Vermut in Barcelona: Where and How to Enjoy the City’s Favourite Aperitif

Vermut is a popular alcoholic beverage that’s hugely popular across Barcelona. This fortified, aromatised wine is typically served over ice with a zesty slice of orange and a bitter olive on the side, providing a refreshing sip.

The best time to drink vermut is at ‘la hora del vermut,’ when locals gather at lunchtime to share a glass with salty snacks. Long a staple of the city’s food culture, vermut has seen a strong resurgence in recent years and is now more popular than ever.

You don’t need to be a drinks expert to find excellent vermut in Barcelona. This guide will point you in the right direction on where to go and what to order. Here at Barcelona Taste, we also offer our own tours that take you to some of the city’s best vermut spots and let you sample delicious tapas with the beloved beverage.

What Exactly Is Vermut – and How Do You Drink It?

Vermut is a fortified wine that originally comes from Italy, but Catalonia has very much made it its own, and nowhere is that more obvious than in Barcelona. Infused with a blend of herbs, roots, and spices, vermut in Barcelona is often consumed over ice, with a slice of orange and an olive.

You may also spot some people drinking it straight, without ice or garnishes, a Catalan vermouth tradition more commonly associated with traditional bodegas. Other versions worth trying include vermut de grifo (vermut on tap) and bottled varieties.

Food is essential when drinking vermut, and these classic snacks taste the best with it.

• Olives
• Potato chips
• Anchovies
• Boquerones
• Conservas (tinned seafood)

Best Places to Drink Vermut in Barcelona

Morro Fi

Photo credit: Morro Fi

Moro Fi in Eixample is easily one of the best vermut bars in Barcelona. It’s lively, laid-back, and the kind of place where striking up a chat with strangers is encouraged, thanks to the compact nature of the bar that brings everyone together. 

The menu features a carefully hand-picked selection of vermuts, with the Blanco and Reserva standing out as top choices. They pair especially well with the seafood tapas, especially the salty anchovies. Don’t forget to grab one of their vermut kits to take home as a fun little souvenir!

Best for: Vermut in a relaxed setting

Morro Fi – 08015 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Vermuteria del Tano

Photo credit: Vermuteria del Tano

Nestled in Vila de Gràcia, Vermuteria del Tano is one of the best vermuterías in this part of Barcelona. It’s a true local gem that feels more like having a drink in someone’s living room than visiting a bar, with handwritten menus, photos covering the walls, and shelves lined with vermut, wine, and spirits.

If you’re feeling peckish, the briny calamari is a solid choice, as are the sweet mussels. Not in the mood for full-on tapas? Their potato chips, served with the house sauce, will provide a lovely crunch with your order.

Best for: Drinking vermut with locals

Vermuteria del Tano – 08012 Barcelona – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and closed every Monday

Celler Cala del Vermut

Photo credit: Celler Cala del Vermut

You’ll find no shortage of vermouth bars in the Gothic Quarter, but none quite like Celler Cal del Vermut. Despite being in a touristy area, it draws a great mix of locals and visitors. The bar itself is small but full of character, with cool touches like standalone barrels out front and pendant lighting.

The owner is often behind the bar and will be more than happy to walk you through their vermut selection, making this a great spot if you’re trying it for the first time. Whatever you do, don’t skip the crispy ham croquettes when hunger strikes.

Best for: Vermut in a centrally located area

Celler Cala del Vermut – 08002 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Vermut i a la Gàbia

A short walk from Parc de l’Espanya Industrial in the Sants district, Vermut i a la Gàbia ticks all the right boxes. It’s a no-frills neighbourhood bar packed with low stools and wallet-friendly drinks.

Anyone who’s been here will tell you the crispy patatas bravas are a must. They’re topped with a dollop of earthy guacamole, giving this specialty a unique twist.

Best for: Anyone who wants to try vermut at an affordable price

Vermut i a la Gàbia – 08014 Barcelona – Open every Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm and every Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Vermuteria la Cova de la Mari

You just know by walking past Vermuteria La Cova de la Mari in Eixample that it’s going to be good. The cute benches out front lure you in, the friendliness of the staff makes you want to stay, and before you know it, one vermut turns into a few more.

What really sets La Cova de la Mari apart are their vermut combos. They offer a range of packages that pair different options with tasty tapas, including tender berberechos, so you can try a bit of everything.

Best for: Trying vermut with family and friends

Vermuteria la Cova de la Mari – 08011 Barcelona – Closed every Monday and Tuesday, and open every Wednesday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Thursday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and every Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm

When and How to Enjoy “La Hora del Vermut”

• The best time to drink vermut is from late morning to early afternoon, when it’s traditionally served as an aperitif before lunchtime. That said, many locals like to have one before a meal at any time of day.
• When ordering, just ask for “un vermut negre/blanc, si us plau,” which means ‘red or white vermut, please.’
• At a vermuteria, the best seats are usually at the bar, where you can chat with locals and enjoy a few snacks, or out on the terrace if you fancy some people-watching with your drink.
• Be sure to follow the relaxed pace of la hora del vermut. This is about slowing down, nibbling on light bites, and soaking up the local atmosphere, much like the philosophy behind Barcelona Taste’s small-group food experiences.

Explore Vermut and Tapas with The Barcelona Taste

Vermut in Barcelona is more than just a drink, it’s a part of everyday life, and something every visitor should try at least once. You can, of course, go alone, or consider joining one of Barcelona Taste’s tours, which include several vermut stops at family-run spots that also serve up delicious tapas.

All of our tours are small-group experiences, giving you the chance to really connect with the places you visit. You’ll be led by a local guide who takes care of everything, helps you choose different types of vermut, and shows you how to order like a local. 

Whether you prefer low-alcohol options or a non-alcoholic alternative, you can still take part in the tradition without consuming a drop of booze.

If you’d like us to introduce you to some of Barcelona’s most loved vermuterias, join one of our Barcelona food tours today for a truly memorable experience.

Sources:

The Barcelona Taste. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours.https://thebarcelonataste.com/barcelona-food-tours/

Morro Fi. (n.d.). Morro Fi [Website].https://morrofi.cat/

Vermuteria Tano. (n.d.). Vermuteria Tano [Facebook page].https://www.facebook.com/VermuteriaTano/

Cala del Vermut. (n.d.). Cala del Vermut [Instagram profile].https://www.instagram.com/cala_del_vermut_oficial/

La Cova de la Mari. (n.d.). La Cova de la Mari [Instagram profile].https://www.instagram.com/lacovadelamari/?hl=en