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When the summer sun blazes over Barcelona, there’s nothing quite like sipping a cold drink on a shaded terrace. While sangria might be the go-to beverage many travellers expect, locals often reach for something different, lighter, fizzier, and more authentic. Barcelona offers an incredible array of refreshing summer drinks that go far beyond the fruity pitcher of red wine and chopped fruit. So, keep reading to discover other delightful drinks that will quench your thirst other than sangria.

Vermouth

You might associate vermouth with sophisticated cocktails, but in Barcelona, drinking vermouth is a beloved midday tradition. Served chilled over ice with a slice of orange and a green olive, this aromatic wine has a bittersweet taste that’s deeply satisfying in the heat.

Locals often enjoy vermouth just before lunch, especially on weekends. You’ll find it in old-school and trendy bars, from Bar Bodega Quimet in Poble Sec to Morro Fi in Eixample. Pair it with some anchovies, olives, or chips, and you’ve got yourself a real Catalan aperitivo.

Clara

For those who find beer a bit heavy under the sun, Clara is the ultimate summer lifesaver. It’s a simple yet genius mix: 50% beer and 50% lemon soda (like Fanta lemon). It’s a super-refreshing, low-alcohol drink that quenches your thirst without knocking you out in the midday heat. You can order it at any bar, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to beachside refreshment.

Tinto de Verano

If you love sangría but want something lighter and more commonly consumed by locals, tinto de verano is your answer. Literally “red wine of summer,” this drink is a combination of red wine with lemon soda or sparkling water, often served with plenty of ice and a slice of citrus fruit.

It’s less sweet and less alcoholic than sangría, making it a favourite for long and lazy afternoons. You’ll often find it in neighbourhood bars and even in bottled versions at supermarkets, ready for a beach picnic.

Granissat de Llimona

When it’s too hot, Barcelona’s answer is a granissat. This icy delight is essentially a slushy, and the lemon version (granissat de llimona) reigns supreme. Tart, fresh, and wildly cooling, it’s popular with kids and grown-ups alike. Look for it in traditional cafes, beach kiosks, or horchaterías. Some even add a splash of cava or vermouth to give it a grown-up twist.

Horchata de Chufa

Not to be confused with Latin American horchata made from rice, the Spanish version is made from tiger nuts and has a unique nutty and earthy flavour. Served ice cold, this plant-based drink is naturally sweet and a great non-alcoholic option.

Best enjoyed in the summer months, horchata is especially popular in Valencia but is widely loved in Barcelona too. Stop by a speciality shop like El Tío Che in Poblenou to try a traditional glass, or grab a bottle from the supermarket for your fridge.

Cava

No visit to Barcelona is complete without sipping some cava. This Catalan sparkling wine is crisp, bubbly, and perfect for toasting summer sunsets on a rooftop terrace. While cava is often reserved for celebrations, locals happily enjoy it as an aperitif or even with seafood tapas.

Try a cava rosado for a refreshing twist, or visit a cava bar like Can Paixano in Barceloneta for a lively local experience, expect standing room only and a plate full of jamón.

Agua de Valencia

Despite the name, Agua de Valencia has found fans in Barcelona too, especially in cocktail bars or when celebrating summer nights. This cocktail combines cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin for a dangerously drinkable concoction that tastes like a citrusy punch but packs a real kick.

Bitter Kas

This bold, reddish soda has a cult following in Spain. Made from bitter herbs and citrus, Bitter Kas has a complex, grown-up flavour, imagine a cross between a tonic and Campari without the alcohol. Locals drink it as an aperitivo or a mixer with vermouth or gin. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but if you’re into amaro or aperol-type drinks, give it a shot.

Fresh Fruit Juices

Amid the indulgence of tapas and late-night cocktails, Barcelona also has a strong healthy-living scene. Summer is the perfect time to explore the city’s many juice bars and smoothie cafés. From green detox blends to fresh watermelon or mango juice, there’s something for every palate. La Boqueria market is a great place to grab a cold juice on the go, especially if you’re exploring Las Ramblas. Just look for the rainbow-coloured stalls lining the aisles.

Whether you’re basking on the beach, wandering the Gothic Quarter, or relaxing on a leafy terrace, there’s a refreshing summer drink in Barcelona that’s sure to hit the spot, no sangria required. These local favourites not only help beat the heat but also offer a deeper taste of the city’s culture and lifestyle. So next time you’re here, take a sip like a local and toast to summer with something a little different.