Best Barcelona Bar Crawl
Discover Barcelona’s Best Gin Tonic Bar Crawl as vetted by Damia Mula, professor of cocteleria at CETT.
While my list is much longer, the selection below will make sure you get your gin fix (or otherwise finely crafted cocktails) and make the most out of your trip to Barcelona, and still get home in one piece.
Remember: Drink Responsibly!
1. Elephanta
One of my favorite ones. I’ve visited Elephanta several times, drawn by the coziness of the place as well as their extensive gin tonic selection. Drinks are prepared by obvious experts, who know how to entertain a nice chat at the bar while doing their magic.
The place is small – less than 25 seats – a definite plus for atmosphere and if you want to begin (or end) your Barcelona bar crawl in a nice vibe.
Gin selection is exquisite, with more than 40 items to choose from, and prices range between 8€ and 14€, making Elephanta a real treasure!
Try the Barcelona Gin Tonic: made with Gin Raw (Catalan gin), green apple and ginger.
Or if you’re a Hendrick’s fan like me, go for the NOE Gin Tonic, a classic with cucumber and fresh rose petals.
Elephanta Bar Cocteleria, Torrent d’en vidalet, 37, Barcelona
2. Tandem Cocktail Bar
Another one of Damia’s recommendations is Tandem Cocktail bar, an old-style bar reminiscing of speakeasy, with soft lighting and also great for the beginning of your crawl: that time when you’re chatty but don’t need the loud music.
Tandem Cocktail bar is a bit on the pricey side, but we’re talking bustling city center so no surprise.
Also great for whiskey fans.
Hungry? Try some exquisite tapas at Cerveceria Catalana or Vinitus.
Tandem Cocktail bar, Carrer d’Aribau 86, Barcelona
3. Dry Martini
This bar, owned by trendsetter Javier de las Muelas, has been on the prestigious list of World’s 50 Best Bars for seven years in a row (an honor that only 6 bars in the world can claim).
A short 5 min walk from Tandem Bar and close to the Diagonal Metro Station, Dry Martini has a classy, old-school feel (think leather couches and white jacket bartenders) and a loungey feel.
Dry Martini’s commitment is mixing tradition, class & elegance, with innovation & intelligent creativity.
The staff is very knowledgeable, ready to prepare off the menu if you want. They have classics and their own creations – if you want to experiment and try something different.
Hungry? If the night is young, try something sweet at Brunch & Cake up Granados next door (closes at 8 PM)
Dry Martini, Calle Aribau, 162, Barcelona
4. Dr. Stravinski
Dr. Stravinski is small and slightly hidden, but getting your gin fix here will be worth it. Some reviews:
“The place is unique and worth a visit if you like Cocktail Creations in Perfection! It is quite small and not easy to find.”
“Awesome place for highly crafted cocktails. The staff is super helpful and can surprise you with recommendations.”
“Great high-end cocktail bar with good customer service and moderate prices. Only cons, limited seating and drinks take time but it’s worth the wait.”
Dr. Stravinski, Calle dels Mirallers, 5 Barcelona, 3 mins away from Jaume I Metro station.
5. El Paradiso
Find your way from Dr. Stravinsky to Paradiso, another speakeasy concept bar located a few minutes away, on the other side of the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica.
Paradiso is a swanky prohibition era style club, and access to the bar is through a freezer door, – if you don’t mind getting in line! A must try (note that weekends get pretty busy).
Decently priced drinks, with a large collection of both gin (ask the bartender) and whiskey.
The menu is designed by award-winning barman Giacomo Giannotti, and includes unusually presented cocktails – think treasure chests, trojan horses or smoked dome cocktails!
Try the Tea Away, with No. 3 London Gin, Earl Grey infusion and chamomille bitter. Served undercover, in a takeaway cup.
El Paradiso, Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Barcelona 4 mins from Barceloneta Metro Station.
Hungry? Have a bite at Bacoa Kiosko next door, one of the best Burger joints in town.
6. Ideal Cocktail Bar
Founded in the early 30′ by the grandfather of the current owner, this bar also boasts fantastic cocktails and over 40 variety of gins.
Also holds a great variety of tonic water – a good place to wrap up your gin tonic fix.
Also very appreciated by scotch fans.
Ideal Cocktail Bar, Carrer d’Aribau, 89, Barcelona 10 mins away from the Universitat Metro station
Win Bonus Points Below!
You’ve made it so far, but the night’s still young? Everyone needs a few aces up their sleeve, in the pursuit of the ultimate gin tonic bar crawl. Here are mine:
Banker’s Bar (at Mandarin Oriental Hotel)
An exquisite top class bar on the first floor of Mandarin Oriental on Passeig de Gracia. This is where I fell in love with Brockmans gin, served with tonic, blueberries and a twist of grapefruit.
Also head upstairs to their 360 view rooftop bar Terrat, offering great views of the city!
Bobby Gin
One of the first bars I’ve tried after moving to Barcelona, they are true to their G&T’s! Good service, very pleasant staff and decently priced.
XIX Bar & Gin Corner
Recommended if you want to throw in a G&T Tasting Course, or play the Russian roulette (gin edition) and sample something new from their over 100 (!) different gins.
Dux Gin & Cocktail Borne
Go to the top and try the Last Word. This gin cocktail, prepared with lime juice, Chartreuse, and Maraschino liquors, comes served in a martini glass and tastes as good as it looks! You can read more about it on Ginfoundry
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