Best Cocktail Bars Madrid 2026: Craft Bars & Hidden Speakeasies Guide

Madrid never sleeps. Ernest Hemingway famously wrote: "Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night." In 2026, "killing the night" has evolved from the brandy-soaked evenings of the post-war era into a sophisticated pursuit of liquid gastronomy. This guide takes you through the best cocktail bars in Madrid, from world-class titans to hidden speakeasies and panoramic rooftops.

Upscale Madrid cocktail bar interior with neon lights and bartender crafting artisan cocktail — Craft mixology has conquered Madrid's nightlife scene

This guide is integrated with the StampsGo digital ecosystem. Key locations where you can collect digital stamps are explicitly marked.

🍸 Key Fact: Madrid has more bars per capita than any other European city. This density, combined with a national culinary obsession, has transformed the capital into one of the world's most important cocktail destinations.

🏆 The Titans: World-Class Cocktail Bars

These establishments have put Madrid on the global map, recognized by World's 50 Best Bars and international guides.

Salmon Guru: The Eccentric King

Psychedelic neon entrance of Salmon Guru with comic book pop art aesthetic — Salmon Guru: Madrid's most iconic neon tunnel

If one venue encapsulates the explosive creativity of modern Madrid, it is Salmon Guru. Founded by legendary Argentine mixologist Diego Cabrera, this bar is not merely a place to consume alcohol; it is a psychedelic journey into the mind of a visionary.

Philosophy: The name is a declaration: "Salmon" refers to the fish that swims against the current. Cabrera is explicitly anti-trend.

Aesthetics: Sensory overload divided into zones: 1960s tropical lounge, comic-book neon tunnel, and Asian night market aesthetic.

Signature Serves: Tiki Guru 2.0, Panthera Jackson. Served in ceramic dragon eggs, piranha heads, or robotic beetles.

Tip: Arrive at 4:00 PM (opening time) to secure a seat without a reservation, or be prepared to wait.

📍 Address: Calle Echegaray, 21 (Las Letras)

1862 Dry Bar: The Classical Sanctuary

Elegant 1862 Dry Bar interior with bartender preparing classic Martinez cocktail — 1862 Dry Bar: the temple of classic cocktails in Malasaña

Located in a palatial building dating back to 1862—the same year Jerry Thomas published the first bartender's guide—1862 Dry Bar is the antithesis of Salmon Guru. It is a temple to the classic cocktail, operating with a quiet confidence that commands respect.

Philosophy: The "Perfect Serve"—the Platonic ideal of a classic cocktail. No pyrotechnics.

Signature Serves: The Martinez (precursor to the Martini), flawless Gin Fizz, Cantaloupe Gibson with pickled melon.

Atmosphere: High ceilings, exposed brick, back-lit shelves of rare spirits. A favorite of industry professionals.

📍 Address: Calle del Pez, 27 (Malasaña)

Angelita: The Gastro-Botanical Laboratory

Angelita is perhaps the most intellectually stimulating bar in Madrid. Run by the Villalón brothers (David on wine, Mario on cocktails), it bridges the gap between sommelier and bartender.

Concept: Ground floor wine bar with over 500 references. Basement: hidden "American Bar."

Philosophy: "Zero waste" and "farm-to-glass." They grow their own herbs in their family garden in Zamora.

Style: Savory, vinous cocktails. Tomato water, roasted peppers, red wine reduction.

📍 Address: Calle Reina, 4 (Chueca)

Momus: The Conceptual Minimalist

Momus represents the "post-modern" phase of Madrid mixology. A small, sleek bar in Chueca that rejects clutter in favor of a focused experience.

Abstract Menu: Organized by color, geometry, or an "ancestral alphabet" of flavors. No beers or wines, only cocktails.

Technique: Highly technical, pre-batched or sous-vide cooked for perfect consistency.

For whom: The "cocktail nerd." If you care about rotavap distillations, this is your temple.

📍 Address: Calle Augusto Figueroa, 3 (Chueca)

🎫 Letras/Chueca Zone Stamps (4)

Literary Quarter

Plaza de Chueca

🔐 Speakeasies & Hidden Bars

For the traveler who enjoys the thrill of the hunt, Madrid offers a layer of hidden bars that require passwords, secret doors, or sharp navigation skills.

Bad Company 1920: The Prohibition Theater

One does not simply walk into Bad Company. Located in Malasaña, the entrance is disguised.

Entry Mechanic: Ring the bell and provide a password (found on their Instagram stories). After a "front" business, a hidden door reveals the bar.

Theatrics: Cocktails served in boots, fire extinguishers, or bibles. Names reference gangsters and prohibition lore.

Vibe: Staff stay in character, dressed Peaky Blinders-style. Perfect for groups.

📍 Address: Calle Ballesta, 16 (Malasaña)

La Santoría: The Witch's Den

One of the most unique concepts in the city. In the Literary Quarter, La Santoría is themed around Santería and witchcraft.

Atmosphere: Altars, candles, crosses, and dried flowers. It feels like the living room of a mystic.

The Potions: Cocktails are "potions" designed to cure spiritual ailments—to bring love, money, or ward off the evil eye.

Service: Intense and personal. Bartenders might offer a tarot reading.

📍 Address: Calle Lope de Vega, 30 (Las Letras)

🌅 Rooftop Bars: Drinking in the Sky

Madrid rooftop bar at sunset with gin tonic and views of Gran Vía and Telefónica Building — Gin tonic with a view: the Madrid sunset ritual

Madrid's skyline is one of its greatest assets. Recent years have seen an explosion of rooftop bars (azoteas) that combine simple mixology with spectacular views.

Picalagartos Sky Bar

Atop the NH Collection Gran Vía, this bar offers 360-degree views of the city's most iconic street.

