Spanish social life wouldn’t exist without sharing food experiences with friends and family. Do you know Vermouth? It is one of the most remarkable drinks served in Catalunya, particularly in Barcelona. Today we want to remind you about this specialty and also share our recommendations. Let’s check it out!
What is vermouth?
Vermouth is an aromatized fortified wine flavored with various botanicals – roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs and spices. The origins of Vermouth are not clear, some historians say that combaining wine with certain herbs was actually implemented by Hippocrates (wow!). The other historians claim that the vermouth was born in Italy in the middle of XVIIIth century.
It came to Spain at the turn of XIXth and XXth centruries, this is sure.
At the beginning vermouth was perceived as a specialty which helps to maintain health and keeps in good shape. With the years the perception has changed and now what we expect from drinking vermouth is mainly whetting appetite before having lunch or dinner.
But it is not enough. Whetting appetite is actually an effect, the reason why Catalans go for a glass of wine is simply to meet with friends and family. The time spent on drinking vermouth is the time spent on sharing and living the moment.
Each neighborhood of Barcelona gives an opportunity to try a glass of vermouth. Nonetheless we chose several places which are the most authentic and the best to drink vermouth.
The Poblenou neighborhood is filled with many bars, cafeterias and restaurants but we recommend to get off the main track and walk into the narrow street called Carrer de Marià Aguiló.
Not many seats but vermouth there is worthy to sit even on the curb.
Photos by: Aneta Maciejewska
If you prefer to stay closer to Gràcia neighborhood you should visit Bodega Marin.
A place with a long history. It is more like a store but you can find some seats to rest for a while and drink a glass of vermouth.
Photos by: Aneta Maciejewska
A classic for vermouth in Gràcia neighborhood.
An old bar which keeps the traditional aesthetics that we love so much: marble tables, wood refrigerators and a huge collection of clocks. All of it makes this bar a unique place, where you will find locals enjoying vermouth with canned tapas.
Photographs taken by: The Driftwood Journal Barcelona Travel Guide
A charming bodega in Clot neigborhood. A great place to have an ideal match of vermouth and anchovies.
Besides of that, you can enjoy concerts and performances played in a small format.
Photographs from: Bodega El Sidral Facebook Page
BODEGA ARMANDO
A hidden gem in the heart of Raval neighborhood, a little place where socialite mix with new neighbors. Enjoying vermouth with olives, cheese or cannery is a special experience you don’t want to miss.
It is perfect to stop there on Sundays, so after a glass of vermouth you can enjoy a visit to Sant Antoni book market.
If you want to discover more places in the Old Town of Barcelona you can join our tour.
We will be glad to let you try the best vermouths in this area!
Salud!
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