Spain is a sensory-rich country, and a memento may help you remember the feeling, taste, or even scent of your visit. But nothing is worse than parting with your hard-earned cash only to discover that your “authentic” goods were actually mass-produced somewhere else. Look out the list of 10 unique items you can only find in Spain.
- A Bota
Wine is often served in a bota, also known as a wineskin, which is a common drinking vessel in Spain. However, any beverage may be stored in it. You typically drink from it by angling the wineskin such that the liquid never touches the bota and instead shoots directly into your mouth. In this manner, sharing wine is simple and avoids mouth-to-wine-skin contact. The bota is historically constructed of leather & filled with a tree sap or goat’s bladder to prevent leaks, while modern bags have a plastic nozzle and have been lined with plastic.
- Blue Wine
The initial blue wine in history was released by the Spanish firm Gik Live in late 2016. With its designers calling it a “blasphemous drink,” it is one of the most unique products to come out of Spain, and it undoubtedly raised some eyes among those in the conventional winemaking world. White and red grapes, a natural blue dye derived from plants, and zero-calorie sweeteners are used to make it. It is available at wine shops all around Spain, or you may order a glass at some restaurants.
- Menorca Gin
Menorca began producing gin in the 18th century when Great Britain ruled this Balearic island and British soldiers desired to partake in the familiar flavor of their preferred beverage. Even after Spain regained control in 1802, Menorca continued to produce gin, with commercially available varieties like Xoriguer gaining popularity in the 20th century. It is impossible to produce the beverage anyplace else in the world because it was given the official designation Gin of Menorca in 1997.
- Sherry from its original location
The Spanish name for sherry is Jerez, and this town in the south is unquestionably the sherry center of the world. You want to buy something in Spain that has pedigree, and Jerez is the place to learn about compounded wine, enjoy the trip, and—most importantly—attend a tasting.
- Jamón
Spanish people like jamón, a preserved ham that’s a mainstay of every tapas plate along with one of the country’s best-tasting exports. Any pub you enter is likely to have a gammon leg that waiters have thinly sliced into strips. Even the ceiling can have a few gammon legs dangling from it. In Spain, it’s simple to find packages of high-quality jamón.
- Genuine Flamenco attire
The passionate and dramatic flamenco music and dance form originated in Spain and is said to have first appeared in the late 18th century. All around the nation, you can get flamenco dresses, shawls, or shoes, and in Madrid and Seville, there are plenty of stores that sell costumes and other accessories.Purchase several concave wood shells or castanets, used as a form of percussion by flamenco dancers and taking up very little room in your baggage.
- Espadrilles
The authentic form of this well-liked summer shoe is only available in Spain.However, you could get copies of it elsewhere. They were once a working-class and poor person’s shoe, but they have since become an essential piece of summer attire.
- Fans of Spain
While handcrafted Spanish fans, or abanicos, may come across as a bit of a cliche, they make for some of the most exquisite souvenirs and may even come in handy during hot weather. As being the most affordable, quickest, and simplest methods to cool off, fans are frequently seen being carried by women of every age in Spain’s major towns.
- Spanish firewater from the north
Orujo, often known as “firewater” by locals, is a Northern Spanish brandy, manufactured from the solid leftovers of the grapes used to make wine. It contains at least 50% alcohol. It is among the most brutal items you can get.
- Paella pan
A genuine Spanish paella pan as well as some saffron has been a crucial component of paella. These are two longer-lasting Spain mementos that will allow you to prepare the delectable meal at home. Paella pan sales are rising in Valencia, the paella dish’s birthplace, but you can get them pretty much elsewhere in the nation at markets and kitchenware stores.
