Madrid, a city of relentless energy and late-night revelry, has more to offer than tapas and flamenco. Beneath its vibrant streets lies a thriving cocktail culture brimming with artistry, innovation, and a hint of history. From the most classic spots to modernist mixology, it’s cocktail enthusiast's playground.
Cocktails are on fire in Madrid, marrying classic charm with a dash of innovation. Today, the city is a hotbed for those into cocktails, offering everything from ancient taverns to trendy rooftop bars.
On every corner, you'll practically stumble into a cocktail bar, one a bit more intriguing than the last. Tapas is to Madrid, but the budding culture of cocktails is making waves around the city. At style bars such as Salmon Guru, mixes are part-performance-part-science, while a sip at hidden speakeasies such as 1862 Dry Bar carries you back in time to the golden age of cocktails.
The only thing that rivals the city's cosmopolitan vibe is its creativity. Seasonal ingredients, local spirits like Licor 43, and global techniques come together in a perfect storm that makes Madrid the holy grail of any drinker who appreciates their well-crafted cocktail.
Madrid doesn't just serve cocktails; it celebrates them.
A bit of history...
Cocktails have been around in Madrid since the early 20th century. Bars like Chicote on Gran Vía set standards then for Hollywood stars and Spanish elites when it was the Golden Age; Ernest Hemingway and Ava Gardner were rumoured regulars.
Although slow to get going internationally, over the past twenty years, a renaissance has occurred. Now, the city stands on its own as one of the cocktail capitals of Europe, combining tradition with really avant-garde techniques.
Ingredients & Spirits used locally
Museo Chicote was once a spy hangout during the Spanish Civil War? Yup, people were passing secret messages over martinis like it was no big deal.
Or take the time when Dalí supposedly asked for a cocktail served in a shoe (weird, but very on-brand for him). Chicote delivered. The man literally turned footwear into glassware.
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Ingredients & Spirits used locally
Spanish vermouth
Pacharan
Orujo
Licor 43
Spanish brandy
Hierbas ibicencas
Cocktail Education in "Madrid"
Madrid’s passion for mixology isn’t limited to its bars. The city boasts top-notch cocktail academies that shape the next generation of bartending talent.
European Bartender School Madrid
Known for its hands-on courses, from flair bartending to mixology, it’s a must for aspiring bartenders.
Coctelería y Mixología Profesional Madrid
A Spanish-language academy focused on mastering the art of cocktails with a Mediterranean twist.
Iconic Cocktail Bars in "Madrid"
Madrid’s cocktail bars are as diverse as its neighbourhoods. From old-school institutions to avant-garde hotspots, here’s a curated list:
1862 Dry Bar
A shrine to mixology history, offering classic and innovative cocktails in a timeless setting.
Calle del Pez 27
José Alfredo
An elegant and intimate space perfect for experiencing expertly crafted cocktails.
Calle de Silva 22
Momus
Celebrated for its sophisticated ambience and inventive drink offerings.
Plaza de las Comendadoras 8
Santamaría
Known for its bold and creative cocktail menu with a cosy, intimate vibe.
Calle Ballesta 6
Harvey’s Cocktail Bar
A modern spot with a focus on stylish, top-notch cocktail creations.
Calle de la Reina 15
Jack’s Library
A bookish theme meets exquisite mixology in this refined bar, featuring a meticulously curated drink selection.
Calle de Santo Tomé 6
Salmon Guru
Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, featuring whimsical cocktails and a playful atmosphere.
Calle de Echegaray 21
Farándula Fearless Bar
Stylish, intimate lounge presenting inventive cocktails & international small plates.
Calle de Menorca 25, Retiro
Santos y Desamparados
A gothic-inspired bar with daring and innovative cocktails in a moody, chic setting.
Costanilla de los Desamparados 4
Del Diego Cocktail Bar
A family-run establishment renowned for its perfect execution of classic cocktails.
Calle de la Reina 12
Macera Taller Bar
Famous for house-infused spirits, offering patrons a chance to customise their cocktails.
Calle de San Mateo 21
Fifth Element
A modern bar known for a menu that merges innovative and classic cocktail techniques.
Calle Conde de Romanones 1
Hemingway Cocktail Bar
Paying homage to Ernest Hemingway, this bar offers beautifully crafted cocktails with a literary twist.
Gran Vía 12
Tandem Cocktail Bar
An old-school venue delivering timeless cocktails with precision and charm.
Calle de Velázquez 102
Angelita Madrid
A hybrid wine bar and cocktail haven, celebrated for its dedication to craft and flavour.
Calle de la Reina 4
Glass by Sips
A contemporary bar led by award-winning mixologists, perfect for cutting-edge cocktail artistry.
Calle del Barquillo 21
Cock
A historic cocktail institution with decades of expertise and a classy, vintage atmosphere.
Calle de la Reina 16
The Dash
A speakeasy-style bar with an ever-evolving cocktail menu catering to adventurous drinkers.
Calle del Marqués de Casa Riera 1
La Coctelera
A laid-back bar offering seasonal cocktails crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Calle de Fernando VI 2
Bad Company 1920
Known for its prohibition-era theme and exceptional signature cocktails.
Calle de la Luna 16
The Lab Room
A chic venue blending science and art in its experimental cocktails.
Calle de Alcalá 75
Future expectations...
The cocktail scene in Madrid is really buzzing. New bars keep opening, and mixologists are getting ever more creative, so the city is sure to remain a major reference of cocktail innovation.
