Author Archives for Sal DeTraglia
Rock the Bota, Part II: The Ten Commandments
Recall that in my article last month, I summarized the history and production process of the Spanish wineskin, or “bota.” And then I hit you with a teaser–that I would, during the following month, provide enlightenment by means of the ten commandments of bota care and use–as told to me by 80-something year old […]
Rock the Bota, Part I
How I lament the disrespect with which the Spanish wineskin–or “bota”–is treated in the 21st century!
The bota, an essential tool for thirsty Spanish shepherds throughout the centuries and lovingly memorialized in the writings of Hemingway and Cervantes, has been reduced in other parts of the world to a vessel used by frat boys to smuggle […]
Freixenet
Nothing says “Christmas in Spain” like Freixenet (pronounced, “fresh-in-NET”).
Freixenet–headquartered an hour’s drive from Barcelona–is Spain’s largest and most well-known brand of cava. You’ve all seen Freixenent at your local liquor store. It’s that sinister-looking black bottle with the gold lettering and foil-wrapped stopper.
“Ahhhhh,” you’re now saying. “*That’s* Freixenet?! So tell me…what […]
Queimada
I walked into a Galician restaurant in Madrid a few years ago, and was greeted by a horrific scene.
Four people were seated at a table—in the middle of which sat a large, earthenware bowl. The bowl, which was filled with liquid, had burst into flames.
“Step aside!” I said to my dinner companion. And then—stroking […]
Sidra: Spain’s Alcoholic Apple Cider
Washington state and northern Spains Asturias region have many things in common.
Well…actually, just two things in common. They both get a lot of rain. And they both grow a lot of apples.
But whereas the good people of Washington drink Starbucks coffee, those of Asturias drink sidra (pronounced SEE-drah).
Sidra is Spains […]
Calimocho: Ambrosia of Misguided Spanish Youths
During this past week, The Spirit World published articles about Sangria and Wine-based Cocktails. Those got me thinking about another, very special, wine cocktail that enjoys immense popularity here in Spain - the Calimocho (pronounced, cah-lee-MOE-cho).
The Calimocho is made by mixing equal parts red wine and, are you ready for this, Coca-cola.
That’s right, Mr. Robert […]
Anís Spain’s Liquid Licorice
One of the most popular liquors here in Spain is Anís
By the way?that?s pronounced, ?ah-NEES.? Not ?AY-nis.?
Anís a clear, stong liquor?ranging from 80 to 90 proof?that is flavored with anise seed. It?s licorice-like profile is similar to that of Ouzo in Greece or Sambuca and Anisette in Italy.
But unlike the Greeks and Italians, Spaniards don?t […]
The Patxaran Also Rises
The good people of Navarra, i.e., the region bordering northern Spain’s Basque Country, have given the world more than just the annual spectacle of drunken men being gored in the ass at Pamplona. No, the Navarre have also given the world Patxaran (pronounced paht-chah-RAHN).
Patxaran is a sweet, fruity, aromatic digestif produced by macerating sloe berries […]
Tuica: It’s the Real Thing!
There comes a point in a mans life when he just cant face another paella. And in my case, that point came after my sixth year of living in Spain. So I was beyond thrilled when a family of Romanian friends living in nearby Guadalajara invited me over to their apartment for an […]
How Sweet it Is!
Not all vermouth is white
Not all vermouth is dry
Some vermouth is sweet and red
Like grandmas rhubarb pie.
Yet dont just prep Manhattans
Or mix a large Negroni
Try some straight
And on the rocks
But hold the pepperoni!
Hold the pepperoni? On behalf of myself and The Spirit World editors, I must apologize for the unspeakable silliness of that poem. […]
