Beer in Spanish bars isn’t sold by quantity but by the type of glass – and the type of glass in one bar can vary greatly in size to those available in other bars. Regionally specific words can make things even more confusing. These are the most common beer sizes in Spain:

  • Caña Draft served, invariably the smallest beer that a bar normally sells. Usually around 200 ml. Could be a wine glass, could be something resembling a brandy glass, could be a tiny thing, a bit smaller than a half pint glass. Weights and measures evolved in an interesting way in Spain. Caña
  • Tubo A tall thin glass. About 300 ml.
  • Botella de cerveza A 300ml bottle of beer. Aka Mediana or Tercio.
  • Botellín  A smaller, 200 ml bottle of beer. Aka quinto. Not available in all bars.
  • Jarra Usually the largest glass they’ll have, normally about a pint. Confusingly, a ‘jarra’ might mean a jug which is served with glasses and shared (unless you’re feeling extremely thirsty!). Not available in all bars.
  • Zurito A small glass, around 200 ml or a quarter of a pint, usually offered on Basque pinchos bars to wash down  the small bites.
  • Litrona it´s a full liter bottle of beer. Not available in bars, only in supermarkets and shops

 

  • Clara.  It is beer mixed with carbonated lemonade in a 50% proportion, usually served in a “caña” glass.