Ring in the New Year with Delicacies from Spain

If you want to bring some Spanish cheer and tradition to your New Year’s Eve gathering, here’s a countdown of the best mouthwatering must-haves to ring in the New Year.

On New Year’s Eve just before midnight, Spanish people everywhere celebrate by eating 12 grapes in rapid succession - one for each month - to bring luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. If you want to bring that and many more Spanish traditions to your New Year’s party, here’s a list of the mouthwatering must-haves.

5. Manchego DOP

It won the World Cheese Award in 2018 and cheese lovers will know why. If you haven’t tried cured Manchego cheese yet, this is the perfect time to start! Originating in La Mancha, It has an intense, zesty taste and a crumbly texture that’s rich, full and slightly salty at the finish. Made from Manchega sheep's milk, it makes an excellent party aperitivo.

4. Jamón Ibérico DOP

In Spain, celebrating the holidays without jamón ibérico is like not celebrating at all. This acorn-fed Iberian pig ham, cured to perfection, is synonymous with the season and a whole leg on-the-bone is usually included in everyone's shopping list! On New Year’s Eve, pick a fine aged jamón ibérico to add something special to your event.

3. Canned Seafood

An absolute staple food for snacking on New Year’s Eve, prepare to delight guests with a selection of canned seafood. From mussels, cockles and clams to tuna belly - pickled or in brine - you can serve it up straight out of the can with toothpicks.

2. Turrón de Jijona DOP

Need inspiration in the sweet tooth department? Go for the traditional Turrón de Jijona soft nougat, full of delicious almond and honey flavor. It will be a far cry from your run-of-the-mill New Year’s Eve after dinner treats.

1. Cava DO

Not just to accompany the grapes at midnight, but indeed the whole shebang, Cava (Spanish) is a sparkling wine  with (DO) status from  Spain . It may be  white  (blanco) or  rosé (rosado). A bottle of brut or brut nature - dry or extra dry respectively - is an instant crowd-pleaser. Cava is your co-host. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!