FOUR HUNDRED’S NOVEMBER HIT LIST - IT’S GIN O'CLOCK IN SPAIN
Contributor - Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant • 11/20/25
Did you know the classic Gin & Tonic has a surprisingly big place in Spanish hearts?
For ages, it was the go-to drink for off-duty Spanish chefs, and it was even the default behind-the-scenes drink at the legendary restaurant, El Bulli. About five years ago, something major happened on the local bar scene. We're used to seeing a G&T served in a tall, straight glass, right? Well, the "gin tonic" (as they call it) started appearing in these enormous, round balloon glasses—so big they look like you're practically sipping from a goldfish bowl.
Spain has become the world's biggest gin consumer per head of population. Demand has been soaring, growing by an average of $18% for the past five years. If you're heading to the Spanish capital, you must try one of these beautifully prepared G&Ts. Here are some of our top suggestions on where to enjoy one in Madrid.
Ten Con Ten I Calle Ayala 6
This very cool new bar and restaurant is hugely popular with Madrileño movers and shakers. The bar treats G&T with reverence.
Macera TallerBar I San Mateo, 21
At Macera TallerBar you can enjoy a unique and relaxed atmosphere and choose from a wide range of drinks. Special mention should be made of their signature gins distilled with special touches such as red fruits, ginger, and cinnamon. Their gin and tonics are impressive.
Bristol Bar I Calle Almirante 20
Ellie Baker's creation epitomizes Spanish gin culture, as well as flying a flag for chic British style in Madrid. If the encyclopedic gin list seems too bewildering, choose from Baker's Top 10 G&T combinations. The Bristol also offers gin-infused afternoon tea served in a teapot, and classic British dishes to match the sensational G&Ts.
LobByto I Gran Hotel Inglés, Echegaray, 8
If we are talking about the best places to have a drink in Madrid, we can't fail to recommend LobByto, our lobby bar in the heart of the city centre, which will win you over with all five senses. We encourage you to visit us and let yourself be conquered by a dry Martini like the ones of yesteryear, a gin and tonic with the perfect recipe or an "English", our signature cocktail.
DRY Cosmopolitan Bar I Hotel Gran Meliá Fénix, Calle Hermosilla 2
Javier de las Muelas's first incursion into Madrid has upped the ante for cocktails in the capital. If the Dry Martini here is probably the best in town, the G&T is not far behind. Bag a table on the terrace and, when gin-fuelled hunger strikes, order from a menu of classic tapas.
Gin Club I Calle Gran VÍa 12/Calle Reina 16
Opened in 2006, the gin bar at restaurant Mercado de la Reina was one of the pioneers of the G&T scene in Spain and is still as buzzing as ever. This would be a good place to kick off an excursion into night-time Madrid.
Contributor — Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant
From Mexico City, Ximena Lascurain brings to the Four Hundred Team a Latin flair. Growing up and attending Culinary School there, she has always been interested in the culture and gastronomy of her country. When she moved to NYC she attended the International Culinary Center where she certified as a Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to Four Hundred she worked in the kitchens of several Michelin star restaurants throughout Mexico, Spain and NY. What she enjoys the most when it comes to travel, is doing a lot of research. Specially when it comes to the "hidden gems" for local food and specialty coffee.