Top 3 Local Alcoholic Beverages
in the Province of Alicante

Cantueso is a Spanish liqueur made from the flower and the stalks of Thymus moroderi, locally known as cantueso, a small plant from the thyme family. The drink is produced by macerating the plant in neutral alcohol. The macerate is distilled, sweetened, and then rested in barrels for a minimum of two years. Cantueso is a sweet and herbaceous liqueur. It is clear and colorless, though many producers opt to add caramel to attain amber or dark brown color. Typically, this liqueur has between 25 to 35% ABV. It is usually enjoyed neat, as a digestif, though it can also be used in mixed drinks. The popular option is to mix cantueso with herbero, another herbal liqueur from Alicante. The official industrial production of this sweet liqueur dates to the mid-19th century, though homemade versions were probably made earlier. It is believed that canteuso was first produced in Monóvar. Expand

Mentira, translated as a lie, is a Spanish cocktail that combines coffee liqueur and a granizado de limón—a typical drink similar to a lemon slushie or frozen lemonade. The combination was invented in Cocentaina at the beginning of the 20th century. At the time, drinking alcohol was restricted and frowned upon, and the locals thought of a way of adding alcohol to a non-alcoholic drink so they could enjoy it without judgment. The drink is typically made with café licor—a local coffee liqueur that is popular throughout Alicante. It is typically served in a tall glass with a straw. Expand

This coffee liqueur hails from Alcoy, though it is popular throughout Alicante and in Valencia. It is made by roasting coffee beans and then macerating them in a distillate. Typical alcohol content varies from 15 to 25% ABV. Unlike other types of coffee liqueurs, this version is not sweet or syrupy. The legend says it was developed from the tradition of adding a splash of aguardiente, rum, or brandy to coffee. The combination became popular among the citizens of Alcoy, and many decided to produce and bottle the drink. This dark liquor has typical coffee aromas and flavors and is best served neat, preferably well-chilled.Expand