One drink that is famous in Madrid is sangria. It is a popular choice among tourists who visit the city, as they often want to try this traditional Spanish drink. However, as an expert sommelier and brewer, I must say that sangria is not as commonly consumed by locals in Madrid.
One of the main reasons for this is the excessively high price of sangria in bars throughout the city. Madrid is known for its affordable prices when it comes to food and drinks, and sangria seems to be an exception to this rule. Many locals find it quite expensive compared to other options available, and thus they tend to opt for different beverages.
Another reason why locals in Madrid might not often be seen drinking sangria is the quality of the drink itself. While sangria can be a refreshing and enjoyable beverage when made with fresh fruit and a good quality wine, many bars in Madrid serve sangria that leaves much to be desired. The taste can be quite generic and lacking in depth, with an overwhelming sweetness that masks the flavors of the wine and fruit.
Speaking from personal experience, I have found that there are other traditional Spanish drinks that locals in Madrid tend to prefer over sangria. For instance, a popular choice among Madrilenos is a glass of vermouth, either on its own or mixed with soda water. Vermouth has a long-standing tradition in Spain and is often enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal.
Another drink that is famous in Madrid is the caña, which is a small glass of draft beer. This is a common choice among locals, especially when socializing with friends at bars or during tapas crawls. Madrid has a vibrant beer culture, with a variety of local and craft breweries offering a wide range of beer styles to cater to different preferences.
In addition to these beverages, Madrid is also known for its vibrant wine scene. The city is surrounded by several wine regions, such as Ribera del Duero and Rioja, which produce high-quality wines. Locals in Madrid often enjoy a glass of red or white wine, either on its own or paired with traditional Spanish dishes.
To summarize, while sangria may be famous among tourists visiting Madrid, it is not as commonly consumed by locals. The high price and often mediocre quality of sangria in bars contribute to this trend. Instead, locals tend to prefer other traditional Spanish drinks such as vermouth, cañas, and local wines.