FOOD NEWS
18 Spanish Drinks You Should Try At Least Once
BY HAYLEY HAMILTON COGILL
Rioja Wine
Red wines from Rioja are some of the most respected. They feature a medium to full body, with layers of red and black fruits, earthy tobacco, leather, spice, and vanilla.
Due to the area's quality and diversity, Rioja wines are Denominación de Origen Calificada, or DOCa, representing the highest quality classification for Spanish wines.
Sherry
Spain's fortified wine, sherry, is one of its most celebrated beverages. It hails from Andalucia, whose white albariza soils impart a mineral-rich character to the fruit.
Sherry ranges from very dry, young, light golden fino with floral, citrus, and saline notes to well-aged, rich, espresso-colored oloroso with notes of dried fruit, nuts, and spice.
Cava
The most famous Spanish sparkling wine is cava. By law, cava is produced using the traditional method, where the second fermentation creates the bubbles inside the bottles.
Cava has yeasty notes of fresh brioche, blanched almonds, and citrus cream. It is made of Spanish white grape varieties, including macabeo, parellada, and xarel-lo.
Agua de Valencia
This drink was created by Constante Gil by mixing fresh orange juice with vodka and gin topped with cava. Today, it's served at tapas bars throughout Valencia.
Horchata
Horchata was first made in North Africa by grinding tiger nuts and mixing them with water and sugar. When the Moors arrived in Spain, they brought horchata with them.
Today, horchata is still prevalent in Valencia. Classic Spanish horchata has a silky, creamy texture with a balance of earthiness and just the right amount of sweetness.