Barcelona isn’t just a paradise for architecture lovers and foodies—it’s also home to some of the most creative and elegant cocktail bars in the world. Whether you’re exploring hidden speakeasies or sipping martinis in classic lounges, this city will transform your cocktail experience. Here’s your guide to the top cocktail bars in Barcelona, complete with a recipe from each venue that you can recreate at home.
1. Paradiso
Hidden behind a modest pastrami shop in the trendy El Born district, Paradiso is a speakeasy that takes cocktail making to an art form. Ranked among the best bars in the world, this bar will transport you into a magical cave-like space filled with innovative drinks and whimsical lighting.
History: Opened by Giacomo Giannotti, Paradiso has quickly gained global acclaim for its playful and cutting-edge approach to mixology. Every cocktail here feels like a culinary experiment, with surprising ingredients and bold presentations.
Must-Try Cocktail: The Great Gatsby
This signature cocktail features bourbon, white chocolate, and honey—a mix that’s as charming as it is flavorful.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.5 oz White chocolate syrup
- 0.5 oz Honey
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice and orange zest
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine bourbon, white chocolate syrup, honey, and bitters with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with orange zest.
2. Dry Martini
A Barcelona classic since the 1970s, Dry Martini is the epitome of timeless elegance. The bar is a tribute to the golden age of cocktails, where bartenders in crisp white jackets mix up classics with precision.
History: Originally a gin bar, Dry Martini is one of the few places in the world that specializes in—you guessed it—perfectly crafted martinis. The sleek wood-paneled interiors and leather armchairs make you feel like you’ve stepped into a James Bond film.
Must-Try Cocktail: The Dry Martini
A martini made to perfection.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Gin
- 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
- Lemon twist
Instructions:
Stir gin and vermouth over ice, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Boadas
For a taste of Barcelona’s cocktail history, Boadas is a must-visit. Established in 1933 by Miguel Boadas, this bar holds the title as Barcelona’s oldest cocktail establishment and boasts a rich history, having been frequented by artists like Hemingway and Dalí.
History: Boadas has preserved its old-world charm, with bartenders in tuxedos pouring cocktails using a theatrical shaking technique. Located just off La Rambla, it remains a symbol of classic Barcelona.
Must-Try Cocktail: The Boadas Cocktail
A house blend that has stood the test of time.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Rum
- 0.5 oz Vermouth
- A dash of Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Serve straight up.
4. Bobby’s Free
Disguised as a barbershop, Bobby’s Free is one of the most theatrical speakeasies in Barcelona. To enter, you need to whisper the monthly-changing password to the “barber,” who will lead you into the hidden bar. Inside, you’ll find a retro-style cocktail haven with a mix of prohibition-era aesthetics and modern flair.
History: Established as an homage to the clandestine bars of the Prohibition, Bobby’s Free prides itself on creating inventive, bespoke cocktails.
Must-Try Cocktail: The Barber’s Punch
A tropical punch with a modern twist.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Rum
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz Lime juice
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and serve in a tall glass with a slice of pineapple for garnish.
5. Two Schmucks
Located in the lively Raval district, Two Schmucks is known as a “five-star dive bar,” offering a laid-back yet wildly creative cocktail experience. Founded by a Swede and a Brit, this bar has since been run by two French women who continue its tradition of experimental drinks and good vibes.
History: Opened in 2017, Two Schmucks has quickly climbed the ranks, gaining recognition on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Despite its casual vibe, the cocktails here are anything but ordinary, with unique ingredients like artichoke, olive oil, and white chocolate.
Must-Try Cocktail: Jerusalem Artichoke Smash
A cocktail that blends the earthy taste of artichokes with olive oil.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Jerusalem artichoke puree
- 0.5 oz Lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Olive oil
- Simple syrup to taste
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and drizzle extra olive oil for garnish.
6. The Alchemix
Fusing gastronomy with mixology, The Alchemix is where cocktails and cuisine meet. Expect mind-blowing drinks that often come with edible components, making it both a visual and sensory feast.
History: Opened by chef Sergi Palacín and mixologist Ignacio Ussia, The Alchemix pushes the boundaries of cocktail creation. Their imaginative drinks often come in surprising vessels like steaming teapots.
Must-Try Cocktail: Mrs. Potts and Little Chip
Inspired by the Disney classic, this whimsical drink combines tea, gin, and rosewater for a magical sip.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Rosewater
- 1 oz Lychee juice
- 1 oz Hibiscus syrup
- 1 oz Earl Grey tea
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a teacup, and garnish with edible flowers.
These cocktail bars showcase the creativity and sophistication of Barcelona’s drink scene. Whether you plan to visit the city or recreate these innovative cocktails at home, each bar offers a unique taste of Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife.