What is The Legal Drinking Age in El Salvador

El Salvador is a beautiful country in Central America, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. But what about its drinking culture? If you are planning to visit El Salvador, you might be curious about the legal drinking age and the alcohol laws in this country. You might also want to know where to find the best places to drink and what to order when you are there.

The Legal Drinking Age in El Salvador

The first thing you need to know about drinking in El Salvador is the legal drinking age. The legal drinking age in El Salvador is 18 years old. This means that you have to be at least 18 years old to buy, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages in El Salvador. This applies to locals and foreigners, with no exceptions or exceptional circumstances.

The legal drinking age in El Salvador is enforced by the police and the authorities, who can ask for your identification if they suspect that you are underage. If you are caught drinking alcohol while being under 18 years old, you can face penalties such as fines, confiscation of alcohol, or even arrest and detention. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry a valid ID with you when you go out for a drink in El Salvador and to respect the legal drinking age.

The Alcohol Laws in El Salvador

Besides the legal drinking age, there are other alcohol laws that you should be aware of when you visit El Salvador.

Driving under the influence:

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol in El Salvador. The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%, which is the same as in the United States. If you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with a DUI and face penalties such as fines, license suspension, or jail time.

Selling or serving alcohol to minors:

It is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to minors under 18 years old in El Salvador. Violation of this law can result in fines, license suspension, or closure of the establishment. It is also illegal for minors to buy, attempt to buy, or consume alcohol in El Salvador.

Drinking in public places:

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places in El Salvador, such as streets, parks, or beaches. You can only drink alcohol in licensed establishments, such as bars, restaurants, or hotels. Drinking alcohol in public places can result in fines, confiscation of alcohol, or arrest and detention.

Drinking during certain hours or days:

It is illegal to drink alcohol during certain hours or days in El Salvador, such as during elections, religious holidays, or national emergencies. The government can impose temporary bans or restrictions on alcohol sales or consumption during these times to ensure public order and safety. You should always check the local news and announcements before you go out for a drink in El Salvador to avoid breaking the law.

The Best Destinations for Drinking in El Salvador

Now that you know the legal drinking age and the alcohol laws in El Salvador, you might be wondering where to find the best places to drink and have fun. El Salvador has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, where you can find various places to drink and have fun.

1. San Salvador: The capital city of El Salvador has many options for drinking, from trendy bars and clubs in Zona Rosa to cozy pubs and cafes in Colonia Escalon to craft breweries and live music venues in San Benito. You can also find international chains, such as Hard Rock Cafe or Hooters, and local favorites, such as Cadejo Brewing Company or Santo Coraje.
2. La Libertad: The coastal town of La Libertad is a popular destination for surfers and beach lovers, who can enjoy a cold beer or a cocktail at the many bars and restaurants along the waterfront. You can also find a branch of Cadejo Brewing Company here and other local spots, such as Monkey Lala or Beach Life Cafe.
3. Santa Ana: The second-largest city in El Salvador has a more laid-back and cultural vibe, where you can drink in historic buildings, such as the Teatro Nacional or the Palacio Municipal, or in modern and trendy places, such as La Ventana or Barbass. You can also find some of the best coffee shops in El Salvador here, such as Cafe Albania or Occalli Cafe.
4. Suchitoto: The colonial town of Suchitoto is a charming and picturesque place to drink in El Salvador, where you can enjoy the views of the lake and the mountains, as well as the art and culture of the town. You can drink in cozy and rustic places like La Fonda or El Necio or more sophisticated and elegant places like Los Almendros de San Lorenzo or Casa 1800.

The Most Popular Drinks in El Salvador

Finally, you need to know what to drink in El Salvador. You can find a variety of drinks to try, from beer and wine to cocktails and juices to horchata and atole. Here are some of the most popular beverages in El Salvador and how to ask for them in Spanish:

Beer: Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in El Salvador, and you can find many local and international brands.

1. Pilsener: The most widely consumed beer in El Salvador, a light and refreshing lager with a low alcohol content.
2. Suprema: A premium lager with a higher alcohol content and a more bitter taste than Pilsener.
3. Regia: A dark and malty beer with a rich flavor and a high alcohol content.
4. Cadejo is a craft beer brand that offers different styles and flavors, such as IPA, stout, blonde, red, or wheat.
5. Santo Coraje: Another craft beer brand that offers different styles and flavors, such as pale ale, amber ale, porter, or saison.

