Anis, Coñac, Miura, Orujo, Patxaran ..... What on earth are they?
Clue: you hear these words bandied about at early morning coffee time in Spain.
[Trip Advisor]
Pre-amble
Inveterate insomniacs, like me, or manual and office workers who participate in this early morning coffee ritual, will be familiar with all this.
Others, especially most "guiris", may not be.
[Wikipedia]
These are the names of "shots" (chupitos) which many Spaniards like to take with their coffee, before climbing a ladder, working on a roof, driving a heavy goods lorry or handling heavy machinery.
Smaller than a typical spirit measure a chupito costs typically 1.20 or 1.30 euros.
Anis
This clear spirit, typically 35% ABV, has a taste of aniseed, and is very popular.
Not to be confused with "anisette" in France (Pernod, Ricard and 51 are common brands), which is taken with added water and takes on a cloudy appearance.
"Un pastis" is typically an aperitif in France.
It is 45 proof.
[Wikipedia]
Coñac
The Spanish may call it coñac but it's NOT from Cognac in France. It'll be a locally distilled spirit, also around 35% ABV.
I prefer it to the French version, although I don't touch strong spirits any more (Don't ask!).
This is probably the most popular "chupito", in the cafes I frequent.
[Amazon]
Miura
Miura, a licor de guindas, is my favourite early morning "tipple".
I like the taste and it's only 20 % ABV.
Not all bars and cafes have Miura, so I sometimes have to settle for Patxaran (qv), which is similar in taste, but a bit stronger.
[Amazon]
Orujo
This has a disgusting taste, although it's popular.
Licor de hierbas is very bitter and quite strong.
I've noticed that its fans chuck it down in one, to get their "kick" (or perhaps to avoid the awful taste!).
I have a bottle at home - why?
[El Corte Ingles]
Patxaran
This light spirit is produced in Navarra, a Basque-speaking area, hence its name in euskera.
Similar in taste to Miura, it's made from red cherries, but is a bit stronger, usually 25 % ABV.
The most famous brand is Zoco from Pamplona, the capital.
[Amazon]
Links
Are "guiris" liked in Spain ..... or just tolerated? Eye on Spain
Early morning coffee in Spain - Secret Serrania de Ronda
"Guiris" galore - Facebook
What is a guiri? It's what the Spanish call us foreigners - but is it good or bad? - Secret Serrania
© The Crazy Guy
Abreviations:
ABV = alcohol by volume
Pictures:
Amazon, El Corte Ingles, Paul Whitelock, Trip Advisor, Wikipedia
Thanks:
Paul Whitelock, The Crazy Guy, Wikipedia
Tags:
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