Anís, Coñac, Miura, Orujo, Patxarán ..... What on earth are they?
Clue: you hear these names 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.
Anís
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 apéritif 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 Patxarán (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]
Patxarán
This light crema is produced in Navarra, a Basque-speaking area, hence its euskera name.
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]
Postscript:
I have been contacted by Lenox Napier who has far more experience of Spain than I do and is far better informed about the history, geography, politics and lifestyle of this fine country.
He points out that I have omitted one of the most iconic "licores" there is, namely Ponche Caballero. I have heard of the drink in the silver bottle, but in 55 years of having coffee and a "chupito" in Spanish bars, this drink has never passed my lips.
[Amazon]
I rectified that this morning as I partook of early morning coffee and churros and read the Spanish Sunday papers.
I am a convert.
Ponche Caballero is unique, using a secret recipe over 185 years old.
[Paul Whitelock]
Amber and bright in colour, this "licor" has a sweet aroma of orange and vanilla, with spicy hints and notes of almond. Its flavour is sweet and intense. 25 % ABV.
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
Abbreviations:
ABV = alcohol by volume
Pictures:
Amazon, El Corte Ingles, Paul Whitelock, Trip Advisor, Wikipedia
Thanks:
Paul Whitelock, The Crazy Guy, Wikipedia
Tags:
20 % ABV, 25 % ABV, 35% ABV, 45 proof, 51, Amazon, anis, "anisette", aperitif, Basque-speaking, chupito, climbing a ladder, coffee, Cognac, coñac, driving a heavy goods lorry, early morning coffee ritual, El Corte Ingles, euskera, France, "guiris", handling heavy machinery, insomniacs, licor de guindas, licor de hierbas, manual and office workers, miura, Navarra, orujo, Pamplona, pastis, patxaran, Paul Whitelock, Pernod, Ponche Caballero, red cherries, Ricard, "shot", spirit measure, The Crazy Guy, Trip Advisor, Wikipedia, working on a roof, Zoco
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