11 Cocktails you must try in Buenos Aires

Cauce de los Fuegos is a top-tier restaurant located in Puerto Madero, whose cocktail bar, managed by Laura Pichel, was created by Mona Gallosi. They took into account four elements—earth, wind, fire, and air—and then created their signature cocktails from the restaurant itself.

Best Feature: The top-notch food, with the 500-gram rib-eye steak being a standout, which we recommend ordering and pairing with organic carrots with a base of Greek yogurt, mint, and cucumber.

Cocktail to Try: The Okinawa, with sake, honey and lavender macerated gin, and pistachio syrup. It has a smoky, fresh, and dry flavor. Delicious!

Where: Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 440, Puerto Madero.

Recently opened, Casa Lucía has brought a fresh perspective to the hospitality world. For foodies, it offers two standout dining options: El Club Bacán and Cantina. Aiming to be two high-quality experience spots, its cocktail menu is designed by Martín Suaya.

Best Feature: Casa Lucía is located in the historic Mihanovich Building, an icon of Argentine architecture and, in the 1930s, the tallest building in all of Latin America.

Cocktail to Try: The cocktail menu at Le Club Bacán is truly impressive, with all combinations being attractive (and fun names!). Among the favorites is 50 Horas, which includes Pinot Noir red wine, antica formula, and citrus soda.

Where: Arroyo 841, Recoleta.

In the past year, Buenos Aires' luxury hotel circuit has really focused on its dining offerings, with many surprising with their secret restaurants and craft bars. Inside the Sofitel Recoleta is Felicia, a stylish bar, super comfortable, with an extra relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a first date or a night out with friends.

Best Feature: The cocktail menu was designed by Mona Gallosi, one of Argentina's most important bartenders, and executed by head bartender Agustina Vigo.

Cocktail to Try: With super powerful names, you can't miss Luminosa (which includes Absolut vodka, Cointreau, lime, mango, and huacatay) or Activa (which contains Havana rum, lime, mint, Angostura Bitter, and Ginger Ale).

Where: Posadas 1232, Recoleta.

In the midst of the gourmet grill boom, Hierro has stood out for the extremely high quality of its meats, generous portions, and some twists on classic Argentine dishes. With a great variety of wine labels (and a sommelier to help you choose), if you want to start with a cocktail, you have some delicious options.

Best Feature: Hierro’s menu has two amazing characteristics. The first is that they only use seasonal vegetables and fruits, making their offerings change. The second is that their meats are aged for 30 days.

Cocktail to Try: Paying homage to different elements of Argentine pop culture, try the Sandro (which includes Amargo Obrero, José Cuervo tequila macerated with rosemary, pineapple juice, lime, simple syrup, and citrus salt) and El Chanta (with Johnnie Walker Black, green apple, burnt jalapeño syrup, lime, Angostura, and apple chip).

Where: Costa Rica 5602, Palermo.

If you're a fan of Spanish tapas, this new spot in Palermo offers a super tasty gastro proposal that will make you travel to Spain with its flavors. With traditional dishes like paellas and octopus, the best part of this place is going with a group of friends and ordering a selection of tapas and pinchos to share.

Best Feature: Barna’s dining room will impress you. With several incredible murals by Anabella Santangelo, it also features a huge vitreaux of Leo Messi created by artist Alexis Ojagnan.

Cocktail to Try: In addition to classic cocktails, there are two you should try: Alcaraz (with vermouth, Campari syrup, grapefruit soda, and a dash of lime) or Sevilla (with vodka, passion fruit syrup, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a dash of cherry brandy).

Where: José A. Cabrera 4799, Palermo.

Located on the terrace of Haiku (one of the favorite spots for sushi lovers), Mixtape is presented as a kissa-style bar, meaning you’ll not only enjoy great drinks but also good music. Very Instagrammable, the space is decorated like a recording studio and typical rehearsal room, providing plenty of photo opportunities to share on social media.

