Buenos Aires' cocktail heritage begins with the legendary Café Tortoni, where European drinking culture first flourished in the 1900s. The historic Bar Plaza Dorrego established aperitivo traditions, while El Federal preserved classic mixing techniques through generations. Modern pioneers like 878 sparked the craft cocktail revolution, reimagining Argentine spirits for contemporary palates.
Buenos Aires: Where Aperitivo Culture Meets Avant-Garde Mixology
From the historic cafés of San Telmo to the speakeasies of Palermo, Buenos Aires embraces its European heritage while forging a unique cocktail identity. Local bartenders blend traditional Fernets and vermouths with native yerba mate and Andean herbs.
Buenos Aires' cocktail scene reflects its immigrant heritage while establishing a distinctly Argentine identity. The city's mixologists masterfully integrate Italian amari and vermouths with local ingredients, creating a unique South American aperitivo culture.
The trendsetting bars of Palermo and Villa Crespo lead a movement that celebrates Argentina's diverse botanical heritage. Here, bartenders experiment with mate-infused spirits and indigenous herbs, while exploring the country's growing craft gin scene.
The evolution extends beyond ingredients to service style, with bars combining Italian aperitivo culture with Argentine social traditions. Many venues emphasize sustainability, working with local producers and exploring native botanicals.
A bit of history...
Did you know that...
The Fernet con Coca phenomenon unique to Argentina started in the bars of Córdoba in the 1980s. While Italians sip Fernet as a digestivo, Argentines transformed it into a national cocktail. Buenos Aires bartenders now create sophisticated variations using house-made colas and local herbs.
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Ingredients & Spirits used locally
Fernet
Hesperidina
Mate liqueur
Argentinian vermouth
Legui
Cynar
Cocktail Education in "Buenos Aires"
Buenos Aires offers unique opportunities for aspiring mixologists, blending European traditions with South American ingredients.
Iconic Cocktail Bars in "Buenos Aires"
Buenos Aires' cocktail scene blends historic cafés with modern craft cocktail bars. Here are the city's most notable establishments:
Future expectations...
Buenos Aires' cocktail scene continues evolving as new bars in emerging neighborhoods like Chacarita and Almagro experiment with native ingredients. Watch for increased focus on Argentine craft spirits and sustainable practices.