The best nougat, at Casa Mira: Tradition and flavor since 1855.

November 7th is one of our favorite dates on the calendar, as it is celebrated as Turrón Day. And, there is no better way to celebrate it than with the artisan nougat of Casa Mira, one of the most traditional confectioneries in Madrid, which has been sweetening the lives of thousands of people since 1855.

In Casa Mira we invite you to discover some curiosities about nougat, its history and why Casa Mira continues to be the benchmark of tradition and quality in the capital.

A bit of history

Nougat, that delicious sweet that combines almonds and honey, has an uncertain origin, but it is linked to Mediterranean cultures, where these ingredients were abundant. Already in classical Greece a similar sweet was made that athletes consumed before competing, while in Sephardic and Arabic cuisine similar recipes using nuts and honey can be found. However, the most accepted theory is that it was the Arabs who introduced it to the Iberian Peninsula, and since then, it has evolved to become a symbol of Christmas in Spain.

The birth of nougat in Spain

Turron began to consolidate as a typical product in the area of Alicante and Jijona, where the cultivation of almond trees and the production of rosemary honey were abundant. These ingredients, combined with the Arab tradition of mixing nuts and honey, gave rise to the nougat we know today. By the end of the 15th century, it was already famous in the court of the Habsburgs, and over time, it became a luxury appreciated throughout Spain.

During the 18th century, nougat gained popularity and, with the introduction of improvements in the production process, such as the grinding of almonds to achieve a smoother texture, the following nougat was produced soft nougat of Jijona. This variant, more accessible to everyone, was a resounding success and marked a before and after in the history of nougat.

Casa Mira: Tradition in Madrid

To talk about nougat in Madrid is to talk about Casa Mira. Founded in 1855 by Luis Mira, a young man from Jijonenco who arrived in the capital with a cart loaded with nougat and ready to conquer the palates of Madrid. His success was such that he soon opened his first store in Carrera de San Jerónimo, where today, more than 180 years later, he is still working and offering the best nougat in the city.

What sets Casa Mira apart from other confectioneries is its commitment to tradition. To this day, we continue to make nougat in the traditional way, respecting the original recipes and using the same high quality ingredients: selected almonds and pure honey. Whether you prefer hard nougat from Alicante or soft nougat from Jijona, at Casa Mira you will find a wide variety to suit all tastes.

Casa Mira’ s nougat is not just a sweet, it is an experience that evokes the essence of the Christmas of yesteryear, the family reunion and the flavors that pass from generation to generation. From its famous toasted yolk and coconut nougat, to the traditional Alicante nougat, the quality of its products is unmatched.

Curiosities about nougat

1. A sweet with history: As we have mentioned, it has centuries of history, but in the court of Philip II, it became such a precious gift that the authorities in Alicante had to control the excessive spending on turron for Christmas gifts.
2. A gastronomic jewel: In the time of Charles II, the Valencia confectioners’ guild tried to control its production, arguing that it was not a recognized trade. However, the turroneros of Jijona continued to make it and, over time, became the market leaders.
3. A luxury gift: During the 17th century, Spanish ambassadors used to bring turrón as a gift on their diplomatic missions, showcasing the sweet as an authentic gastronomic jewel of Spain.
4. Casa Mira, royal supplier: Casa Mira’s success did not go unnoticed. During the reigns of Isabel II and Alfonso XII, the confectionery became an official supplier to the Royal House, a recognition of the quality of its products.

Why celebrate Nougat Day at Casa Mira?

At Casa Mira, each piece of nougat is a tribute to tradition and good workmanship. We invite you to discover the authentic flavor of this sweet made with care and passion. In addition, our workshop continues to respect the traditional production times, something that few confectioneries maintain today. This is part of the secret of our success: first quality ingredients, ancestral recipes and an absolute dedication to excellence.

If you still don’t know our store in Carrera de San Jerónimo, we invite you to visit us. From the moment you enter, you will feel like you are traveling back in time, thanks to our original 19th century decoration, with its mirrors, glass counters and the shop window that still displays our huge variety of nougat.

Nougat Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate with us this tradition of ours and take home a piece of history and discover why we are the benchmark of nougat in Madrid. We are waiting for you with the best artisan nougat in the city! Or in our online store.