The View: Unbeatable views of the Telefónica building and Gran Vía bustle.

The Drink: Gin and Tonics in large balloon glasses. It's more about the view than complex mixology, but the setting at sunset is magical.

The Name: Comes from a tavern mentioned in Valle-Inclán's "Luces de Bohemia."

360º Rooftop Bar (Riu Plaza España)

The highest and most famous view in Madrid, on the 27th floor of the Riu Hotel.

The Experience: Often queues and a cover charge, but the view is unparalleled.

The Skywalk: Glass walkway that lets you walk over the city streets, 27 floors down.

Tip: Go for the photo, stay for one drink, then descend to street level for better cocktails.

More options in our Best Madrid Rooftops Guide.

🍷 The Vermouth Ritual: A Madrid Essential

Traditional Yayo at Casa Camacho with worn marble bar and sawdust floor — The Yayo at Casa Camacho: rite of passage for authentic Madrid

One cannot discuss drinking in Madrid without addressing El Vermut. It is not just a drink; it is a time of day (La Hora del Vermut). Between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, before the late Spanish lunch, Madrileños flock to taverns for vermouth from the tap.

Temples of Vermouth

Venue	Neighborhood	Feature	Order
Bodega de la Ardosa	Chueca	Historic (1892)	Vermouth + Tortilla
Casa Camacho	Malasaña	Sawdust Floor	The "Yayo"
Taberna Ángel Sierra	Chueca	Zinc Bar	Draft Vermut + Olives
La Hora del Vermut	Mercado San Miguel	Variety	Regional Vermouth Flight

⚠️ The Yayo: At Casa Camacho, the Yayo is legendary: vermouth, gin, and sugary soda (Casera). It is cheap, potent, and a rite of passage for anyone wanting to experience the "real" Madrid.

🗺️ StampsGo Routes: Cocktails by Neighborhood

1

The Literary Drinker (Las Letras)

Theme: History, Literature, and High Mixology. This neighborhood was home to Cervantes and Lope de Vega.

Stop 1: Viva Madrid (Manuel Fernández y González, 7). Historic tavern.

Stop 2: Salmon Guru (Echegaray, 21). The modern icon. Book ahead!

Stop 3: La Santoría (Lope de Vega, 30). Speakeasy potion bar.

2

The Bohemian Classic (Malasaña)

Theme: Counter-culture, Rock, and Classic Vibes. The heart of La Movida.

Stop 1: 1862 Dry Bar (Pez, 27). The classic corner.

Stop 2: Macera Taller Bar (San Mateo, 21). They make their own spirits.

Stop 3: Casa Camacho (San Andrés, 4). Critical Cultural Stamp.

3

The Multicultural Hub (Lavapiés)

Theme: Diversity, Art, and "Industry" Bars.

Stop 1: Savas Bar (Sombrerería, 3). The "bartender's bar." Run by a Lithuanian couple. €9 cocktails, simple and arguably the best balanced in the city. Where Salmon Guru staff go after their shift.

📊 Quick Reference

Venue	Neighborhood	Vibe	Signature Drink	Price
Salmon Guru	Las Letras	Eccentric/Neon	Tiki Guru 2.0	€€€
1862 Dry Bar	Malasaña	Classic/Elegant	Cantaloupe Gibson	€€
Angelita	Chueca	Gastro/Speakeasy	Savory Cocktails	€€€
Savas	Lavapiés	Minimalist/Local	Smoky Sour	€
Viva Madrid	Las Letras	Historic Tavern	Media Combinación	€€
Casa Camacho	Malasaña	Castizo/Dive	Yayo	€
Picalagartos	Gran Vía	Rooftop	Gin & Tonic	€€€

👔 Practical Guide

Dress Code

Cocktail Bars (Salmon Guru, 1862): Smart casual. No shorts or flip-flops at night. Dark jeans and a shirt.

Hotel Bars/Clubs: Dress to impress. Collared shirts for men.

Neighborhood Bars (Malasaña): Anything goes, from vintage thrift to high fashion.

Tipping

Not mandatory in Spain, but in high-end cocktail bars it is becoming expected due to international influence.

Rule: Round up the bill in taverns. In cocktail bars (drinks €12-€15), leave €1-€2 per drink, or 10% of the total bill for table service.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for cocktail bars in Madrid?

Yes, for the top tier. Salmon Guru, Angelita, and Momus are world-famous and small. Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended. For rooftop bars like 360º Riu, buying tickets online allows you to skip the queue.

What is the dress code for Madrid nightlife?

Smart Casual. Madrid is stylish but not stiff. Men should avoid shorts and sandals in the evening. Dark jeans, leather shoes/clean sneakers, and a button-down or nice tee are safe bets.

What is a "Yayo" and where do I get it?

The Yayo is a legendary strong drink (Vermouth, Gin, Soda). You get it at Casa Camacho in Malasaña. It is cheap, potent, and a rite of passage.

Is it safe to walk between these neighborhoods at night?

Generally, yes. Madrid is one of the safest capitals in Europe. The areas of Las Letras, Chueca, and Malasaña are bustling with people until 3:00 or 4:00 AM. However, always be wary of pickpockets in tourist hubs like Sol and Gran Vía.

What is the best time for vermouth?

Between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, especially on Sundays. That is when locals practice the ritual before the late Spanish lunch.

🍸 Collect Stamps on Your Cocktail Trail

Activate the "Literary Route" or "Bohemian Route" on StampsGo and unlock unique digital stamps as you explore Madrid's best cocktail bars.

View Madrid Routes

For more guides, check our Madrid Drinks Guide, the Ponzano Guide, Best Rooftops, or the Hidden Gems Guide.

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