Just a stone’s throw away from my home and the party central malasaña, lies 1862 Dry Bar. Run and owned by Alberto Martínez, a cocktail aficionado with a burning curiosity and a passion for wetting people’s throats with the most delicious of cocktails.
I was told that 1862 got its name from the first cocktail guide published for bartenders, written by “the father of American mixology” Jerry Thomas.
With a modernized take on classic cocktails and a very knowledgeable and friendly staff, this is the perfect place for a drink after dinner or if you want to start off your night with some liquid treats.
I like the calm and the music is more in the background which doesn’t overpower the conversation you are having with your company.
On weekends, more people tend to show up after midnight and the place transforms into a more livelier meeting point before going out to the late night clubs.
I always have the worst case of decidophobia when I glance over the menu. It’s so extensive and contains classics such as Gimlet, Sazerac, Moscow Mule, Manhattan, Old Fashioned and many more. I recommend the Old Fashioned (best I’ve ever had).
The best part of it you ask? Every drink on the menu is € 8.