Madrid may be best known for its tapas bars, but there are plenty of places you can grab a fabulous cocktail, too. Whether you’re in the mood for something timeless and classic, like a margarita, or something mind-blowing that contains liquid smoke and honey caviar, the best cocktail bars in Madrid will satisfy your craving!

There’s absolutely loads to see in Spain’s capital city, and sightseeing can really take it out of you. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that at the end of a day spent landmark hopping, you can relax with a fun drink in one of Madrid’s many bars.

Whether you prefer a speakeasy-type place that dishes up mixed drinks from the 1920s or a stunning rooftop bar where you can soak up city views while sipping on a molecular cocktail, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to drinking spots in Madrid.

With so many enticing drinks to sip and places to visit, it can be a challenge to know which bars are worth seeking out. To give you a helping hand, we’ve created a list of the absolute best cocktail bars in Madrid with incredible drinks you’ll be dreaming about for years to come. Add these bars to your list of things to do in Madrid, and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time bar hopping in Spain’s capital city. 

15 Cool Cocktail Bars in Madrid

1. Sip with a View at Azotea Circulo de Bellas Artes

When it comes to spectacular views, Azotea Circulo de Bellas Artes is one of the top bars in Madrid. Ideally located on the rooftop of one of the most interesting cultural buildings in the city, this cocktail bar is an excellent place to stop for a drink after you’ve finished exploring exhibition rooms, concert halls, artists’ workshops, and a theater.

Not only does Azotea Circulo de Bellas Artes boast a convenient location, but it’s also where you’ll find some of the most incredible views in the city. The bar offers thirsty visitors 360° panoramic views, which cover some of Madrid’s most impressive landmarks. If you can plan your visit for sunset, you’ll be rewarded with the most remarkable sight as the city skyline becomes blanketed in shades of pink and gold.

There’s a small charge to access the rooftop bar, but it’s worth it for the chance to enjoy such amazing vistas. You’ll find a fantastic selection of cocktails, wines, and beers available, as well as loads of tempting Spanish dishes that will persuade you to stay for dinner.

2. Whet Your Whistle at 1862 Dry Bar

Don’t let the name fool you – the 1862 Dry Bar is anything but dry. This modern bistro-bar has a huge selection of classic cocktails and contemporary creations. Whether you’re in the mood for a Manhattan, a pisco sour, or something you’ve never heard of made with agave and smoked whiskey, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here.

This cool cocktail bar is located in the stylish neighborhood of Malasaña and brings a hint of timeless elegance to the otherwise urban chic area. Duck egg blue walls, fairy light chandeliers, and thought-provoking quotes dominate the decor and create a fantastic backdrop for selfies.

If the main floor of the bar is busy, sneak through the crowd and head downstairs. This section has moody lighting and a speakeasy vibe, where you can cozy up on a large sofa and make ambitious plans for tomorrow. 

1862 Dry Bar regularly hosts tasting menus made up of a set number of cocktails and small plates of food. These popular events always sell out, so try and book in advance if there’s going to be one during your visit. 

3. Order a Classic Cocktail at Bar Cock

Despite its unusual name, Bar Cock is one of the Madrid bars that every person in the city has heard of and has been to at least once. Unlike most drinking spots in the city, Bar Cock has a traditional English gentlemen’s club vibe.

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was exclusively used by intellectuals, poets, and politicians who would debate over the latest big thing while sipping on whatever drink the bartender decided to whip up.

Thankfully, today Bar Cock is a little more welcoming, and whenever you visit, you’ll find all kinds of locals and travelers filling the seats. Famous faces such as George Clooney have even been spotted here over the years. 

At Bar Cock you’ll find classic dark-wooden paneling lined with classy leather banquettes and intimate tables for two. The cocktail menu reflects the retro atmosphere, with all the classic cocktails you’d expect a place like this to serve.

4. Enjoy Cake with Your Cocktails at Lolina Vintage Café

If you find yourself exploring the cool neighborhood of Malasaña, seek out the Lolina Vintage Café. This sleek cocktail bar invites you to step back in time and experience what it was like to go on a night out in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.

As soon as you step through the entrance, you’ll fall in love with the remarkable decor. Peacock-inspired wallpaper, mismatched furniture, low-hanging lights, and every color you can imagine feature in this restaurant. Absolutely nothing matches, giving you the feeling you’re walking into a grandparent’s living room instead of a bar.

But don’t let the kitsch look fool you! It’s what makes the place so fascinating, charming, and enthralling all at the same time. Unlike most cocktail bars in Rome, this one has cake and cocktail pairings! Follow their advice and order a mojito with some carrot cake, a cosmopolitan with some red velvet cake, or a gin and tonic with a chocolate brownie.

5. Try to Get into the Exclusive Bad Company 1920

Bad Company 1920 is undoubtedly one of the coolest bars in Madrid. This venue is so exclusive that not everyone is allowed inside. To get an invite to enter, you’ve got to find the secret password, which is hidden somewhere on the bar’s Instagram account. Get it right, and you’ll be allowed to go inside a fascinating bar that looks like it’s been pulled straight out of 1920s New York. 

