I, on the other hand, love beer. Spanish beer is great, especially Mahou. However, Cruzcampo will do in a pinch.

There's a great bar, la Dolores, at the corner of c. Lope de Vega and c. Jesus (a block away from c. de las Huertas. I recommend it for a caña, or a doble -- any time.

If you go another block further from Huertas, to c. Cervantes, the bar Cervantes has great beer and also vermut on tap. Their tapas are phenomenal.

The comments on the mixed drinks were correct. Spain is about the only place where I had to tell the bartender to stop pouring so that there'd be enough room for some mix.

I also recommend Spanish brandies. The better ones are as good as, if not better, than French cognac.