“Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they’ve killed the night,” Hemingway once wrote about Spain’s capital. And he wasn’t wrong. Here, sunset doesn’t mark the end of the day — it’s the beginning of an adventure, where the city transforms into a beacon of mixology. From the winding streets of Barrio de las Letras to the elegant boulevards of the city center, a new generation of cosmopolitan bartenders is redefining the art of the cocktail, blending Madrid’s deeprooted drinking traditions with bold, international flair.
Pictura at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid
In the heart of the Golden Triangle of Art, Pictura finds its home at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz. Reopened three years ago after one of the most ambitious restorations in the history of luxury hospitality, this 1910 palace has been restored to its former glory by architect Rafael de La-Hoz and designers Gilles & Boissier. The bar, adorned with portraits of Spanish artists, stands out with its expansive counter. Here, cocktails are a feast for both the eyes and the palate, served in an atmosphere where Belle Époque elegance meets contemporary sophistication.
Devil’s Cut, in The Heart of The Barrio De Las Letras
Looking for something fresh? Head to Calle del León 3 in the heart of Barrio de las Letras, where Devil’s Cut now occupies the space that housed Casa Pueblo for 40 years. Making his European debut in Madrid, Shingo Gokan — ranked 7th among the world’s most influential bartenders and founder of the renowned SG Club in Tokyo, 23rd on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list — has opened a venue that tells his story. Each drink here narrates a chapter of his journey: from his New York beginnings to his triumphs in Asia, and now to Madrid. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a ritual: sherry, one of Gokan’s passions, is served using a venencia, the traditional tool used to draw the liquid from aging barrels. It’s a fitting nod to Spain’s soul.
The menu, divided into three acts like a play, ranges from early 2000s classics to creations inspired by Jerez wines. In the kitchen, chef Atsushi Furukawa reimagines Japanese dishes with Spanish ingredients in tapas form, creating a unique cultural dialogue.
Best Cocktail Bars in Madrid: Salmon Guru and Diego Cabrera’s Talent
Another must-visit is Calle de Echegaray 21, home to Salmon Guru, run by internationally acclaimed mixologist Diego Cabrera. Ranked 23rd on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, Salmon Guru also has outposts in Dubai and Milan. If Hemingway were alive today, he’d likely be captivated by its eclectic style.
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