Best Feature: The people behind this project are Pablo Pignatta (who describes himself as a pioneer in the revival of Buenos Aires' cocktail scene) and Bobby Flores.

Cocktail to Try: Recommended by Pablo, the Apple Martini is the cocktail you should try at Mixtape. It includes vodka, Granny Smith apple cordial, and elderflower.

Where: Franklin D. Roosevelt 1806, Belgrano.

Located inside the restaurant Piedra Pasillo (explaining its name), Santiago Migliano is the head bartender of this hidden bar, which also falls into the speakeasy category. With a menu of small plates (canned goods, cheeses, cured meats), everything pairs with its craft cocktail menu.

Best Feature: Al Fondo Bar’s proposal is very special, which explains the huge buzz it has created. With self-macerated alcohols, it has a lab-like vibe that perfectly matches its owners' quest for experimentation.

Cocktail to Try: With many innovative options, one of the favorite (and most striking) cocktails is Tu Martini Especial. It includes Piel gin, González Byass Oloroso sherry, hazelnuts, and cacao nibs.

Where: Campos Salles 2145, Núñez.

One of the latest major openings in the cocktail world, Secuaz bets on a neighborhood that is constantly foodie-exploding and with an increasingly interesting gastronomic circuit. Already creating a buzz among those pursuing great craft bars, it’s another project by Agostina Elena, the renowned Argentine bartender who excelled with Sofá.

Best Feature: Ideal for tapas where cocktails are undoubtedly the stars, the menu is varied. From bread baskets to classics like hummus, tortillas, or eggplant pasta, you can also enjoy a full dinner and an excellent ribeye steak.

Cocktail to Try: Just as Un Clericó Divino is a genius (Sernova vodka, ESE white vermouth, verjus, green fruits, and shiso), among the favorites is Una Sangría Mítica (with Bacardí Carta Oro, ESE red vermouth, red fruits, and ginger).

Where: Pedro Morán 3782, Núñez.

Opened just two years ago, Olympo Sky Bar has joined Buenos Aires' high-altitude offerings that seek to revalue the city's stunning panoramas. With a high-end cocktail bar, it’s an amazing place to go with friends due to its relaxed atmosphere, good vibes, and exclusive space.

Best Feature: The bar is located on the 31st floor of the Lex Tower, which means you can enjoy some of the most impressive views of Buenos Aires.

Cocktail to Try: If you’re a fan of Aperol, the D R F S P R I T Z is a different take on the classic cocktail. It includes Aperol, passion fruit syrup with vanilla, lime juice, Cinzano Pro Spritz, and basil perfume.

Where: Av. Corrientes 1464, San Nicolás.

One of the best restaurants in Retiro, an area that is gastronomically growing rapidly and has several amazing proposals. Il Giardino Romagnoli is the perfect spot if you want to enjoy authentic Italian food. You have everything from pastas and pizzas to great salads and excellent braised meats.

Best Feature: Its 600-meter terrace is impressive and a wonderful place to enjoy a good meal with friends.

Cocktail to Try: It’s the ideal place to enjoy classic Italian cocktails or aperitifs, but you can also choose some with a twist. My favorite is the Negroni Romagnoli (with gin, Campari, and house-made Romagnoli coffee infused in Carpano Rosso vermouth with cocoa notes).

Where: Carlos Pellegrini 1576, Retiro.

For those who love grills with truly unique proposals: this place not only has a selection of top-quality meats but also—on its foodie journey—vegetables play a significant role, and let me tell you, you'll eat the best tomatoes you’ve had in a long time.

Best Feature: What many don’t know is that Casa Pasto has a complete menu change depending on the day you go. While Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays feature a gourmet grill, from Tuesday to Thursday you can enjoy their sushi menu with meat.

Cocktail to Try: Perfect to end your meal, you can choose the Banana Scotch (with J&B, cocoa, walnut, and banana oil), but if you’re in the mood for a mocktail, try Té para 3, which is a hit (red tea, hibiscus, pink pepper, coconut, and soda).

Where: Nicaragua 4557, Palermo.