How does Granada’s tapa tradition famously distinguish itself from many other major Spanish cities?

The tapas tradition here is famously free when a drink is purchased.

The defining characteristic of the tapas tradition in Granada is the complimentary nature of the food served alongside a beverage order. Unlike many other major Spanish cities where ordering tapas typically involves selecting and paying for each small dish separately, Granada operates under an established custom where ordering any drink—such as a caña, wine, or tinto de verano—automatically entitles the patron to a free serving of food. This arrangement fundamentally alters the dining dynamic, essentially turning a simple transaction for a drink into a multi-course, small meal experience without incurring extra cost for the accompanying dish, provided the patron adheres to ordering drinks rather than à la carte items.