The Difference between water and beer on Camino

[David]

Hi - now, we all know that we need to hydrate throughout the day - most important - but when the walking is done it is also important to know the difference between water and beer.

This is actual footage taken in a bar in Los Arcos (works with Rioja too)

 

[Turga]

Could be even better with vino tinto..

 

[alexwalker]

Beer is soo much more than just a breakfast drink!

 

[Roland49]

Could be even better with vino tinto..

Maybe you will hear the galician Gaita?

Buen Camino!
Roland

 

[Bala]

Hi - now, we all know that we need to hydrate throughout the day - most important - but when the walking is done it is also important to know the difference between water and beer.

This is actual footage taken in a bar in Los Arcos (works with Rioja too)

 

[t2andreo]

Beer, it's what's for breakfast... OR Beer, the breakfast of champions...

But seriously, beer was invented way back in ancient times, so the water quality or lack of same would not kill you. So, in that context, beer is ALWAYS safe to drink. Water, depending on the sourcing, MAY be safe to drink.

At least that is my rule. Also, I avoid drinking ANY alcohol if I have much more walking to do. I have a hard enough time staying vertical sober... Why add a further complication...

 

[Rj7797]

Not going to lie there was little that made me feel more liberated from the rat race than plopping down at the first or second rest spot in the morning and drinking a large beer just because!

 

[Deleted member 43985]

As we all know, beer is nothing more than water infused with some flower buds (hops), grains (barley) and a pinch of sugar to make the medicine go down... I mean, seriously, the health food label practically writes itself!!! Drink Beer - Be Healthy

 

[David]

Absolutely - two of our five a day!!!

 

[MichelleO]

 

[alexwalker]

All guidebooks & experienced pilgrims are insistent on the importance of carrying enough water. One should always listen to experience. So that's what I do. I carry it. And I stop now and then for a large, ice cold beer.

 

[Former member 49149]

Ok. So far, so bad. Think dehydration! (by the way, I am wearing my bicycle helmet for protection from the onslaught of responses!)

 

[JFG]

What a surprise! I haven't been able to tell the difference in taste between Spanish beer and water. Now I have a way to be sure if it's water or beer. Thanks!

 

[Michael; Camino-addicted]

When birthday is celebrated in Germany during the day, not in the evening (mostly "round" birthdays like 75 oder 80), the celebration often starts at 11:00 or 12:00 am. So a tradition has developed, after which beer may be drunk only after listening the church bells at noon.

That's how we did it on the Camino.

If I have still something to walk, I like to drink Radler, a mixture of beer and lemonade (Sprite), which is very popular in Germany. At my first camino this was almost unknown in Spain and it could happen that I ordered "cerveca con lemon" and got, after a confused view, beer with a slice of lemon.
Meanwhile, Radler is well-known in Spain as "Mixta" and you even get it freshly tapped, even with a beer without alcohol. Ideal for a break during the walk.

I don´t know if this mix is known in the "English-speaking world", but it's worth to try it.

 

[JFG]

A Radler is called a "shandy" or lemon shandy" in the US

 

[Michael; Camino-addicted]

Then I can think about a vacation in the US.

 

[KinkyOne]

"Two beers or not two beers, that's not the question"
(Shakesbeer)

 

[t2andreo]

This lemonade and beer mixture is also known as a "clara" in Spain. It has become my new, favorite warm weather drink. Typically it is a half glass of Kaz lemon soda, topped off with the local beer. A good friend from Bilbao, who lives in Ireland, turned me on to these. They are pretty much the same as a shandy.

One way to save money, is to order a bottle of Kaz with a glass, and a beer also with a glass. That will give you the necessary components to mix at least two "claras..." In some places carbonated sodas actually cost MORE than beer... Go figure!

I am also partial to Tinto Verano... This is a similar mixed drink with half a glass of Kaz lemon soda topped off with a decent red wine. Very refreshing... Be careful though, they sell pre mixed Tino Verano in supermercados. It is not as good as the fresh mixed type, at least iMHO...

I hope this helps.

 

[Former member 49149]

When birthday is celebrated in Germany during the day, not in the evening (mostly "round" birthdays like 75 oder 80), the celebration often starts at 11:00 or 12:00 am. So a tradition has developed, after which beer may be drunk only after listening the church bells at noon.

That's how we did it on the Camino.

If I have still something to walk, I like to drink Radler, a mixture of beer and lemonade (Sprite), which is very popular in Germany. At my first camino this was almost unknown in Spain and it could happen that I ordered "cerveca con lemon" and got, after a confused view, beer with a slice of lemon.
Meanwhile, Radler is well-known in Spain as "Mixta" and you even get it freshly tapped, even with a beer without alcohol. Ideal for a break during the walk.

