Where to get the best Gin and Tonics in Madrid
When the Cadbury Schweppes Company created tonic as remedy against Malaria in the 18th century, they had no idea it would become when combined with gin an excellent digestive. Thanks to the combination of sweet, bitter and anis flavours, the gin and tonic has conquered palates and bars to become one the most popular after dinner drinks around.
In the last few years, Spain has fallen in love with gin and tonic and is the number one consumer per capita of gin and tonics in Europe and third in the world. For long time lovers of gin and tonic this rise in popularity has had two positive effects: the first being the availability of more than 240 different brands of gin and the second is the proliferation of bars and cocktail bars where you can enjoy a gin and tonic prepared with the utmost care and sophistication.
Not long ago we told you where the best places in Barcelona to savour the subtle flavours of a gin and tonic. Now we are going to tell you where to get the best gin and tonics in Madrid.
Casa del Pez- Occupying first place on our list for their excellent selection of gins, their prices and especially for the professionalism of their barmen, who always seem to prepare the perfect made to measure gin and tonic. Would you prefer a fruity gin and tonic? Dry? With fruit, pepper or ginger? There is more than just the humble cucumber. Where: C/ Jesus de Valle, 1 Madrid.
Martinez Bar- Decorated with the old furniture from the Mansion del Fumador, an old tobacconist on the Gran Via, Martinez Bar is the ideal place for a drink with friends or to share a gin and tonic accompanied with cold meats, hummus, quiche or pates. You won’t want to go home…Where: C/ Barco, 4 Madrid.
Bristol Bar- Authentic British style in Madrid. Enjoy a glass in this gin and tonic temple, with more than 60 different gins carefully selected by specialist Ellie Baker, it is like exploring the world through your taste buds. Not only can you enjoy one of the best gin and tonics in Madrid, the last Thursday of every month they offer a free gin and tonic prepared with the gin of the month. Where:C/ Almirante , 20 Madrid.
Dry Martini Bar- For the third year running this bar has made it into the top 50 bars in the world, the team of Javier de las Muelas offers an extensive list of cocktails and of course the perfect gin and tonic suitable even for the Queen Mother. This bar is located in the Gran Hotel Melia Fenix and the decoration respects the classic image of the typical cocktail bar: wood, leather, mirrors and stainless steel. Where:Hermosilla, 2 Plaza de Colon. Madrid.
In the immortal words of Winston Churchill, “gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives and minds, than all the Doctor’s in the Empire.” Let it save yours or at least your night, during your next visit to Madrid.
