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Spain

Drinking Guide

Legal BAC

0.05%

Drinking Age

18+

New Drivers

Zero BAC

Popular Drinks

Sangria

8% ABV

Red wine punch with fruit, popular in summer. Best from pitchers at terrace bars.

Cerveza (Beer)

5% ABV

Estrella, Mahou, and Cruzcampo are popular brands. Often served in small glasses (cañas).

Cava

12% ABV

Spanish sparkling wine, similar to Champagne but at a fraction of the price.

Drinking Culture

Spanish nightlife starts late — dinner at 10pm, bars at midnight, clubs at 2am. Tapas culture means drinking is always accompanied by food. The "botellón" (outdoor group drinking) tradition continues among young people despite regulations.

DUI Penalties

BAC 0.05-0.12%: fine €500-1,000, 4-point license deduction. BAC 0.12%+: criminal offense, fine or 3-6 months imprisonment, license revoked. New drivers (< 2 years): BAC limit 0.03%.

Traveler Tips

1

Nightlife starts very late — dinner at 10pm, bars at midnight, clubs at 2am.

2

Order "cañas" (small beers) to pace yourself through the long evening.

3

Tapas bars serve food with drinks — use this to stay fed while drinking.

4

Metro in Madrid runs until 1:30am (2:30am on weekends).

5

New drivers have a stricter 0.03% BAC limit for the first 2 years.

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This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify local laws before traveling. Never drive after drinking, regardless of legal limits.