The Spanish love their coffee, and pretty much everywhere you go, you’ll find a good cup. There’s no such thing as instant coffee in the cafes and bars here. Forget cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites – these don’t exist here (unless you’re in well-known coffeeshop chains). This is how to order coffee in Spain.
Café con leche
Literally, ‘coffee with milk’, this is probably the closest equivalent to a latte you’ll find in Spain, although it’s slightly stronger. Strong coffee with lots of frothy milk, it typically comes with a beautiful swirly pattern on top.
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CentralAmerica
Gorgeous Guatemala
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1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.
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Beachy Belize
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2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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Colonial Mexico
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3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica
Adventurous Ecuador
8 days . Epic
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.
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Ancient Peru
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe
Seductive Southern Italy
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1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.
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Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train
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Complete Portugal By Train
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A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia
Soulful South Korea
10 days . Epic
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.
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Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
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2. Thailand
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Africa
Epic Morocco
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Ultimate Egypt
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Immersive Kenya
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3. Kenya
An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Café o Americano
Order a Café (Coffee) and that’s exactly what you’ll get – nothing fancy, just plain strong black coffee. You can also ask for an ‘Americano‘ to get the same thing. Sugar is never pre-added – sachets are usually provided on the side of your cup or on the table.
Leche manchada
If you’re not a big coffee drinker, but like the subtle flavour of it, then why not try asking for a leche manchada? Literally translated as ‘stained milk’, this is a hot cup of milk, flavoured with a few drops of coffee to give it that hint of a taste.
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Café descafeinado
Decaffeinated coffees are common in Spain, and almost every bar or cafe you come across will have it. The waiter will usually ask if you want it ‘de sobre‘ or ‘de máquina‘, meaning ‘from a packet’ or ‘from the machine’? Ask for it from the machine and you’ll receive the perfect cup of coffee – so similar in taste to the real thing, you won’t even be able to tell it’s decaffeinated. Don’t forget to ask for ‘con leche‘ if you want it with milk.
Café Solo
A strong espresso shot, typically taken after the main meal in the middle of the day. It is sometimes offered instead of a dessert as part of a menu of the day.
Cortado
Literally translated as ‘a short one’, this is strong espresso shot, topped with frothy hot milk. It’s great for an after-meal drink or an afternoon pick-me-up for those who find an espresso too bitter on its own.
Café Bombón
Those with a sweet tooth will love the café bombón – sticky sweet condensed milk topped by a shot of bitter espresso.
Café con hielo
On a hot day in Spain, there’s nothing better than an ice coffee. Forget fancy blended ice drinks or ice cream sundae-looking concoctions, however, this is ice coffee the simple way. You’ll get two cups – one with hot coffee and one with large ice cubes. Simply pour the hot coffee into the glass with the ice and stir. After a just a minute, you’re coffee will be cold enough to drink. Remember to ask for a ‘café con leche, con hielo‘ if you want it with milk.
Carajillo
And there’s a coffee for winter time too – the carajillo – a small glass filled with espresso and shot of your favourite liquor. Typically it will be brandy, rum or whisky.
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With a deep love for coffee culture and a strong grounding in travel experiences, I can certainly guide you through the intricacies of both worlds. When it comes to Spanish coffee, I can practically smell the rich aromas wafting from the cafes lining the streets of Spain.
Let's dive into the concepts highlighted in the article:
Spanish Coffee Culture:
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Café con leche: Similar to a latte but with a stronger coffee base and frothy milk, often adorned with beautiful patterns. It's a staple in Spanish coffee culture.
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Café o Americano: The straightforward, strong black coffee, equivalent to an Americano, served without pre-added sugar.
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Leche manchada: A subtle coffee-flavored hot milk, perfect for those who prefer milder coffee tastes.
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Café descafeinado: Spaniards love their decaffeinated coffee, offered either "de sobre" (from a packet) or "de máquina" (from the machine), almost indistinguishable in taste from regular coffee.
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Café Solo: A potent espresso shot usually enjoyed post-meal or as a midday pick-me-up.
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Cortado: An espresso shot with a touch of frothy hot milk, great for those finding espresso too bitter.
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Café Bombón: A sweet treat consisting of condensed milk topped with a shot of bitter espresso.
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Café con hielo: A simple iced coffee served with two cups—one with hot coffee and the other with ice cubes—to pour and stir for a refreshing drink. Can be ordered with or without milk.
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Carajillo: A winter coffee comprising espresso and a shot of liquor like brandy, rum, or whisky.
Culture Trip's Travel Offerings:
The article subtly showcases Culture Trip's curated travel experiences across continents:
- Central America: Guatemala, Belize, Mexico.
- South America: Ecuador, Peru.
- Europe: Italy, Scotland, Portugal.
- Asia: South Korea, Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam, Sri Lanka.
- Africa: Morocco, Egypt, Kenya.
Each trip varies in duration and theme, from epic adventures exploring landscapes to culture-focused journeys, often led by local insiders. Culture Trip emphasizes responsible and immersive travel experiences, catering to solo travelers, couples, and groups.
Whether it's understanding the nuances of coffee in Spain or exploring the world through Culture Trip's offerings, there's a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored!