I don´t know if this mix is known in the "English-speaking world", but it's worth to try it.

Michael, one of my brothers is quoted as saying, it is always 12 o’clock somewhere... so drink up!

 

[Bala]

Great tip, @t2andreo .

I first learned of clara, aka cerveza con limon, last fall on the Camino. Apparently it has now become quite popular and no wonder. Very refreshing. Never a problem or odd look ordering it.

I haven't tried running my finger around the rim of the glass, though, to see if an orchestra strikes up. Guess I'll have to go back.

 

[Mugatu]

Hi - now, we all know that we need to hydrate throughout the day - most important - but when the walking is done it is also important to know the difference between water and beer.

This is actual footage taken in a bar in Los Arcos (works with Rioja too)

That result was so unexpected

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

A Radler is called a "shandy" or lemon shandy" in the US

"Each country has its own name. In France and Switzerland, they call it Panaché. In Germany, the name is Radler and the Spanish call it Clara." In Portugal, you may find it called "Radler"--the bottled kind made by Sagres beer has this name--but also Panaché. Excellent in hot weather--not so boozy as beer.

 

[Elle Bieling]

Hilarious you all! I had a German friend on the Camino Primitivo who always ordered a "Shandy sin alcohol" and she always got the Shandy without alcohol, no questions asked. When I googled it, this is some of the images I got:

 

[Roland49]

In Germany, the name is Radler and the Spanish call it Clara."

In northern Germany you often call it "Alsterwasser", jokingly "water" from the River / Lake Alster in Hamburg.

 

[David61]

When birthday is celebrated in Germany during the day, not in the evening (mostly "round" birthdays like 75 oder 80), the celebration often starts at 11:00 or 12:00 am. So a tradition has developed, after which beer may be drunk only after listening the church bells at noon.

That's how we did it on the Camino.

If I have still something to walk, I like to drink Radler, a mixture of beer and lemonade (Sprite), which is very popular in Germany. At my first camino this was almost unknown in Spain and it could happen that I ordered "cerveca con lemon" and got, after a confused view, beer with a slice of lemon.
Meanwhile, Radler is well-known in Spain as "Mixta" and you even get it freshly tapped, even with a beer without alcohol. Ideal for a break during the walk.

I don´t know if this mix is known in the "English-speaking world", but it's worth to try it.

We call it a shandy or beer shandy. A most refreshing drink!

 

[volleyjanice]

Beer, it's what's for breakfast... OR Beer, the breakfast of champions...

But seriously, beer was invented way back in ancient times, so the water quality or lack of same would not kill you. So, in that context, beer is ALWAYS safe to drink. Water, depending on the sourcing, MAY be safe to drink.

At least that is my rule. Also, I avoid drinking ANY alcohol if I have much more walking to do. I have a hard enough time staying vertical sober... Why add a further complication...

I envy those people who can stop for lunch and enjoy some alcoholic beverages. I would be asleep under the table and done for the day!

 

[volleyjanice]

Ok. So far, so bad. Think dehydration! (by the way, I am wearing my bicycle helmet for protection from the onslaught of responses!)

Dehydration is your friend when there are no bathrooms to be found. Just sayin'!

 

[volleyjanice]

This lemonade and beer mixture is also known as a "clara" in Spain. It has become my new, favorite warm weather drink. Typically it is a half glass of Kaz lemon soda, topped off with the local beer. A good friend from Bilbao, who lives in Ireland, turned me on to these. They are pretty much the same as a shandy.

One way to save money, is to order a bottle of Kaz with a glass, and a beer also with a glass. That will give you the necessary components to mix at least two "claras..." In some places carbonated sodas actually cost MORE than beer... Go figure!

I am also partial to Tinto Verano... This is a similar mixed drink with half a glass of Kaz lemon soda topped off with a decent red wine. Very refreshing... Be careful though, they sell pre mixed Tino Verano in supermercados. It is not as good as the fresh mixed type, at least iMHO...

I hope this helps.

We had tinto verano in the south of Spain and it was more of a Sangria spritzer. Very refreshing and less headache inducing in the August heat!

 

[t2andreo]

In one city, several places will likely have a slightly different formula. BUt it is still the ONLY permissible use of ice cubes in red wine...

 

[MaryLynn]

I missed your post earlier...just saw it now. Can’t stop laughing.
Thanks!

 

[alexwalker]

From an SMS conversation:

No. 1: "Would you like to join me for 1-2 beers?"

No. 2: "Of course! BTW; 12 is written without a hyphen..."