Madrid: Paella & Sangria Cooking Class with Tapas Tasting

Summary

Paella by fire in Madrid plus sangria mixing and classic tapas

You’ll join locals in central Madrid to cook paella over a real fire, mix up proper sangria with eleven ingredients (not just wine!), snack on tortilla de patatas and jamón bruschetta, then sit down together for a meal that feels like family lunch. It’s hands-on, warm-hearted—and those little details will stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clang of pans and a faint, sweet onion smell as we stepped into the kitchen near Gran Vía. Our host—Miguel, who wore a faded Barça shirt—grinned and waved us over to the big ring of fire. He said it’s the only way he’ll cook paella. I’d never seen rice sizzle like that before, all golden from saffron, while Miguel explained why you don’t rush the fish fumet. Someone’s phone buzzed but nobody checked it; we were too busy tasting anchovy-stuffed olives and trying not to burn our fingers on fresh tortilla de patatas.

I thought sangria was just wine and fruit—nope. Miguel lined up eleven bottles (I counted) for his recipe: rum, gin, vodka, cinnamon sticks, peach juice… even grenadine. We took turns pouring and stirring; my attempt at saying “pantumaca” made everyone laugh (pretty sure I butchered it). The air smelled like citrus and summer parties. Then came bruschetta with jamón from Salamanca, salty and soft on tomato toast—I could’ve eaten five more.

Chopping peppers for the seafood paella felt almost meditative after all that noise. The kitchen windows fogged up from the steam, but outside you could hear distant traffic and an accordion somewhere below. When we finally sat down together—locals, travelers, even a couple from Valencia—the paella tasted smoky and rich. We finished with tiny glasses of Spanish liqueur (I picked herbal), clinking them together because someone said it was good luck. I still think about that saffron smell when I walk past any open window now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paella and sangria cooking class

• Prepare traditional Spanish sangria
• Sample Spanish omelette and ham toast
• Chop ingredients for paella
• Cook seafood or chicken paella
• Enjoy paella in air-conditioned dining room
• Taste three national liquors

Top questions

Is this Madrid paella cooking class suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, there are vegan options available if you let them know your preferences in advance.

How long does the paella & sangria class last?

The experience lasts around 3 hours from start to finish.

Does the class include food tastings or just cooking?

You’ll taste Spanish omelette, ham toast with tomato (pantumaca), plus the paella you cook together.

Are drinks included in this Madrid cooking class?

Yes, traditional sangria is included along with bottled water and tastings of three Spanish liquors at the end.

Where is the cooking class located in Madrid?

The workshop takes place in central Madrid near public transport; exact location provided after booking.

Can children join this paella & sangria workshop?

Infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers can be accommodated.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Please inform them ahead of time so they can adjust recipes to your needs.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madrid cooking class?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests travel to the location themselves using public transport or walking.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hands-on lessons making sangria with over ten ingredients, appetizers like anchovy olives and Spanish omelette, bruschetta topped with Salamanca ham and tomato, your choice of seafood or chicken paella cooked over fire (or vegan if needed), bottled water throughout, plus tastings of three traditional Spanish liquors before you head out into Madrid again.