Eating and drinking is at the heart of the Spanish cultural experience (some might even call it a national pastime). Get familiar with ordering drinks in Spanish as well as typical drinks in Spain by following these tips and tricks. Soon you’ll be navigating the Madrid bar scene like a pro!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Ordering Drinks in Spanish: The Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the the thought of having to order a drink in Spanish has you sweating bullets, take a deep breath and relax. Once you learn a few key terms and phrases, it’s much easier than you might think.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start, the bartender makes eye contact with you or your server approaches your table. Here\u2019s how the exchange will most likely begin:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

• \u00bfQu\u00e9 quieres beber?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 What do you want to drink?<\/li>
• \u00bfQu\u00e9 quieres tomar?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 What do you want to have?<\/li>
• \u00bfQu\u00e9 te pongo?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 What can I get for you?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  In Spain, there\u2019s no need for formalities. While it may be basic instinct to order with a polite I’ll have a…<\/em>, you can directly use a Spanish command instead. Ask and you shall receive. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Dame…<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Give me…<\/li>
  • Quiero…<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 I want…<\/li>
  • Ponme…<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Get me…<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    For example: Ponme una ca\u00f1a<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Get me a small draft beer (more on ordering beer in a bit!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re unable to remember any of these phrases for ordering drinks in Spanish, simply asking for the beverage by name will suffice. Following up with <\/span>por favor <\/span><\/i>is always appreciated. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example: Una ca\u00f1a<\/em>, por favor<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 A small draft beer, please.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n