Standarizing Spanish Coffee and Beer

Two of the most common drinks in Spain: beer and coffee, present one of the most frequently confused terminology. In different Spanish cities, the same word will mean different things. This article discusses these frustrating differences.

First, starting with the basic: coffee with milk has a different meaning in Barcelona than in Seville. In Barcelona it is served in a coffee cup but in Seville it is served in a tall transparent glass. Transparency seems to be crucial because that's how the experienced drinker can distinguish the amount of milk with the coffee. A variant of the macciato, "el cortado", is also interpreted differently in the country's capital. In Madrid I ordered one and it looked like the coffee and milk served in Barcelona. In Pamplona and Barcelona it is served in glass a little bit taller than a shot glass -- if they don't, it is because the bar tender considers you a "guiri" so make sure to demand one like the locals do!

If things are difficult to manage with coffee, imagine the beer problems. One of my summer favorites is a refreshing drink called "clara": half-lemon half-beer that it is easy to order in Barcelona. However, if you order "clara" in perfect Spanish in Pamplona, the bar tender will not understand. You would have to order "lemon and beer" in order to be understood. A "tubo" is half a pint in Madrid and a "caña" is half a pint in Barcelona. [expandir]. I may sound like an expert but I always have problems ordering a real "cerveza" because it gets confused with the small size "caña". I have to emphasize, "yes, the big one" -- and wonder if the bar tender understood. My wife who is from Spain, always makes fun of my nervousness on the matter.

Yes, I have to publicly admit my uncertainties when ordering drinks in Spain even though I speak fluent Spanish and I have lived in Barcelona for over 8 years. The next time the government decides on standardizing shoe sizes, I'll promote the drinks standard.