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The best cocktailbars in Barcelona

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In recent years, Barcelona has become one of the most up-and-coming capitals of cocktail artistry. Tradition, innovation and creativity merge in the vibrant and dynamic mixology scene. Falstaff visits some of the most interesting cocktail bars in Barcelona.

Led by Marc Álvarez and Simone Caporale, this acclaimed venue is considered one of the finest cocktail bars in the world. It is divided into two distinct spaces - the vibrant Drinkery House and the more intimate Esencia. The menu features over 25 expertly crafted cocktails, alongside a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic creations. With impeccable service and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, it’s a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts and style seekers alike.

Calle de Muntaner 108, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

For over a decade, this venue has occupied the former Harry’s Bar and is now run by the Pernia family, a respected name in Barcelona’s cocktail scene. At the helm is Adriana Chía - the first woman to win the prestigious World Class competition and one of the most celebrated mixologists in the industry. The bar’s name pays tribute to a character from Casino Royale, a nod that carries through to a selection of cocktails inspired by Bond himself. Here, the classics are reimagined with elegance and restraint, no theatrics, just precision and craft.

Carrer d'Aribau 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

While many bars lean into spectacle, this one is defined by its focus on essence. A quiet favourite among discerning spirits aficionados, it offers depth over drama - yet still embraces imagination. Soon to open is Stravinsky’s Parfumerie, an inventive extension featuring a cocktail bar, an experimental lab, and a fictional museum dedicated to a Russian perfumer and alchemist. Innovation is at the heart of the operation, with house-made liqueurs and bespoke spirits crafted through techniques such as Rotavapor distillation, maceration, fermentation and low-temperature cooking. The bar pays subtle homage to its past life as a traditional grocer’s, preserving the original counter and a striking display of spice jars suspended in formaldehyde, a nod to both history and experimentation.

Calle de los Espejeros 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

A bar with a classic ambience where the focus - as the name suggests - is on the classic dry martini. Owner Javier de las Muelas is a legend of the local cocktail scene and of course also serves other drinks and delicious snacks.

Calle Aribau 162-166, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

A visit to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without a stop at this internationally acclaimed cocktail bar, ranked among the five best in the world. Opened in 2015 by Grup Confiteria and renowned bartender Giacomo Giannotti, the venue redefines the speakeasy concept with style and flair. At first glance, you’ll find yourself in Pastrami Bar, a seemingly unassuming sandwich shop. But the secret lies behind the fridge door - your gateway to Paradiso. Inside awaits a world of theatre, energy, and exceptional cocktails. There’s even a hidden private room, accessible only by password, where mixology becomes an art form driven by experimentation, research, and cutting-edge technique. A true destination for those who seek more than just a drink.

Calle de Detrás del Palacio 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

This bar makes you feel like you're in the last century. The charming 14 de la Rosa focuses entirely on sherry culture, whether straight or in cocktails. But it's worth a visit even if you're not a sherry aficionado: there are good wines and excellent coffee.

Calle de Martínez de la Rosa 14, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Opened in 2018 and now helmed by Ignacio Ussía - whose credentials include acclaimed establishments such as Vía Veneto, Ideal, and the world-renowned Gaggan - this venue delivers an experience as polished as its pedigree suggests. Guests can begin with a refined drink and an elegant bite in the lounge, or proceed to the tasting room for a curated menu that leans confidently into Asian influences. Each course may be paired with inventive mini-cocktails, described by the team as “a symbiosis of solid and liquid”, a concept that speaks to both playfulness and precision. The cocktail menu is equally arresting: signature serves arrive in bespoke vessels, often with theatrical flair. Highlights include the smoky allure of the Colima de Jalisco and the mysteriously named Ley Seca, whose presentation is as bold as its flavour. This is a destination where gastronomy meets spectacle - and neither takes a back seat.

Carrer de València 212, 08011 Barcelona, Spain

There has been a gimlet bar at this location since the 70s. After a gentle renovation, the Marlowe Bar inspired by the fictional detective Phillip Marlowe - also a lover of gin cocktails - opened its doors. This is excellent here, but there are many other drinks.

Calle del Rec 24, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

This bar in the Eixample district has been around for over thirty years. It attracts an older clientele, many of whom are regulars. They appreciate the elegant atmosphere and the large selection of cocktails, ranging from classics to signature drinks.

D Aribau Carrer 86, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

When you enter Boadas, you are transported back in time. The cocktail bar was founded in 1933 and is the oldest in the city. Illustrious guests such as Hemingway, Picasso and Dalì have drunk here. The team naturally masters all the classics.

Calle de los Talleres 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

TWO SCHMUCKS has been on every list of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona for years. There are excellent creative cocktails, served by an uncomplicated team in a relaxed atmosphere. According to the bar itself, it is a "five-star pub".

Calle de Joaquín Costa 52, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Opened just two years ago, this venue is the European counterpart to the legendary Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires, widely regarded as one of the world’s top fifty bars. Conceived by the visionary Tato Giovannoni, and backed by notable names such as Diego Cabrera of Salmon Gurú and entrepreneur Alejandro Resnik, the bar brings Argentine spirit to European soil with unmistakable flair. The concept is immersive: an underground space cloaked in shadowy, oceanic hues, evoking the mysterious ambience of a shipwreck resting on the seabed. Within this atmospheric setting, Argentina’s rich culinary heritage meets world-class mixology. The result is a seamless blend of tradition and innovation - bold, refined, and utterly transportive.

Avinguda del Marquès de l'Argentera 19, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Just over two years ago, designers Lázaro Rosa-Violán and José María Morera reimagined the former Derby cocktail bar as Nuts - a sleek, understated venue where guests can enjoy fine drinks, elegant small plates, and live music. The bar showcases premium spirits, natural mixers, and a thoughtfully chosen selection of distinctive wines, all served in a setting that balances sophistication with relaxed charm.

Carrer de Muntaner 147, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

A decade has passed since this venue first opened its doors on Pujades Street, in the heart of Poblenou. For years, it stood as the neighbourhood’s beloved hardware store - its original tiled façade and vintage signage still intact, now serving as a respectful nod to its past. When the shop finally shuttered, Grup Confiteria stepped in and transformed the space into something altogether different, yet no less characterful. Today, it’s a stylish hideaway where locals and visitors alike gather for expertly crafted drinks, light bites, and live jazz every Sunday evening. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, the service warm and attentive. Classic cocktails are reimagined with flair and precision, making it as much a place for connoisseurs as it is for casual evening seekers.

Carrer de Pujades 196, 08005 Barcelona, Spain