Drinking problem?

[Mike Savage]

Am I likely to find non-alcoholic beer or American style black coffee along the Camino Frances?

I know it's a probably a strange request but thanks for the help.

Mike

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Am I likely to find non-alcoholic beer or American style black coffee along the Camino Frances?

I hope not.

You can request cafe Americano, and find it in some bars and restaurants. Most Spanish coffee is more like espresso in the U.S. I never saw non-alcoholic beer anywhere, but again, you may find it by asking. It would be more likely to find it in markets than in bars.

 

[ivar]

Am I likely to find non-alcoholic beer or American style black coffee along the Camino Frances?

I know it's a probably a strange request but thanks for the help.

Mike

"Every" bar in Spain will have "Cerveza sin alcohol". Should not be a problem.

 

[peregrina2000]

I have actually been surprised at what I think is greater popularity of non-alcoholic beer in Spain than in the US. But, as my son points out to me, maybe that's only because I am very rarely in bars in the US, but go on a daily basis when I am in Spain. But in any event, I frequently hear an order for a "sin" (pronounced seen) as part of an order in bars all over Spain.

As falcon says, Cafe Americano is about the closest thing to drip US coffee. If they don't know what you mean, just ask them to add hot water to a cafe solo and you'll be good to go.

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[miguel_gp]

Hi Mike,

I can't vouch specifically for the Camino Frances but generally coffee in Spain is based on a shot or two of expresso style ground coffee. By American style, do you mean a cup or mug of black coffee i.e. expresso topped up with hot water? I'm not sure that is commonly ordered (although with starbucks and the like it may be more popular), but as long as you know how to ask for it I'm sure you will be able to obtain it.

I know that San Miguel have a zero % offering which you see in some bars. I can't recall if it is the norm though. It is readily available in supermarkets along with other marques.

 

[Arn]

Falcon again nails it, with one exception. Although Aurum Weissbier is available and marketed in Spain, it's limited to mercados for the most part. Aside from the nice head, the beer has a watered down, way too light taste. Avoid, unless you're really in need of a mental rush.
San Miguel produces a "0'0" alcohol beer and it's likely to be found in some restaurants in larger towns. Great name...less taste!

 

[Mike Savage]

Wow, thanks everyone for the prompt replies! Now that I think about it "cafe Americano" worked well for me in Italy in 2006 and that is great news about cerveza sin alcohol.

Mike

 

[Mike Savage]

Falcon again nails it, with one exception. Although Aurum Weissbier is available and marketed in Spain, it's limited to mercados for the most part. Aside from the nice head, the beer has a watered down, way too light taste. Avoid, unless you're really in need of a mental rush.
San Miguel produces a "0'0" alcohol beer and it's likely to be found in some restaurants in larger towns. Great name...less taste!

I mostly find it is more socially acceptable when dining with friends to have a drink in front of me instead of just water.

Mike

 

[tyrrek]

As already stated, cerveza 'sin' is very easy to find pretty much everywhere. Many of the main beer brands have a 'sin' version of their beer, which is often 0% but can be anything up to 1% alcohol. The major thing to consider if you don't drink alcohol is whether the pilgrim menus in restaurants are still good value as you're not taking advantage of the included wine.

 

[Mike Savage]

As already stated, cerveza 'sin' is very easy to find pretty much everywhere. Many of the main beer brands have a 'sin' version of their beer, which is often 0% but can be anything up to 1% alcohol. The major thing to consider if you don't drink alcohol is whether the pilgrim menus in restaurants are still good value if you're not taking advantage of the included wine.

Good point. I've never had a problem finding someone to help with an extra glass of free wine!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

While non-alcoholic beer accounts for only 4% of the beer market in Portugal, it is a respectable 13% of the market in Spain in 2010 (with sales apparent declining)! Brands include Ambar Green, San Miguel 0.0, River Sin, Tropical Sin, Dorada Sin, Buckler Sin, and Buckler 0,0.

I clearly should be more observant of the bar offerings! I usually peruse only the Orujo, hierbas, and wine.

 

[angulero]

"Every" bar in Spain will have "Cerveza sin alcohol". Should not be a problem.

Así es. Casi todas las marcas la producen y prácticamente todos los bares la tienen.

Right. Almost all brands produce and almost all bars have it.

 

[peregrina2000]

Good point. I've never had a problem finding someone to help with an extra glass of free wine!

Hi, Mike,
When my son was about 19 he walked the Camino Frances and didn't drink any alcohol. He found he was always most welcome at other pilgrim tables, because the servers always counted him in when deciding how much wine to plop down on the table, which of course just meant more wine for them! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Really? Every winery has a inventory of alcholol free wine and caffeine free coffee.

I suggest water?

 

[gidivet]

Yes, alcohol free beer was freely available and much better quality than in England. I often enjoyed cerveza sin alcohol at lunch time as a refreshing alternative to sweet soft drinks.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Good point. I've never had a problem finding someone to help with an extra glass of free wine!

Exactly! Tell me ... exactly where and when are you going?!?

 

[Tia Valeria]

Menu del dia comes with either wine or water. We always opt for the water and if there is any over we top up our own bottles.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Yep. I always ask for wine, and if there is any left over, I top up my own bottle .... but there's rarely any left over!

 

[Mike Savage]

Exactly! Tell me ... exactly where and when are you going?!?

I leave SJPdP September 7, 2015 see you there!

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

I leave SJPdP September 7, 2015 see you there!

It is SO good to talk to another forum member who actually uses his own name
Well, I'm delighted to see you're well into the planning stage, Mike. That's a major part of the pleasure of the camino.
Sadly, I won't be able to take you up on the drink: I'm walking the remote Ruta del Ebro in May/June.
I hope our paths may cross one day - and I'll take you up on the vino !!
Buen camino!

 

[Mike Savage]

I look forward to it!

 

[freescot]

While non-alcoholic beer accounts for only 4% of the beer market in Portugal, it is a respectable 13% of the market in Spain in 2010 (with sales apparent declining)! Brands include Ambar Green, San Miguel 0.0, River Sin, Tropical Sin, Dorada Sin, Buckler Sin, and Buckler 0,0.

I clearly should be more observant of the bar offerings! I usually peruse only the Orujo, hierbas, and wine.

Understandable oversight, Falcon. I imagine you were wanting to avoid occasions of "sin".

 

[Mike Savage]

Well put freescot!

 

[Al the optimist]

LOL Freescot

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Am I likely to find non-alcoholic beer or American style black coffee along the Camino Frances?

I know it's a probably a strange request but thanks for the help.

Mike

non-alcoholic beer can be found at every bar/cafeteria/hotel on the Camino (in Spanish: 'Sin alcohol). As for American style black coffee, just ask for an 'Americano' at any bar/cafeteria/hotel on the Camino (seriously), and you will get the closest thing to it (basically an espresso shot watered down with hot water).

 

[Mike Savage]

Thank you so much.