Cocktails: From Classical To Avant-Garde

The Catalans take things seriously. Not only when it has to do with their endeavours in finally becoming an independent state, but also when it comes to Catalonia establishing itself as the top destination for American bars and in the art of cocktails.

That Barcelona is globally considered to be a hip party town is well known. Apart from its major events, this city has managed to conjure up a creative and high quality cocktail scene in trendy bars, from the classic long drink to the avant garden cocktail.

Let’s start with the classics. Cocktail gourmet’s will inevitably find themselves at the long bar of Javier de las Muelas Dry Martini. As the name already suggests, martini, with all variations, plays the main role here. The barkeepers, mostly more mature in age, are treated like dignitaries by the regulars and often addressed as Don or Mi Captain.

Surrounded by so much tradition, it feels good to order something that goes against the grain. After a few drinks and an El Sitio Robusto in the bar’s outdoor area, you will manage to finally be recognised by the bar crew as a connoisseur. The dons, who normally seem very serious, like Taco, Benito or Ceferino, will say goodbye to you with a knowing smile.

Not far from the Dry Martini is Boca Chica, likewise also almost a classic. The stylish bar has been a temple of pleasure culture for some years now. They have everything here, a restaurant, lounge, club and a bar. Sergio Padilla’s bar has a good selection, and brilliant cocktails are prepared by Alfonso a la minute.

If the party atmosphere during the course of the night gets too hot for you, you can withdraw to the terrace to smoke a cigar. The next stop is the famous/notorious ocean on the lovely Place Real.

After you have been led to the bar through the nice outdoor seating area by impressive transvestites, Miguel Angel Bianchi will take care of your cocktail requests. From traditional recipes to his own creation everything is excellently prepared.

After this it’s Creps al Born. A small but fine bar, which used to be a creperie (delicious crepes are still served here) and where daily even the most knowledgeable and most travelled barflies are thrilled to enthusiasm.

The team surrounding bar head Marco Tagliabue knows how to enchant guests with tremendous charm, knowledge and taste. With cocktails like Spice Me Up (Tequila, agave nectar, chilli ) Popeye Sour (Fresh ginger, spinach, cachaca ) or Gingerman (Surprise) a night in Creps will fly by. It’s completely understandable that creeps al Born will become your local during your stay in Barcelona. Salud y Forza al canut!

Should you wish to know more about cigars and cocktails, please feel free to contact us today at Taylors Tobacconists.