For many, full holiday mode is only activated once sat sipping on something fruity in a cool cocktail bar, lapping up the local atmosphere.
If you’ve touched down in Barcelona and are keen to toast to the days ahead, our round-up is sure to come in handy. With a plethora of beguiling cocktail spots, from local neighbourhood dive bars to luxury five-star hotels, and boasting some of the best Cava, Sangria, and Vermut the country has to offer, the coastal Spanish city is a tipple-lovers delight.
Casa Bonay
After a long day of sightseeing you’ll no doubt want to escape Barcelona’s busy streets and retreat for some much needed R&R. Chiringuito’s rooftop bar is the perfect spot to chill. Located atop the super cool Casa Bonay, this bolthole is full of leafy green plants, with beach shack decor and chilled vibes galore. Their cocktail offering is pretty small, with only three serves on the menu, but they make up for it with their extensive range of natural wines. Pair your tipple of choice with some of their seasonal barbecue dishes, which are prepared and cooked on their rooftop BBQ.
CF Top Tip – Chiringuito’s attracts a cool crowd, especially on a weekend, so make sure you dress to impress.
Mandarin Oriental
With 360-degree views of the city and a wowing infinity pool to boot, Bar Terrat is an ideal spot from which to soak up the Spanish sun – whilst sipping on cocktails, naturally. Part of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, the bar is primely situated on the busy Passag de Gracia. The cocktails available at Bar Terrat include a variety of twists on the classics, including a savoury Mediterranean Negroni and a Bloody Andaluz, made with gazpacho. The food menu at Bar Terrat is also worth a mention, with a range of Peruvian-inspired dishes to choose from. Celebrating something big? Bar Terrat is the perfect place to get dolled up and raise a glass to any occasion.
Casa Luz
If there is one thing Barcelona has in abundance, it’s rooftop bars. Up there with the best: Restaurante Casa Luz. Plotted on the roof of Casa Luz, this bar and restaurant is a brand new destination for al-fresco drinks and nibbles, only opening its doors in summer 2021. Views over the city, the experimental food menu, and live music three times a week, are it’s top-line sells. Food must-orders include their decadent truffle tortilla; best washed down with a Tommy’s Margarita.
CF Top Tip – Head up to Casa Luz in time for sunset and enjoy a sundowner or two with a breathtaking view.
El Paradiso
El Paradiso is one of Barcelona’s most energetic bars, from novelty glassware to light-up menus it’s guaranteed to inject some fun into your night. After passing through the secret entrance (an old pastrami shop) you’ll be greeted by Dalí-esque interiors, upbeat music, and an award-winning cocktail list. Try the ‘Gelato Paradiso’, the bar’s creative cocktail served in an cone-type vessel that almost looks too good to drink.
CF Top Tip – El Paradiso gets livelier as the night goes on, so why not pop in for a post-dinner nightcap?
Two Schmucks
Nestled in the lively neighbourhood of El Ravel, Two Schmucks is a dive bar with a difference. The stripped-back bar is known around the globe for its cocktail-making skills. Their menu focuses on flavours, personality, and local produce from El Ravel, which is one of the city’s most diverse, up-and-coming areas. Our advice: order the ‘Curry Colada’ and kick back at one of the most relaxed, welcoming, and fun drinking dens in Barca.
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