I haven’t always been able to call Malasaña home. In fact, since decamping to Madrid almost eight years ago, there have been a plethora of places that I have indeed called ‘home’, if only for a short time. There was the awful place on Calle Barco (complete with a landlord who just used to rock up unannounced and sit in his dressing gown on the sofa, true story). There was the hovel in Iglesia where running water was frequently considered a luxury. There was even a place near Moncloa where mould featured heavily as part of the interior design.

However, in the midst of all of this, I found a lovely little place to call mine near Cuzco. Since migrating south to Malasaña and having become a fully fledged member of the barrio, I rarely find myself back up north as it were, but given that it’s August and the city feels like your own private playground (due to the lack of folk in the sweltering oven that is Madrid), I decided to spread my wings, as it were and make a pilgrimage to my old hood.

The reason for making it to the Eurobuilding Hotel was that I’d heard whisperings about their killer cocktails. Having just got back from three weeks in Vietnam, where drinking beer felt like a national past time, I figured my bikini bod (or current lack thereof) would thank me for laying off the hops. We’re also not talking any old cocktails here either; the menu (which changes annually) was created by cocktail maestro, Diego Cabrera.

So I went hopeful that the tipples would trump the kind of ropey offerings served up during a happy hour in your bog standard beach bar. Given the heat and the thirst that I’d worked up thanks to the mercury melting temps, I sampled three delights (as well as a sneaky bit of tapas to ensure that I could remember the journey home – tempura prawns and a veal-stuffed potato, both equally delish and devoured within seconds). Whilst they offer all the classics, the specially curated menu is unique to say the least. Pairings of flavours are quirky and presentation is paramount. Being a huge fan of Pisco (sadly at the moment it’s the closest I’ll get to Peru), I tried a Sherbert Shurb Punch. The recipe for which was to be found niftily on the back of my coaster, a nice touch.

The outdoor terrace was also the perfect spot to people watch and watch we did as the Real Madrid team bus sailed by en route to the nearby Bernabeu. So if you’d struggle to sell the place to your man friend there’s definitely something for the boys on offer; its close proximity to the stadium makes it the ideal place to enjoy a celebratory tipple. Which given Los Blancos’ current form, could be happening more often than not.

Info

• Website
• Metro: Cuzco
• Address: Padre Damian 23
• Phone: 913537337

The terms craft cocktails and celebrity mixologist can make eyeballs roll faster than you can say Vesper Martini. Because with all the clapping of mint leaves and fancy garnishes, it’s easy for a place to take itself too seriously. 

And while the folks behind Salmon Guru do have some serious credentials (proprietor is mixology mastermind Diego Cabrera), you won’t find any stern-faced barmen shaming your request for vodka here. The only thing serious at this spot is the bartenders’ love for well-made drinks.

The dark, unassuming exterior on Calle Echegaray does little to reveal the neon lights and quirky decor inside. The front room is all 50s-era bungalow, with a bar and palm-print swivel chairs to one side and low seating against dark wood paneling on the other.

But don’t stop there. Follow the neon glow toward the back room and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a pop-art light extravaganza, with neon lightning bolts on the ceiling and familiar comic book faces on the walls.

As soon as you sit down you’ll have a menu and glass of water plunked in front of you. If you’ve lived in Madrid for any length of time, you know how rare it is to find a spot who’ll bring you a free glass (let alone keep it filled).

Just like the decor, the menu is an eclectic mix. You’ll find perfectly executed classics listed alongside their in-house inventions. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t be shy!

The bartenders are more than happy to recommend a drink based on what you like. Even better is to simply ask about their favorites, which I how I found myself sipping a Laphroaig-infused old-fashioned that isn’t on the menu.

Pasión, a blend of rum, coconut milk and passion fruit

Vesper Martini & classic Manhattan

Need one more reason to check out Salmon Guru? The place is a must for whiskey lovers. If you don’t see your favorite amongst the extensive selection of American bourbon and rye on the shelves, ask to see their secret whiskey menu.

All in all, if you’re looking sip impeccably made drinks somewhere that’s hip while being unpretentious, definitely check out Salmon Guru.

Info

• Facebook
• Address: Calle Echegaray, 21
• Metro: Sevilla or Anton Martin
• Phone: 91 000 61 85

By Danielle Owens, Website & Facebook

A former Oregonian, Californian and Bogotana, Danielle is (for now!) settled in Madrid. Since 2014, she’s chronicled her experiences living abroad on her blog, No Longer Native.