You won’t find typical cocktails here. Instead, the drinks menu focuses on the types of cocktails that were available during prohibition. Awesome names such as “Heinz Ketchup,” “The Elixir of Eternal Youth,” and “Betty Boop’s Lipstick” grace the menu. Don’t worry about getting a bit lost – there’s a helpful list of ingredients under each cocktail, so you’ll know what to expect.

The food menu is just as fun. “Sexy Fried Chicken” and “Bad Company Artichokes” are on the menu alongside several other bites that are presented in the same quirky way in which they were named. 

6. Try a Cava-Based Cocktail at Del Diego

Del Diego is home to one of the biggest rise-to-success stories in Madrid. The owner, Fernando, started out working as a bellhop in Chicote. He had no idea that 50 years later he’d become an internationally-acclaimed bartender with his very own cocktail bar thought to be one of the best in the world!

Today Del Diego is quite possibly the most famous cocktail bar in Madrid. It’s now run by Fernando and his two sons, who bring a welcoming, family vibe to the place. Boasting a prestigious location just off the famous Gran Vía street, in the beating heart of Madrid’s nightlife scene, Del Diego is a great place to begin, end, or spend your evening.

Take a look at the menu, and you’ll be wowed by the huge selection of drinks on offer. Here you’ll find everything from classic cocktails such as Spritz and margarita to Spanish-inspired cava-based drinks and a delicious selection of non-alcoholic options. If you’re not in the mood for a tropical cocktail, there’s a selection of gin and tonics available, too.

7. Order a Boozy Potion La Santoría

A fabulous competitor for the top spot on the list of cool bars in Madrid is La Santoría. This secret cocktail bar may look like a standard building from the outside. But when you step through the door, you’ll find that it’s anything but. La Santoría is a magical spot that wouldn’t be out of place in the book Alice in Wonderland.

With a tissue paper cloud ceiling, striking neon lights, random religious symbolism, inspirational stickers, and trinkets over every available inch, this cocktail bar is absolutely intoxicating – in the best way possible.

To reflect the unusual decor, the cocktail menu is made up of potions that are said to boost your strength, inner peace, and love. Innovative ingredients like licorice, apple sake, black cardamom, and plum wine are expertly combined and eloquently presented to create one-of-a-kind cocktails you’ll be snapping from all angles. 

There are two appetizers to go with the drinks, too – nachos and hummus. Although, it’s worth noting that they’re just for snacking. This spot definitely isn’t a restaurant. 

8. Spot Celebrities at Museo Chicote

The oldest cocktail bar in Spain, Museo Chicote has proudly stood in this spot since 1931. An ideal place to go if you’re searching for a blast from the past, Museo Chicote has a nostalgic glamor that goes back to the time Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardener would be found sipping cocktails whenever they were in town. 

Thanks to its immense popularity and lofty reputation, the cocktail bar continues to attract some big names, so be on the lookout when you’re there. You never know who could be sitting in the cozy leather booth next to you!

While many of Madrid’s cocktail bars are excellent places to relax and chat, Museo Chicote is the place to party. Around midnight, when the city’s nightlife really gets going, the bar is the place to be, with music, singing, dancing, and some of the very best cocktails you’ll find around Gran Vía. 

9. Order a Spicy Cocktail at Specia Atelier Bar

If you’re in the mood for something special and you’re wondering where to drink in Madrid, it’s got to be Specia Atelier Bar. This remarkable cocktail bar has so many bottles lining the shelves that they’re guaranteed to have exactly what you want, however obscure or rare it is.

Set in the Chueca district, Specia Atelier Bar is happy to mix up and serve whatever you fancy. But if you’d rather check out the menu, you definitely won’t be left wanting. Unique flavors, quirky additions, and stunning presentation make this bar a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

If you can handle the heat, opt for one of the spicy cocktails. They’re the most popular choice and look amazing in photos. Some of them even come with entire chilies in the glass! If that’s not your style, there are plenty of milder cocktails made with enticing ingredients like Madagascan vanilla, Colombian coffee, and toasted almonds.

10. Sip Drinks Crafted Using Centuries-Old Techniques at Macera TallerBar

Macera TallerBar may be one of the newest cocktail bars in Madrid to appear on the scene, but that doesn’t mean people are shy about visiting it. Located in the party-loving neighborhood of Chueca, this cocktail bar is quickly becoming a favorite among locals. Join them and indulge in some of the very best cocktails you’ll ever have in your life.

What makes Macera TallerBar stand out is the perfect method they use for their artisan cocktails. Each drink is made using alcohol that’s been distilled using traditional, centuries-old techniques. It’s then expertly combined with top-quality ingredients, fresh juices, and whatever other wondrous extras feature in the drink to consistently create deliciousness after deliciousness. 

