How To Order A Beer In Spanish: A Ultimate Guide

Ordering a beer in Spain is more than just buying a drink; it’s a way to truly connect with Spanish culture and hospitality. If you’re new to Spanish or just want to get better at the language, knowing how to order different beers can make your social interactions more enjoyable. This guide will help you learn the key terms and introduce you to the customs and local differences you might see. Let’s dive in and see how each phrase and choice connects you to the Spanish way of life.

Spanish Beer Sizes and Brands

Sizes of Spanish Beer

Spanish Term English Translation Approximate Size
Caña Small draft beer 200-250 ml (6.8-8.5 oz)
Doble Double 400-500 ml (13.5-16.9 oz)
Jarra Mug 500 ml (16.9 oz)
Tercio Third 330 ml (11.2 oz) bottle
Quinto Fifth 200 ml (6.8 oz) bottle
Botellín Small bottle 250 ml (8.5 oz)
Pinta Pint 500 ml (16.9 oz)
Litro Liter 1000 ml (33.8 oz)

When you’re in a Spanish bar, understanding the different beer sizes helps a lot. A ‘caña’ is a small draft beer served in a thin glass. It’s great if you just want a taste or don’t feel like a big drink. If you want a bit more, there’s the ‘mediana.’ It’s not as big as a pint, but it’s more than a caña. A ‘doble’ is just what it sounds like – double the size of a caña.

And if you’re settling in for a while or you’re with friends, go for a ‘jarra.’ It’s the biggest one, usually about half a liter. Knowing these sizes makes it easier to pick what suits you best, depending on how thirsty you are or how long you plan to stay.

Spanish Beer Brands

Spanish Beer Brands

Brand Origin Founded Known for
Estrella Damm Barcelona, Catalonia 1876 Estrella Damm, Daura (gluten-free)
San Miguel Lleida, Catalonia 1890 San Miguel Especial, San Miguel 1516
Mahou Madrid 1890 Mahou Cinco Estrellas, Mahou Clásica
Cruzcampo Seville, Andalusia 1904 Cruzcampo Especial, Cruzcampo Gran Reserva
Ambar Zaragoza, Aragon 1900 Ambar Especial, Ambar Export
Alhambra Granada, Andalusia 1925 Alhambra Reserva 1925, Alhambra Especial
Estrella Galicia A Coruña, Galicia 1906 Estrella Galicia Especial, 1906 Reserva Especial
Moritz Barcelona, Catalonia 1856 Moritz Original, Moritz Epidor
La Virgen Madrid 2011 La Virgen Lager, La Virgen IPA
Voll-Damm Barcelona, Catalonia 1953 Voll-Damm Doble Malta

Exploring Spanish beer introduces you to favorites like Mahou, Alhambra Reserva 1925, and Estrella Galicia 1906. Each has its own unique taste and story. Mahou is crisp and refreshing, a hit with the locals. Alhambra Reserva 1925, known for its craftsmanship, offers a rich, deep flavor that captures the essence of Granada. Estrella Galicia 1906 is ideal if you’re after a strong, complex beer.

There are others worth mentioning too. Damm Inedit is specially brewed for pairing with food. Ambar Especial strikes a nice balance with its malt and hops. San Miguel is known worldwide. Cruzcampo and Moritz each bring a distinct flavor that reflects their local roots.

Also Read: 26 Unique & Creative Ways To Say “Merry Christmas” In Spanish

How to Order Beer in Spanish

Basic Phrases

Order Beer in Spanish

Knowing some simple phrases can really improve your experience when you’re ordering beer in places where they speak Spanish. Start with the basics. Say ‘Una cerveza, por favor’ to order a beer politely. If you want a specific type, you might say ‘Una cerveza rubia’ for a blonde beer or ‘Una cerveza negra’ for a dark beer. If you’re ordering more than one, just say ‘dos’ for two, or ‘una jarra’ for a jug if you want a larger amount.

Spanish Phrase English Translation
Una cerveza, por favor. A beer, please.
Me gustaría una cerveza. I would like a beer.
¿Qué cervezas tienen? What beers do you have?
¿Tienen cerveza de barril? Do you have a draft beer?
Una cerveza rubia, por favor. A light beer, please.
Una cerveza oscura, por favor. A dark beer, please.
¿Cuál es la cerveza local? What’s the local beer?
Una pinta de [nombre de la cerveza], por favor. A pint of [beer name], please.
La cuenta, por favor. The bill, please.
Salud! Cheers!

Cultural Insights

When you’re in Spanish-speaking countries, understanding how to order beer can really make your meal more enjoyable. In places like Spain and Latin America, sharing a beer is a way to connect with people. It starts with knowing the simple phrase, ‘Una cerveza, por favor’—that means ‘A beer, please.’

But there’s more to it. Each region has its own favorite type of beer. Some places might prefer a ‘caña’, a small glass, while others might go for a ‘jarra’ or ‘tubo’, which are larger servings. There’s also something called a ‘clara’. It’s a refreshing mix of beer and lemon soda. And here’s a tip: talk to the locals about the beer. Ask which one they like. Try saying, ‘¿Cuál cerveza me recomiendas?’—’ Which beer do you recommend?’ This can start a great conversation and make your time more fun and genuine.

Also Read: Body Parts In Spanish

Conclusion

In short, knowing how to order a beer in Spanish does more than just get you a drink. It helps you dive into the culture. When you know the words for different beer sizes and types and can chat about local and craft beers, you connect more deeply with Spanish traditions. This knowledge doesn’t just deepen your enjoyment of the beer; it also helps you build real connections with the people around you. Keep visiting the Translation Blog to master any language easily.

About the author
Manuela Bazzo Lauletta
Manuela Bazzo Lauletta, born and raised in Brazil, is a native Spanish speaker. Currently pursuing her graduation from the Insper Institute of Education and Research, Manuela brings a unique perspective to the Translation Blog. Outside of her academic pursuits, she is passionate about dance and performing arts, which adds a creative flair to her writing. Her diverse interests and linguistic skills make her a valuable member of our team.

Leave a Comment