Barcelona's cocktail heritage intertwines with its vermut tradition, dating back to the late 19th century when vermouth bars became social hubs. The mid-20th century saw the rise of American bar culture through grand hotel bars like Hotel Ritz (now Palace).
The 1992 Olympics marked a turning point, exposing the city to international influences. The modern cocktail renaissance began in the early 2000s, with local bartenders elevating the gin-tonic to an art form and establishing Barcelona as a global cocktail destination.
