If you’re in need of liquid refreshment and you’re in Madrid, you really have come to the right place! You’ll be spoilt for choice with some fabulous bars and cool cafes serving everything from cocktails to coffees.
Lucy and I took one for the team and carried out some extensive research in a very thirsty 24 hours – after all it’s important to keep hydrated – and we’re back with some full and thorough reporting!
1852 Dry Bar
Ranked at #40 in the Top 500 bars this classic cocktail bar is in an old palace and conveniently located across the road from Pez Tortilla (even though we don’t know it at the time!) There’s a street level bar upstairs, a cosy vaulted cellar downstairs and we give it bonus points for being dog friendly!
Service is lovely and the although the menu relies heavily on the classics there’s a great choice of seasonal signature cocktails too. Lucy chooses a classic old fashioned and mine is a Singapore Sling. Cheers!
Sambhad Cocktail Bar
We love this bar and not just because it sounds like it’s named after me, LOL! Located on a terrace on the side of a busy road, it’s a bit tricky to find but worth seeking out. It’s such a find!
Service is just delightful, the staff are super accommodating and very generous with the plentiful snacks and the cocktails are outstanding. Lucy gets a sangria (even though it’s not on the menu) and I can’t go past the Mai Tai which is so good we decide to stay and do another round.
Before we leave, our host offers us a complimentary shot of caramel tequila and who are we to say no?!
Bad Company 1920
Love me a good speakeasy situation and Bad Company 1920 is no exception. We ring the bell and when the door is answered say a password (I’ve travelled 20 miles to get here) which changes monthly and then get led down a dark staircase to a vaulted door which we have to dial a safe combination to enter.
Once inside we take a step back in time to the 1920’s and we’re well and truly in the Prohibition era, complete with the paranoia that the ‘coppers’ will raid the place. We feel totally gangsta and incredibly, the staff stay in character the whole time – they literally do not miss a beat.
The signature drinks list has something for everyone with sweet, sour, strong, exotic and non-alcoholic options. The drinks are all served incognito – Lucy’s Yellow Bird Heels comes in a shoe and my Collins Extinguisher arrives housed in a fire extinguisher. It’s so much more than just a drink, it’s an experience!
Hotel Emperador Beach Club
If you’re staying at the Hotel Emperador you’ll enjoy free uninterrupted access to the 10th floor beach club with it’s pool and terrace with full bar and waiter service. If you’re not a hotel guest, you can still enjoy everything that the panoramic roof terrace has to offer, just for a fee. You can even rent a cabana and enjoy a bottle of Moet and a fruit platter!
If it’s just drinks you’re after, entrance is free for all to the Sky Bar from 8pm to 1am (in summer season) for liquid refreshments and breathtaking views.
HanSo Cafe
If it’s good coffee you’re after, head here to HanSo Cafe – you won’t be disappointed. There’s also a great range of teas and cold drinks.
Come for the coffee but stay for the food, it really is exceptional. We both have the toasts – Lucy opts for an avocado caprese and I go for the portobello and poached egg – so good!
Santa Eulalia Boulangerie
Tucked away in a pretty Madrid street, here you’ll find great coffee here and a mouth watering selection of cakes and pastries in a modern, airy and relaxing space. I should warn you though that the baked goods here are so good, you should definitely partake, won’t your coffee feel too wet without one?
What’s your favourite beverage? And if you have any places to add to the list, I’m all ears!
