Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: January 29, 2019
When you’re in Spain, it might be tempting to eschew every other drink on the menu and just go for sangria. After all, that’s what Spain is famous for…right? Surprisingly, no! Drinks in Spain are widely varied (and, to be honest, you’ll rarely see locals sipping on sangria), and in the Basque Country, choices become even more diverse. If you’re wondering what to drink in San Sebastián, here are a few authentic options to get you started.
Table of Contents
Zurito
First up on our list of what to drink in San Sebastián: the small but mighty zurito. This tiny draught beer is the world’s smallest, coming in at just 150 milliliters.
But why would anyone want such a small beer? The answer is directly connected to the San Sebastián pintxos culture. When locals go out for pintxos, they typically only have one at each bar (ideally, that place’s specialty pintxo) before moving on to the next. As a result, you don’t need a massive beer to wash it down. The zurito‘s convenient size helps it fit perfectly into any pintxos crawl.
Caña
Craving beer, but want something a little more substantial? A caña might be just what you’re looking for. With a typical volume between 300 and 400 milliliters, it’s the next step up from a zurito when it comes to draught beer.
This is what to drink in San Sebastián if you plan on staying at one bar for a little bit longer than the time it would take to devour a single pintxo. Again, it’s a bit on the small side compared to other beers, but that just means it won’t get warm as you drink it!
Txakoli
There are so many excellent wines from Spain, but here in the Basque Country, we have something truly special: txakoli. This crisp, refreshing, semi-sparkling white wine is native to the Basque Country, produced mainly in the picturesque seaside village of Getaria just outside of San Sebastian.
The unique growing process behind txakoli is the secret to its incredible taste. Hondarrabi zuri grapes grow on vines reaching up to three meters high, with their leaves spread in order to catch as much sunlight as possible. The sea breeze wafting in from the coast carries minerals to the plants, giving the final product just enough of a slightly salty aftertaste to make you feel as if you’re sipping it by the shore.
Local Tip: To really look like a local as you enjoy your txakoli, remember to pour it from the perfect height: a maximum of 20 centimeters! Remember that a little bit goes a long way! Trust us—you don’t need a full glass.
Sidra
If you think you know cider, think again. Basque cider, known as sidra in Spanish, is a far cry from the sweet, fruity drink you may be imagining. Instead, it’s quite flat, naturally cloudy, and very dry, with an almost buttery taste. With an alcohol content of only 6 percent, it’s not as strong as you may think, but it’s still one of our favorite options for what to drink in San Sebastián.
Basques have been drinking cider for longer than beer and wine have been around, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. They’ve perfected everything about the art of cider—from the fermentation process to the incredible pouring technique (from high above the head into the glass down below!). The unique pour and small amount in each serving of cider allow for it to accumulate the perfect amount of bubbles, giving each sip a crisper taste.
Red Wine
You can’t come to Spain without drinking red wine. Luckily, some of the most iconic reds in the country are produced not far from San Sebastián in the D.O.C. Rioja wine region. In fact, a small part of the region is actually located in the Basque Country itself, in the province of Álava. The Riojas produced here undergo a slightly different growing and production process, giving the final products a fuller body and higher acidity than those made in La Rioja. Another great local option are the wines from D.O. Navarra, an up-and-coming wine region also bordering the Basque Country.
If wine is calling your name, be sure to go with a crianza variety. Aged for several years, including one in a barrel, these wines are unpretentious and not complex, but still serve up an incredible taste, making them the perfect choice for a casual night out with friends.
Looking for more wines to try? Here’s our list of wines to order in San Sebastián!
Gin & Tonic
You haven’t really had a gin & tonic until you’ve had one in Spain. This beautifully prepared Spanish classic takes the simple cocktail we all know and love and gives it a more incredible flavor than ever. The secret: a large glass, plenty of ice, a generous pour, and a unique garnish. If you’re still undecided on what to drink in San Sebastian, try a G&T and you’ll never look back.
Marianito
Last but certainly not least on our list of what to drink in San Sebastian is a twist on the vermouth currently taking most of Spain by storm. The marianito, a small vermouth flavored with orange and olive, is especially popular in the north of Spain and has made a name for itself as one of the most popular drinks in San Sebastián. It’s a testament to the excellence of Spanish dining: simple, local ingredients combined masterfully into one final product with outstanding flavor.
Get the complete scoop on drinks in San Sebastián in the video below! James and Ania will show you some of the drinks described in this post, along with insider info on how to enjoy them like a local.
Take a Crash Course in San Sebastián’s Drinks & Pintxos
Still thirsty? Try some of the above drinks and more when you join us on our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour in the Centro Neighborhood! This fun-filled foodie experience will give you a crash course in the local pintxos scene, as well as an understanding as to why San Sebastian’s gastro culture is among the best in the world. Topa!
Featured Review: Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour in the Centro Neighborhood
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An excellent tour. Our guide was amazing and the whole food/wine experience was fantastic.”
– Charles
What to Drink in San Sebastián FAQs
What is the famous Basque drink?
The most famous Basque drink is txakoli, a lightly sparkling, dry white wine from the Basque coast. It’s known for its high acidity, low alcohol content, and fresh citrus notes, and is traditionally poured from a height to enhance its slight fizz. It pairs especially well with seafood and pintxos.
What is the most famous drink in Spain?
Spain’s most famous drinks include red wine (especially from Rioja), sangria, tinto de verano, and vermouth. While sangria is popular with visitors, locals are more likely to drink wine, beer, or vermouth, especially before meals as part of the aperitivo tradition.
Do you tip in the Basque Country?
Tipping in the Basque Country is not expected, but it’s appreciated. In casual bars and pintxos spots, locals typically leave small change, while in restaurants it’s common to round up the bill or leave around 5-10% for good service.
What do locals drink with pintxos in San Sebastián?
Locals typically drink txakoli, small beers (like zuritos or cañas), or red wine with pintxos. The choice often depends on the food. Txakoli pairs well with seafood, while red wine is common with meat-based pintxos.
Are there non-alcoholic drinks to try in San Sebastián?
Yes, popular non-alcoholic options include mosto (grape juice), sparkling water, and local soft drinks. You’ll also find excellent coffee culture throughout the city, making cafés a great alternative to bars.
