Una Cerveza

In España, when you are out and want a beer, all you have to do is say "una cerveza, por favor." A beer, please. There's no need to ask for a menu or check to see what's on tap, as most places offer just one brand. The most choice you typically get is whether you want a pequeño or grande, though that is nothing like the giant mugs that are so popular in the States. 

Estrella on tap and tapas in Granada.

Here in El Puerto, what's on tap is normally Cruzcampo, which is brewed in nearby Sevilla. Depending where you are in other parts of Andalucía, you may get a Mahou, Estrella, or an Alhambra. Though some people claim to have favorites, and Cruzcampo is somewhat a source of regional pride, most Spanish beer is generally the same - light, pale, pilsner-style, with very little flavor or body.

Chupitos (little drinks)

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in all of the excitement of living overseas and traveling to different places that we forget to share the details, the little things, that make living in España so unique.  

One of those little things is literally a little drink, what Americanos would call a shot, but the Spanish have a much better word:  chupito. 

Now, you can take a shot whenever (breakfast, if that's your thing). But here it's common to have chupitos after dinner. The waiter brings one for each person and they are normally something sweet, like limoncello, caramel vodka, or acorn liqueur. Everyone raises their little glass and says "¡Salud!" or "chin chin". It's a fun tradition and a great way to end a dinner with friends.

Thirsty Jueves: Dark & Stormy edition

One of Graham's favorite drinks (and one of the only rum cocktails that Meghann likes) is the Dark & Stormy. There are only a few ingredients - black rum, ginger beer, and a lime wedge. But the most traditional rum, Gosling's, and the star ingredient, ginger beer, are impossible to find aqui. 

We drank "a few" of these sailor drinks when we were holed up during Superstorm Sandy in DC with friends (the area was so lucky and we didn't even lose power where we were staying). And the rainy weather that is typical in Spain during the Fall has us thinking about them again. Unfortunately, there is only a little bit of our stash left. So, if you can get your hands on the ingredients, make some and think of us.

Dark & Stormy

In a tumbler with ice, add

-2 ounces of black rum (more or less)

-fill with ginger beer (not to be confused with ginger ale)

-lime wedge (not just for looks)

A Dark & Stormy is a great way to brighten up a day when you're stuck indoors and is just as good on a sunny deck or beach. Something we are really missing right now... 

Not-so-Dark & Stormy at Pusser's in sunny Annapolis, MD in July.