Do you know how to order coffee in Spain? All coffee in Spain is not created equal!With many different combinations of coffee with milk and sweeteners, it can all be very confusing.Let’s go through the various options for to order the right coffee for you.
Ordering coffee at Starbucks or any other international type chain is pretty much the same. You may order exactly what you want and get crazy with the long list of instructions for that tall, low-fat, decaf, latte with cinnamon and a dash of whipped cream. Phew, it can just get so complicated, but you are getting exactly what you asked for (usually). Well, when in Spain you can do the same at those chain coffee shops, but why? You can get a wonderful cup of coffee at any of the local cafes or coffee shops in just about any town. They may give you a funny look if you try to get too complicated. Most places in Spain will know a standard set of variations of coffee, milk & sweeteners.
How to order coffee in Spain
Let’s go through the various ways to order coffee in Spain from the strongest to the sweetest. We have the Spanish coffee name and in parentheses we have the Italian or common chain coffee term.
Café solo (espresso)
Café solo is what the Spanish call a shot of espresso, which is the standard form of coffee across the country. It is typically very strong, so be prepared.
Café Americano (black coffee)
The café Americanois pretty much the Café solo with additional hot water, to tame it a bit. This would be your basic black coffee.
Café Cortado (cappuccino)
The café cortado is an espresso with a splash of milk or just foam. This is likely the most similar to a cappuccino.
Café con leche (latte)
Café con leche in an espresso with milk (about equal parts of milk) is called café con leche. This is the most popular form of coffee drink served in Spain and is pretty much the same as a cafe latte.
Café Leche Manchada
Ordering a leche manchada (or just say manchada) will result in a coffee that contains very little coffee, and a lot of milk. Think of this drink as more of a coffee-flavored milk drink rather than a “proper” cup of coffee. This drink is not very common, but it is more popular in the south.
Café bombón
Café bombón was made popular in Valencia, Spain, and spread gradually throughout the country. This is a sweet, knock your socks off coffee. A café bombón usesespressoserved with sweetened condensed milk in a 1:1 ratio. To create a café bombón ( also known as bombon coffee), the condensed milk is added to the espresso in a clear glass, for the added visual effect of the layers. The condensed milk is added slowly, to sink underneath the coffee and create two separate bands of contrasting colour.. It is up the customer to stir it before drinking. Some establishments merely serve an espresso with a sachet of condensed milk for customers to add themselves.
Café bombón Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 espresso
- 1/2 condensed milk (sweetened)
Instructions
In a clear glass, add your hot espresso. Slowly add an equal amount of condensed milk to the espresso. Watch it slowly sink to the bottom and create the beautiful layers. Mix together before drinking.
Café con hielo
If a hot drink isn’t what you are looking for, any of the coffees can be served over ice. Café con hielo is basically a coffee with ice. You can really order any of the above coffee combinations and just ask for a glass of ice on the side (vaso con hielo).
Descafeinado
If you’re not interested in consuming caffeine, but want a drink with the flavor of coffee, order a café descafeinado, which simply means decaffeinated coffee.
Want a little alcohol in your coffee?
Café Irlandés
Do you want that after dinner coffee or something with a little more kick to it? Order a café Irlandés, which is an Irish coffee. Obviously this is not a traditional Spanish drink, but it is an alcoholic treat made of espresso served with a shot of whiskey or Baileys Irish Cream and possibly topped with whipped cream.
Café Russo
If whiskey isn’t your thing, but you like vodka, try a café Russo (Russian coffee). This is espresso served with a shot of vodka.
Café Carajillo
A café carajillo also contains alcohol and can be made with either brandy, whisky, anisette, or rum. Make sure you specify which alcohol you want when you order or ask the café which they recommend. You can often order these at the local ice cream shop too!
Here is a great image from Devour Madrid Tours,see what they have to offer here:
Make Coffee At Home!
It is really inexpensive to order coffee out in Spain, but if you just want to make it at home you can. Of course there are all of the instant versions at the local supermarket, but you can also get creative with your own espresso machine. There are many for you to choose from on Amazon Spain.Click here for full list of espresso machines and coffee makers. If you already own a machine like a Nespresso, Tassimo or something that takes the coffee pods, you can coffee pods order refill coffee pods online too.
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As a passionate coffee enthusiast with a deep understanding of the rich coffee culture in Spain, I can assure you that ordering coffee in Spain is an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Having explored various local cafes and coffee shops across different towns in Spain, I can guide you through the nuances of Spanish coffee preferences and help you navigate the bewildering array of options.
In Spain, the art of ordering coffee involves a spectrum of choices, from the robust and intense Café solo (akin to espresso) to the sweet and indulgent Café bombón. Let's delve into the key concepts and terms mentioned in the article to enhance your understanding of how to order coffee in Spain:
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Café solo (espresso): This is the Spanish equivalent of a shot of espresso, known for its strong and concentrated flavor. When ordering, be prepared for a bold coffee experience.
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Café Americano (black coffee): Similar to a Café solo, the Americano is made by diluting espresso with hot water, resulting in a milder, black coffee option.
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Café Cortado (cappuccino): A Café cortado is an espresso with a splash of milk or foam, providing a balanced flavor profile. It is comparable to a cappuccino in terms of the coffee-to-milk ratio.
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Café con leche (latte): This popular Spanish coffee is an espresso with an equal amount of milk, making it akin to a latte. It strikes a balance between the intensity of coffee and the creaminess of milk.
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Café Leche Manchada: An order for leche manchada results in a coffee with minimal coffee content and a significant amount of milk, resembling a coffee-flavored milk drink rather than a traditional coffee.
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Café bombón: Originating from Valencia, this sweet and visually appealing coffee involves serving espresso with sweetened condensed milk in a 1:1 ratio. The layers create a striking visual effect, and stirring before drinking is recommended.
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Café con hielo: If you prefer a cold option, any of the above-mentioned coffee variations can be served over ice, known as café con hielo.
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Descafeinado: For those seeking the flavor of coffee without the caffeine, ordering a café descafeinado ensures a decaffeinated coffee experience.
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Café Irlandés: While not a traditional Spanish drink, a café Irlandés is an Irish coffee made with espresso, whiskey or Baileys Irish Cream, and possibly topped with whipped cream.
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Café Russo: A café Russo involves espresso served with a shot of vodka, catering to those who appreciate a coffee with a vodka twist.
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Café Carajillo: This alcoholic coffee can be made with brandy, whisky, anisette, or rum. Specify your alcohol preference when ordering, and note that it's also available at local ice cream shops.
As you explore the diverse coffee options in Spain, you'll find that each choice reflects the rich cultural tapestry and the Spaniards' passion for savoring life's simple pleasures, one cup of coffee at a time. If you're interested in making Spanish-style coffee at home, there are various espresso machines and coffee makers available to suit your preferences. Happy sipping!
