to be one very popular drink barely survive in a small kiosk on Calle Narváez in Madrid. There was no celebration that did not have him barley water. We tell you all the details of this peculiar snack that resists the boom of commercial brands.
Barley water: a curious drink
El barley water is a refreshing drink from the province of Alicante and that was very popular in Madrid cafes from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, whose origin dates back to the aromatic waters, a typical concoction of the XNUMXth century. Currently there are hardly any places where it is served, except in some points of the Levantine province and in Madrid. As a curiosity, it should be noted that in countries such as Costa Rica or Peru there are similar drinks.
This soft drink is prepared from a infusion of barley grains, which are cooked for three hours. The liquid obtained is strained and sweetens with sugar, lemon or honey. It is usually served cold, accompanied with ice, since it is designed to cool off the hot summer months of the Valencian Community and the capital of Spain. Their low cost made it be considered a humble drink.
A kiosk with a lot of history
As we have already said, there are very few places left in Madrid where it is served. The most popular is in the number 8 Narvaez street, in the District of Salamanca. It is the Kiosko de Miguel y José. Since 1944, the Guilabert family has opened its legendary horchata and barley water, a business that is now in its fourth generation. His grandparents Francisco and Francisca emigrated from Crevillente, Alicante, at the beginning of the XNUMXth century.
In 1910 they started their beverage business in a little car on Cedaceros street, next to the Congress of Deputies. It was a white wooden platform adorned with fixtures and vases of the time. Later they moved very close, exactly to the Plaza de las Cortes. During the Civil War they moved to their hometown, and in 1944 they returned to Madrid, settling in the place where they are today.
A mandatory stop
Passersby, whether anonymous or famous such as Alaska, Mario Vaquerizo, Nieves Herrero, among many others, have the mandatory stop the Guilabert brothers' kiosk. The residents of the area are anxiously awaiting the arrival of summer so that they can enjoy their variety of drinks, especially of the horchata and the barley water.
Throughout the day they sell about 150 liters of its most popular soft drinks, such as those mentioned above, to which are added the granitas lemon or mint syrup, popularly called Gusalim. The owners make these snacks in a place of its own located in the area called Dehesa de la Villa.
Barley water and other foods in danger
For years, the Community of Madrid works together with food organizations and local administrations in the promotion of the products that have been disappearing from the markets and homes of the region. Among these foods are the collejas. This vegetable, similar to the artichoke, was very common on Madrid tables, especially in tortillas.
But without a doubt, where more work is being done is in the recovery of the chickpea. This popular plant was used to make flour, an essential ingredient for the manchego porridge that were also eaten in the south of the community. The pea was reviled during the Civil War, since at that time, its excessive consumption caused many people contracted lathyrism, a neurodegenerative disease.
Any company is required to protect their customs and traditions and gastronomy is. Tradition and actuality go hand in hand. The barley water It is part of this red list of foods in danger of extinction. A soft drink that the Guilabert brothers try not to lose from their humble kiosk. When you visit Madrid, don't hesitate to stop by and enjoy this refreshing drink.
