Why is Barcelona Famous for Cocktails?
The cocktail scene in Barcelona is no longer “just sangria”. It has made quite a stir of late, thanks to its iconic drinks gaining global appeal. In 2022 and 2023, two Barcelona bars came out as Number 1 in the The World’s 50 Best Bars – more on that later. So there’s quite a lot of ground to cover when it comes to Barcelona’s best cocktails and drinks. But I am here to be your guide!
Here’s my definitive list – the top tipples and world class cocktails to try in the Catalan capital and where to find them.
Top Drinks and Cocktails in Barcelona – My 2024 List
- Sangria at Casa Lolea (C/Sant Pere Més Alt, 49)
Yes, you should still have a jug of sangria while in Barcelona. So head to Casa Lolea, a veritable sangria institution in El Born district. Or, join me at Savour Academy and learn how to make it at my Sangria Class & Tapas workshop!
- Honey Mead in Bar Mariatchi (C/Codols 14)
What started off as a hole in the wall squat bar in 2004, became famous for drop-in sessions by the owner’s friend, famous musician Manu Chao. The popularity of this colourful, musical Barcelona bar continues, along with their homemade honey mead – a Bar Mariachi must!
- Vermut at Quimet & Quimet (C/Poeta Cabanyes, 25)
Once known as the aperitif of grannies, vermouth, or as they say over here, vermut, made a massive comeback this century as a hip, weekender drink. As a mixed drink it is served with a slice of orange and an anchovied olive on a stick, sometimes with ice and soda. Many bodega bars (and also fashionable day-drinking events) serve vermouth. If you are in the Poble Sec neighbourhood, Quimet & Quimet is the classic vermouth-sipping establishment.
- Leche de Pantera at various bars (C/ de la Mercè)
This “panther milk” mixed drink was hugely popular in the 1970s. For some reason, that popularity stuck around on one of the Gothic Quarter’s main streets. Each bar has a sign saying “Leche Pantera”, with varying recipes – so pick one you like the look of.
- Absinthe in Bar Marsella (C/Sant Pau 65)
Picasso and Hemingway reportedly hung out in this old-world bar in Raval, and I don’t think they’ve dusted the cobwebs from the light fixtures since then! But, when in Barcelona, an absinthe in Bar Marsella needs ticking off the iconic drinks list.
- Dry martini at Dry Martini Bar by Javier de Las Muelas (C/Aribau 162)
If you like martinis, this bar exclusively served dry martinis for decades, so it’s the place to go. It still maintains a very formal cocktail bar aesthetic – think bow-tied cockteliers in white jackets – but there is more on the menu now.
- Gin & Tonic in Xix Bar
After Ferran Adrià’s success in converting the humble G&T, or gintonic as the locals say, into an aromatic fishbowl of a drink, this mixed drink became a cocktail sensation in Barcelona. Xix Bar is at the forefront of gintonic fever, and you can sample a G&T from an ample menu that includes other fabulous cocktails.
- The Cloud cocktail at Paradiso (C/Rera Palau 4)
Coming up at numero uno on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2022, it is not surprising that you’ll need to queue for entry. That’s right, Paradiso does not take advance reservations. When you do finally enter, The Cloud cocktail comes recommended!
- Frida Kahlo cocktail at Sips Bar (C/Muntaner 108)
This self-proclaimed ‘Drinkery House’ then went on to take first place in the World’s Best Bars list in 2023 after a mere two years in business. At Sips you can book ahead – so make sure you do. The Frida Kahlo cocktail (tequila, Mexican corn liqueur, fino sherry, tomatillo) is hugely popular.
- Classic & Couture Cocktails Class at Savour Academy (C/Farell 12)
Don’t have time to queue up and try out all these different places in Barcelona? Savour Academy is the place for you! I’m offering a bespoke cocktails mixology session for private groups. You’ll learn the history and technique of some of the most iconic drinks, and sip them all in one place. Get in touch and we can plan your menu.
I hope this has whet your appetite to try out the best cocktails and drinks in Barcelona – cheers!
