Brit tourists told the reason they should never order sangria in Spain | Travel News | Travel
For many British tourists, no trip to Barcelona, the Costa del Sol or the Balearic Islands feels complete without a jug of the red fruit-filled Sangria on the table. What began as a local tradition has become one of the first things many Brits order when they touch down in Spain.
But while millions flock to the southern European country each year, it’s not that easy for them to blend in with locals. Luckily, a Spanish pilot has shared lots of advice for Brits on how to stand out less and fit in with the local culture. While it is one of the most popular drinks, Vueling First Officer Maite Pagès described it as “tourist bait”. “We usually leave the sangria-sipping to tourists – that tempting ice-cold jug is pure tourist bait,” she admitted, encouraging holidaymakers to widen their horizons.
Instead, she suggested opting for more authentic Spanish drinks: “To get a true taste of Spanish drinking instead, try a Tinto de Verano (red wine and lemon soda) or a refreshing Clara (beer with lemonade),” the pilot added.
“If you’re in Valencia, you have to try the creamy, nutty Horchata that even locals queue for and pair with beloved fartons (pastries dusted with icing sugar).”
While Sangria has been around for centuries in Spain, the drink as tourists know it today is far more recent. In the Middle Ages, wine was often mixed with fruits, sugar and spices. Sangria in a form closer to today’s – red wine mixed with chopped fruit, sugar and a splash of brandy – became popular in Spain and Portugal in the 19th century. But it was not until the 1964 World’s Fair in New York that Sangria gained worldwide fame. Around the same time, Spain’s tourism boom made it a symbol of sunny holidays, especially for British and other European visitors.
Sangria is not the only drink Brits need to rethink, however, Ms Pagès said. Iced coffee is also off the cards.
“Iced coffee might be your go-to in the UK, but in Spain, you’ll likely be handed a hot espresso and a glass of ice to DIY your drink,” she said. “Embrace our local coffee culture and save the vanilla iced lattes for back home!”
“We prefer our coffee hot, short, and strong, so try a café con leche in the morning or a cortado for a boost in the afternoon.”
She also explained that lunch is a much bigger deal in Spain than it is in the UK. Unlike here where Brits often just grab a sandwhich, Spaniards will regularly take at least an hour or two to enjoy lunch, and much later too.
“Embrace our slower afternoons and you’ll have more energy to enjoy dinner the Spanish way; late, leisurely, and alfresco at 10pm,” Ms Pagès said.
