In search of Spain’s noteworthy cocktail bars

Spain has long pioneered the road to world-class gastronomy and its approach to mixology is no different. For travellers who prefer to start their night with a generous G&T and end it with a Negroni, we’ve deviated from the main roads and gone in search of Spain’s particularly noteworthy cocktail bars.

Macera Taller Bar in Madrid

Hidden away in Madrid’s cosmopolitan Chueca neighbourhood, Macera Taller Bar is the go-to for artisanal cocktails. Macera’s concept is hinged on the notions of innovation and flavour; using natural ingredients such as Ibizan herbs and pacharán, these are macerated (crushed and soaked in liquor) to make homemade spirits, which form the base of their distinctive selection of cocktails. Think ginger gin, cinnamon and orange-infused rum or opt for a classic cocktail with an infused twist. There are plenty of options so put your trust in the hands of the diligent bartenders and admire the sprawling gallery wall of colourful liquor bottles and vials. The stylish Room Mate Oscar hotel is only a 10-minute walk away.

Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar in Barcelona

Barcelona has a string of excellent drinking dens and Hemingway is a refreshingly small and solid option that caters to those in search of craft. Located in the Eixample neighbourhood, it’s an unassuming spot that’s ideal for solo travellers or anyone feeling charmed enough to make some new friends. The bar doesn’t shy away from its name, so embrace the Hemingway references in true Hemingway style – with a drink in your hand. Find yourself a spot at the bar and order a classic cocktail like a Negroni. Once you’ve had your fill, wander down the road to nearby Hotel La Casa del Sol.

La vida de la gente in Málaga

Clad in industrial furnishings, exposed brick and decorated with retro furniture, La vida de la gente is a moody cocktail bar in Málaga’s historic centre. A name that translates to ‘The life of the people’, the bar has a welcoming feel where a lively mix of locals and tourists mingle over expertly made cocktails. There’s a slightly more tropical edge to some of the drinks on offer, perhaps courtesy of the city’s southern location, so look out for the likes of a grapefruit and rosemary mojito, or a mango, chilli and spearmint variation to make an appearance. It’s easy to while away the entire evening here but when you do choose to go, head to the rustic Patio de Arance apartment.

Gin Fizz in Bilbao

A delicate, whimsical affair, Gin Fizz in Bilbao is all fun and finesse. Just moments from the city’s towering Guggenheim Museum, duck underneath the bar’s awning and through its duck-egg blue door and get swept up in the floral decor and glitzy details. A bar that specialises in fizzes, try the ‘Gin Fizz’ with citrus or the Silver and Harmony fizz that come with eggnog and almond liqueur respectively. Cocktail connoisseurs with a sweet tooth will find a lot to love here, though traditionalists can rest assured they’ll be catered for too (the ‘Gin Mare’ with lemon juice and fig jam is a nice twist on a G&T). Sit yourself down on an antique leather sofa in one of the bar’s cosy alcoves and savour every sip. The bma apartment is a short walk away and will keep you well placed for an early morning museum trip – if the cocktails didn’t get to you.

Bar Americano in Seville

An elegant, art deco-style bar housed in Seville’s Hotel Alfonso XIII, Bar Americano is effortlessly cool in character and cocktails. It takes its name from an old Spanish tavern tradition, as venues with long bars were known as American bars. Consequently, you’ll find a 10-metre long bar here, which should give you just enough room to sample a few of the exquisite concoctions on offer. Try the sherry-based ‘The Discovery of Heaven’ or one of the many gin cocktails such as the Earl Grey-infused ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Time spent admiring the sapphire decor, etched mirror and gold detailing is an equally worthy activity, before you call it a night and head upstairs.

Brassclub in Palma de Mallorca

An essential stop in Palma de Mallorca, Brassclub is an award-winning cocktail venue producing drinks known for their theatricality and originality. Cocktails like the Mango & Curry Thai sound eventful enough – made with tequila, mango, coconut, agave, Kiaw Waan and keffir lime – but couple that with it being served in a traditional wooden bowl and garnished with an assortment of colourful herbs takes this drink to an entirely new level. Sip on a Spanish and Filipino fusion drink of rum, coconut water and ginger from a Mallorcan clay jar or try a Peruvian and Japanese concoction that pairs sake, chamomile-infused pisco and green tea. Imagine your wildest cocktail combinations and you’ll no doubt find them on Brassclub’s extensive menu. After all the excitement, opt for the restful Nakar Hotel for the night.