Traditional Spanish & Mallorcan Drinks

Local liqueurs include herbas secos (dry) and herbas dulces (sweets), both are based on aniseed and packed full of herbs. Another popular liqueur uses oranges grown on the island - almond liqueurs are also available using nuts grown throughout Majorca. A distinctly Mallorcan aperitif is a drink called Palo - made by mixing sweet caramel with bitter chinchona bark.

Spanish and imported beer (cenveza) are available everywhere - for draught beer, ask for una caña. Sherry is always fino - dry and chilled. Spanish brandy (coñac) comes in a bewildering variety of bottles and is added to coffee at any time of day. Leading brands include Fundador, Magno and Soberano. Gin is manufactured on Menorca - ask for Xoriguer brand.

Tap water is safe but everyone drinks mineral water - con gas is sparkling, sin gas is still. Freshly-squeezed orange juice (zumo de naranja) is refreshing and delicious. An unusual local drink is orxata or horchata, almond milk. Cafe solo is a small shot of strong black coffee; cafe con leche comes with hot milk and carajillo has brandy added. Tea (te) is invariably a tea-bag and if you want something less stimulating, ask for manzanilla (camomile) or poliomenta (peppermint tea).