Laura and Nalini take a deep dive into Spain’s sophisticated drinking culture in this episode of Made in Spain. They begin with the country’s ‘gin tonic’ revolution of the late 1990s, when Michelin-starred chefs started experimenting with balloon glasses, industrial ice and botanical garnishes, creating a much-loved Spanish interpretation of the classic cocktail. They also explore Spain’s indigenous drinks, including the Carajillo—traditionally a 50/50 mix of espresso and Spanish liqueur—and the Madrid-born Yayo, a refreshing blend of vermouth, gaseosa and gin.

In the Slice of Life segment, the pair attempt to recreate the 'Made in Spain' cocktail, mixed for them at Nova Bar in Benidorm. Meanwhile, they reflect on the country’s relaxed approach to alcohol, from the normality of daytime drinks to the famously generous pours served without the use of measures.

Salud!

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As self-confessed ‘shoeaholics’, Laura and Nalini delight in exploring one of the fashion industry’s best-kept secrets: Spain’s “shoe triangle” — the Valencian towns of Elda, Crevillente, and Elche where master craftspeople continue to create luxury footwear for the world’s top brands – a tradition that has evolved over generations and traces its roots back centuries.

The ladies recount their recent visit to Elda’s remarkable Museo del Calzado (Footwear Museum), where they inspected celebrity shoes and rare historical collections, and gained insights into the historical significance of the industry.

Meanwhile, in the Slice of Life segment, the pair enjoy handpicked wine and locally sourced dates. Plus, in tribute to Elda’s excellent Italian restaurant (Ché Ragazzi), burrato cheese. As always, Laura keeps Nalini on her toes with an entertaining ‘Spanish Phrase of the Day’, which is also footwear-themed.

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In this episode the charming Costa Blanca town of Altea takes center stage. Known for its whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets and blue dome church, Laura and Nalini share highlights from their recent visit, where they embraced the town’s bohemian vibe and dined at an authentic Indian restaurant. They also dive into Altea's fascinating and tumultuous history.

The regular ‘Slice of Life’ segment continues the Altea theme, with the ladies savoring a selection of indulgent desserts from the town's Pasteleria de Sabors, paired with freshly prepared sangria. Alongside various aspects of Spanish life, they discuss Meghan Markle's controversial association with the sleepy town of Porreres in Mallorca.

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While exploring some of Spain’s best luxury beauty products, Laura and Nalini reveal that you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay looking good. With superb creams and cosmetics available from pharmacies, supermarkets and even chai -store ALE-HOP, the pair provide a rundown of the best bargains in the country.

Continuing the theme of self-care, this episode’s Slice of Life segment is devoted to healthy food and drink. The ladies sample Nalini’s homemade juice and cucumber gazpacho soup, as well as knocking back shots of natural juice from Spanish brand Holistic. Meanwhile, the pair discuss multiculturalism in Spain and the bizarre reason why supermarket staff have been forced to take pineapples off the shelves at certain times of the day.

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Laura and Nalini relive their recent adventures in the very special Valencian town of Guadalest. Although home to only 300 or so residents, this mountainous municipality receives over 2 million visitors a year. And with ten museums, a medieval castle, a beautiful reservoir and a tempting array of bars and restaurants, there was much on offer for our duo to enjoy!

The Guadalest theme continues into this episode’s Slice of Life segment, as the ladies sample locally produced liquor and sugar-coated almonds, as well as Nalini’s home-baked olive oil mandarin cake. Meanwhile, they discuss their recent visit to one of Guadalest’s top (and most gruesome) attractions: the Medieval Torture Museum.

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Laura and Nalini take a deep dive into the topic of Spanish olives. As the world’s leading producer of the savoury fruit, olives and olive oil are an integral part of Spain’s culture. The duo discuss their recent visit to a renowned producer of extra-virgin olive oil, Masía el Altet, where they discovered more about the cultivation and harvesting of olives, which included downing ‘shots' of olive oil!

In the regular Slice of Life section, the ladies sample seven different types of olives paired with ‘dirty Martinis’ made from gin, vermouth and, unusually, olive brine. They also discuss their recent international travels: Nalini to Tetouan, Morocco and Laura to Cape Town, South Africa

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Does the tourist destination of Benidorm deserve its bad reputation? The ladies share their own perspectives of the town: Laura as a native, growing up there, and Nalini as a Canadian ex-pat. Although the ‘New York of the Mediterranean’ is synonymous with its nightlife and swathes of (largely) British visitors, the pair reveal that there’s a whole other side to it.

In their regular Slice of Life segment, the ladies sample Chardonnay wine from local producer Enrique Mendoza and homemade tortilla de patatas, while discussing two contrasting visits to Benidorm. One, a relaxed walking tour of the old town, taking in sophisticated bars and a restaurant with an unparalleled sea view; the other, a night out in the bustling tourist area, which included a visit to a karaoke bar.

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Laura and Nalini relive a recent day trip to Madrid where a visit to the prestigious Loewe store was among the highlights. The luxury fashion brand was founded in the city in 1846, and as well as this history, the ladies discuss the store experience and the company’s highly desirable product range.

While talking over other culinary and shopping delights of the capital, the pair sample sparking rosé cava from Spanish producer Freixenet and also enjoy the naughty-but-nice national treat of churros (still warm from the churrería). The episode concludes with Laura’s ‘Spanish phrase of the day’, and this may raise a few eyebrows.