To ask for a beer in El Salvador, you can say: Una cerveza, por favor (A beer, please).

Wine: Wine is uncommon in El Salvador, but you can still find some imported and local wines to enjoy.

1. Chilean wines: Chile is the leading exporter of wine to El Salvador, and you can find many varieties and brands of Chilean wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chardonnay.
2. Salvadoran wines: El Salvador produces some wines from local grapes, such as Torrontes, Moscatel, or Malbec. These wines are usually sweet and fruity and are often served chilled or with ice.
3. Sangria: Sangria is a popular drink made from wine, fruit, and sugar. You can find sangria in many bars and restaurants or create your own at home.

To ask for a wine in El Salvador, you can say: Un vino, por favor (A wine, please).

Cocktails: Cocktails are also popular in El Salvador, and you can find many classic and exotic cocktails to try.

1. Margarita: A classic cocktail made from tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. You can find margaritas in many flavors, such as strawberry, mango, or passion fruit.
2. Mojito: A refreshing cocktail made from rum, mint, lime juice, and sugar. You can find mojitos in many flavors, such as pineapple, coconut, or raspberry.
3. Daiquiri: A fruity cocktail made from rum, lime juice, and sugar. You can find daiquiris in many flavors, such as banana, peach, or kiwi.
4. Michelada: A spicy cocktail made from beer, lime juice, salt, and hot sauce. You can add other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, or clamato.

To ask for a cocktail in El Salvador, you can say: Un cóctel, por favor (A cocktail, please).

Juices: Juices are very common in El Salvador, and you can find many fresh and natural juices to enjoy.

1. Ensalada: A juice from mixed fruits, such as pineapple, papaya, watermelon, or mango. It is usually served with ice and sugar.
2. Marañón: A juice made from the cashew fruit, which has a sour and refreshing taste. It is usually served with ice and sugar.
3. Tamarindo: A juice made from the tamarind fruit, which has a sweet and tangy taste. It is usually served with ice and sugar.
4. Guanábana: A juice made from the soursop fruit with a creamy and tropical taste. It is usually served with ice and milk.

To ask for juice in El Salvador, you can say: Un jugo, por favor (A juice, please).

Horchata and atole: Horchata and atole are traditional drinks made from grains, seeds, or nuts in El Salvador. They are usually served hot or cold, with milk and sugar.

1. Horchata de morro: A horchata made from the morro fruit’s seeds, which taste nutty and sweet. It is usually served cold with ice and cinnamon.
2. Horchata de arroz: A horchata made from rice with a creamy and mild taste. It is usually served cold with ice and vanilla.
3. Atole de elote: An atole made from corn with a thick and savory taste. It is usually served hot with milk and cheese.
4. Atole de piña: An atole made from pineapple with a fruity and refreshing taste. It is usually served cold with milk and coconut.

To ask for a horchata or an atole in El Salvador, you can say: Una horchata/un atole, por favor (A horchata/an atole, please).

Conclusion

Drinking in El Salvador can be an enjoyable experience as long as you are aware of the legal drinking age and the alcohol laws in the country. You can find various places to drink and have fun, from bars, restaurants, hotels, resorts, craft breweries, and coffee shops. You can also find a variety of drinks to try, from beer and wine to cocktails and juices to horchata and atole. Just remember always to drink responsibly and respect the local culture and customs.

FAQ

Q: What is the legal drinking age in El Salvador?

A: 18 years old for everyone.

Q: How is the legal drinking age enforced in El Salvador?

A: By the police and the authorities, who can ask for your ID and penalize you if you are underage.

Q: Where can I drink in El Salvador?

A: In licensed establishments, such as bars, restaurants, or hotels. Not in public places, such as streets, parks, or beaches.

Q: When can I buy alcohol in El Salvador?

A: In licensed establishments, supermarkets, convenience stores, or liquor stores. But check the opening hours, the legal drinking age, and the alcohol bans or restrictions that may apply.

Q: What are the most popular drinks in El Salvador?

A: Beer, wine, cocktails, juices, horchata, and atole.