Boadas Cocktails

Despite its prime location on the top of the legendary La Rambla, it’s actually surprisingly easy to walk past Boadas without noticing those distinctive red doors – which at least saves it from being jam-packed with shorts-and-sandals style tourists.

In fact, this unassuming cocktail lounge has been in operation since 1933 and as such is the oldest cocktail bar in Spain. It was opened by the eponymous Miguel Boadas, who first learned the fine art of mixology at the world-renowned La Floridita bar in Havana (in those days Cuba had the same party status as Ibiza does today!).

And whilst the Barcelona Life team are relatively recent patrons it’s hard to believe that much has changed since the 1930s, when luminaries such as Earnest Hemingway popped by for a daiquiri. Today, bar staff stick shake and stir classic concoctions like liberals, old fashioneds, Bloody Marys, Tom Collins and gimlets behind the counter in tuxedoes and bow ties and the whole joint oozes old-world panache. So don’t embarrass yourself by ordering a mojito.

For more louche lounges and other places to lubricate your tonsils check our guide to drinking in BCN.