Why you need to drink a caña in Madrid before you die
Madrid is home to numerous breweries no one should miss and it’s our duty, at FoodLoverTour, to talk about the infamous caña. Here are the reasons to test Madrid’s traditional beers and many more excellent reasons to get back to the bar.
So, what is a Caña?
If you have never heard about caña, your time has come. “Caña” is a term used in Spain, typically referring to a small glass of beer, always served on tap. If the popularity of caña varies across different parts of Spain, we can affirm that in Madrid it reaches its top. There, caña is one of the most common orders in bars, restaurants, and social gatherings. Let’s say it’s a refreshing and customary way to enjoy beer.
Its small size can vary depending on the region or establishment. Caña offers a quantity adapted to refresh you. Generally, it is smaller than a half pint, about 18 cl (6 us fl oz). A caña is often served in a long and narrow glass to maintain the carbonation and showcase the beer’s color and foam.
Madrid’s Caña culture
In Madrid, the tradition of enjoying a caña follows the broader Spanish culture of socializing and drinking. When it comes to caña in the Spanish capital, it’s not just about the beverage itself but also the accompanying social rituals.
Hugely connected with the tapeo culture, it is common for a caña to be served with a complimentary tapa, which is a small appetizer or snack. This tradition allows people to sample different flavors while enjoying their cañas and enhances the social experience.
With Madrid’s pleasant weather and bustling streets, this type of drinking makes outdoor terraces a popular spot for enjoying a caña. Many bars and cafes have outdoor seating areas where locals and visitors can relax, chat, and savor their fresh beers. Madrid is a beautiful city with a rich history and stunning architecture. Enjoying a “caña” at an outdoor cafe or bar can be a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city while relaxing with a refreshing drink.
When should you drink a caña?
Commonly enjoyed as an after-work ritual, many locals meet up with colleagues or friends at the end of the workday to unwind and socialize over a couple of cañas. This tradition is known as “la hora del aperitivo” or “after-work drinks.” And Madrid offers a wide variety of bars and taverns…
Going on a “cañas route” or bar hopping is a popular activity. People often move from one establishment to another, trying different cañas and tapas in each place. This allows them to experience the diversity of Madrid’s bar scene and socialize with friends or meet new people along the way.
The evolution of Craft beer in Madrid
In the past decade, there has been a growing craft beer movement in Madrid. In the eyes of the public, it has gained momentum. The city now boasts numerous craft breweries that produce a wide range of artisanal beers, incorporating both traditional brewing techniques and innovative flavors.
These breweries have contributed to the diversification and growth of the beer culture in Madrid, as well as other cities across Spain – like Barcelona. With its vibrant craft beer scene, there are many excellent breweries and bars in the city that serve high-quality beer. Enjoying a “caña” can be a great way to sample some of these delicious brews and discover new flavors.
Bars and cafes in Madrid are often bustling with activity, and having a “caña” is a great way to meet locals and make new friends. In the city, it is a great way to immerse yourself in the local way of life as enjoying a “caña” is a quintessential part of Madrid’s culture.
Ready to try a caña in the heart of Madrid? Sign up to one of our tasty tapas crawls.