Where to Drink Vermouth in Madrid

Though known in the US mainly as an ingredient in cocktails like the martini or the Manhattan, vermut is one of the most popular aperitifs in Madrid, traditionally served over ice with a slice of orange and a couple of green olives. Vermouth is a way of life in Madrid, and you will often see locals having one or two with some tapas for dinner or getting started earlier on a sunny afternoon. Here is a guide to some of the best places in the city to indulge in some crisp, housemade vermouth on tap.

Casa Alberto

Located in the heart of Barrio de las Letras, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Madrid, Casa Alberto opened its doors in 1827, on the site of the former house of Miguel de Cervantes, where the legendary author wrote the second half of Don Quixote. The history is palpable here, from its classic interior to its menu of timeless Spanish dishes and, of course, the vermouth. Pair a glass or two with the rabo de toro estofado, a delicious oxtail stew typical of the cuisine of Córdoba in southern Spain.

Taberna de Ángel Sierra

Fronting on the lively Plaza de Chueca, the century-old Taberna de Ángel Sierra has long been known for serving one of the city’s best vermouths, even before its cameo in a Pedro Almodóvar film. Enter on the plaza side to drink yours standing up in the tiled bar, or enter on the side street to grab a seat on one of the long wooden benches in the atmospheric area behind the bar.

Casa Camacho

A staple of Malasaña, one of Madrid’s best neighborhoods for nightlife, this bar has been serving up vermouth on tap since the 1920s. The house speciality is the yayo, a lovely concoction of vermouth, gin, and soda water that goes down very smoothly. Put back a couple with some tapas to go with them, and you will be feeling ready to start your night bar-hopping around the neighborhood.

Taberna La Concha

La Concha is a can’t-miss spot on the tapas circuit of La Cava Baja, Madrid’s most emblematic street for food and drink. The tapas here are great, too, but the real standout is the house-made vermouth.

La Esperanza

Located on a lively street corner around the block from the outstanding food market Mercado Antón Martín, is a buzzing bar that is always alive with energy. It’s the perfect spot to get your night started with a pre-dinner drink.