by the many flashy and extravagant establishments Spain has to offer. However, hidden beyond the bright lights of the city are more authentic experiences waiting to give a glimpse into Spanish culture.
As a bartender in a tourist-heavy area, Sanchez has come to realize just how different the clientele is from different areas of Madrid.
“Tourists stick to the more crowded city areas,” Sanchez said. “ Locals avoid things like that and tend to stick to their neighborhoods.”That preference stems from the more laid-back and social setting that locals seek."
They don’t need the bright lights or loud music, as those get in the way of the conversations with friends and family. If a tourist were to stick to the big city and never branch out, they would be missing out on true Spanish culture.
The relaxed environments allow one to savor not only the time spent with loved ones, but also the craft beer that Spain is so famous for.
While the task of understanding a new culture can be daunting, experiencing the simple pleasure of ‘sobremesa’ is more than enough to make it worthwhile .
