How to Order a Beer in Spain

In Spain, there are many ways to order a beer, and foreigners often get confused by just asking for “una cerveza,” which usually leads to follow-up questions or surprises.

Ordering beer in Spain is almost an art form. Different regions have different terms and customs. What you order on the Costa Brava might not be the same in the Basque Country or Costa del Sol.

Common Beer Sizes in Spain:

On tap:

• Caña (~250 ml)

• Mediana (~330 ml)

• Tanque / Pint (~500 ml)

Bottle:

• Litro (1000 ml, for sharing)

• Tercio (330 ml)

• Cuarto (250 ml)

• Quinto (200 ml)

Can:

• Bote (330 ml)

Cheers

“Una cerveza”?

Tourists often say “una cerveza, por favor.” But this is rarely specific enough in Spain. The bartender will usually ask you for more details. Here’s a quick guide to avoid confusion.

100–140 ml

The smallest size. In Galicia, parts of Castilla y León, and La Rioja, it’s called “corto.” In the Basque Country, it’s “zurito,” and in Aragón, “penalti.”

200 ml

The most common draft beer is the “caña.” It’s around 200 ml, sometimes served with foam. In Madrid, this size may be called a “doble.”Small bottles (200–250 ml) are known by many names: “quinto,” “cuarto,” “botellin,” or “botijo,” depending on the region.

330 ml

Medium-sized draft beers are called “tubo” or “doble” (especially in Madrid). Bottles are usually called “tercio,” except in Catalonia (“mediana”) and Asturias (“media”).

500 ml

Popular with tourists and locals alike, half-liter beers are called “jarra,” “maceta” (Andalusia), “tanque,” or “pinta.”

1000 ml

Large one-liter beers are popular for sharing, especially among younger people. In the Basque Country: “katxi.” In Madrid: “mini.” In most other places: “litro,” “litrona,” or “cachi.”

Claras

A mix of beer with lemonade or “gaseosa” (a mild soda) is called a “clara.” It’s usually 40% soda and 60% beer. Other regional names include “shandy” (Mallorca), “champú” (Tarragona/Castellón), “lejía” (Navarre, Basque Country), and “pika” (Cantabria).