The natural ingredients and traditional distilling method not only taste amazing, but they also leave you with less of a hangover in the morning. Win-win! Seating is very limited here, so unless you want to stand up all evening, it’s worth arriving early for a seat around the lively bar. It’s the best place to watch the master mixologists do their thing. 

11. Get Crazy at Salmon Guru

For some high-octane Madrid nightlife, look no further than Salmon Guru. This eye-catching cocktail bar is designed to shock with comic book-inspired wall art, neon ceiling lights, and animal print curtains. But all that is nothing compared to the bizarre presentation of their cocktails!

From chemical flasks and bathtubs to flower pots and tiger sculptures, you can expect your drink to be served in anything but a typical glass here. If your cocktail is served in a glass container, it will be enhanced with a spectacular decoration of dried sliced fruit, savory chips, pop rocks, or cotton candy.

As you’d expect from such a lavish presentation, the ingredients that go into making these cocktails are incredible and guaranteed to leave you wanting more. But with so many magical creations to try, you’ll never want to order the same drink twice.

Despite being located in Barrio de Las Letras (Letter Neighborhood), Salmon Guru is known for its music. Get there around 11 pm, and you’ll get to avoid the line that appears around midnight.

12. Get a Taste of Africa at Ficus Bar

Swap Madrid’s urban metropolis for something a little more laid-back and exotic. Ficus Bar is an African-inspired spot with spectacular decor that really will make you think you’ve stepped into a different country. Weathered white floors, carved wooden columns, and tropical plants as far as the eye can see create a fun and inviting atmosphere you’ll instantly fall in love with.

The walls are dotted with handmade arts and crafts from the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Mali, which are also the countries that provide the foundation for the exciting cocktail menu. Divided into sweet, sour, and dry varieties, there are so many delicious options here that you won’t know what to order. From a Lebanese Smash and an Aztec Smoke to a Mezcal Negroni and a Cape Town Pisco, whatever you order, you’re guaranteed to be in for a treat. 

If you can feel the alcohol taking effect a little too quickly, order one of the sharing plates. They follow a much more international theme and include options such as Ibérico de Bellota ham and 24-month-aged parmesan cheese.

13. Savor Housemade Infused Liquors at El Especial Taller Bar

If you find yourself in the Malasaña neighborhood, you’re just a short walk away from some of the best cocktails in Madrid. El Especial Taller Bar is located in this district and is known for serving some of the most delectable drinks that no other bar can even compete with. 

How? They’re made with their own housemade infused liquors. The expert mixologists combine exquisite colors, textures, flavors, and aromas to create amazing drinks that are so beautiful you won’t want to sip them.

An excellent place to go if you enjoy the flavor and scent of fresh herbs, El Especial Taller Bar serves loads of cocktails with botanicals, including mint, rosemary, basil, and sage. The ingredients sound a little unusual when you read them on the menu, but every element of each drink is perfectly balanced for total bliss. 

As well as the gorgeous cocktails, El Especial Taller Bar also serves shooters. They’re presented in the same spectacular fashion as the long drinks and in just as many flavor combinations. 

14. Splurge on Cocktails and Caviar at RADIO ME Rooftop Bar

Perched high above the busy streets of Madrid, RADIO ME Rooftop Bar is one of the most stylish and elegant cocktail bars in Madrid. An excellent place to visit if you want to put on your most glamorous outfit, this opulent bar will make you feel like a VIP as soon as you step out onto the deck. 

Located at the top of the ME Madrid Hotel, in the bustling center of the city, RADIO ME Rooftop Bar offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of an urban metropolis. Warm wooden decking, low sofas covered in cushions, and large green plants decorate the space, creating a sense that you’re in a luxury park in a fancy neighborhood, not a rooftop bar in the center of a capital city. 

There’s a spectacular selection of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, and soft drinks, but most people come for the amazing food. There’s an entire menu dedicated to caviar. But if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you’ll be more than happy with the likes of crispy calamari, buttery Iberian ham, decadent grilled sirloin, and baked wild seabass.

Book a stay at ME Madrid Reina Victoria

15. Get VIP Service at Enbabia Infused

Whatever type of experience you’re searching for, you’re guaranteed to find it in Enbabia Infused. A pink-hued cocktail bar that transforms throughout the night, Enbabia Infused opens with a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. 

As the night goes on and the music gets louder, a party vibe takes over, and the space is filled with people dancing. In the early hours, things begin to die down again, and a laid-back nightcap vibe brings everything to a close. 

Not only is Enbabia Infused an amazing place to hang out, but it’s also a sensational spot to indulge in fanciful cocktails. For 25 years, master mixologists have been putting on a show and whipping up incredible drinks you could never recreate yourself in a million years. 

For an exclusive experience you’ll never forget, book one of the cocktail bar’s VIP packages. They come with a surprisingly affordable price tag and reward you with access to private lounges and a complimentary drink, so you can sip away from the crowds. Enbabia Infused also throws amazing parties throughout the year. So check the website to see if there’s anything fun going on during your visit. 

There you have it! The 16 best cocktail bars in Madrid. Where’s your favorite place to drink in Madrid?

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