Vintage is in vogue and it old customs are being practiced again in Málaga. That is what is happening at aperitif time, also known as vermouth time; making a stop on the way before lunch to drink this liqueur along with a delicious tapa. The most noble of drinks in Málaga is undoubtedly Vermouth, made from the local wine that characterises the province. Be sure to pay a visit to the establishments that sell it in Malaga. Take note of the vermouth route:
El Pimpi
This is one of Málaga’s sunniest establishments. Under the title of “The re-emergence of vermouth,” El Pimpi has rescued this aperitif in its modern version. The house vermouth Quitapenas or vermouth of Casa Pimpillo, Malaga Virgen winery, are two of the specialities on offer at this place, where you can also enjoy wonderful views of the Malagan Alcazaba.
Casa Lola
In the heart of Málaga is Casa Lola, a tapas restaurant with an excellent house vermouth. After a long day of shopping in the centre, there’s nothing better than making a stop on the way and enjoying a lovely aperitif. This is an excellent place that is always lively, where you can people watch from its terrace on one side and, on the other, watch one of the most lively areas of the city.
La Tranca
La Tranca is in the very centre of Málaga, where you can find a wide selection of tapas that will win you over. This is a traditional local bar where you can spend a while chatting standing up as you drink a cool beer, a glass of house wine, vermouth, sherry or Muscatel. Enjoy that first glass of the day in the city’s warm lively atmosphere
Antigua Casa del Guardia
This winery has a tour and a passionate history. It dates from 1840, and the Queen of Spain herself, Isabel II, visited the facilities during one of her visits to Málaga to try its wines. Other esteemed visitors include Dr. Gregorio Marañon, poet Salvador Rueda, as well as politicians and artists. The tasting menu is extensive and has important varieties of Muscatel and Pedro Ximénez. If you come to the city of Málaga, be sure to have a vermouth in this historic establishment.
Bar El Estrecho, Marbella
This singular pub founded in 1954 in Marbella is an excellent option for having an aperitif in this Costa del Sol city. Some delicious olives accompany the house vermouth that has become quite an institution in the historical old quarter of the municipality. After a good breakfast and a stroll around the Plaza de los Naranjos, the pedestrian alleyways of the centre and the arts and crafts shops, there is nothing better that sitting down in Bar El Estrecho to enjoy the midday sun.
Bodega de Antonio Muñoz, Rincón de la Victoria
The Bodega de Antonio Muñoz in Rincón de la Victoria brings together the highest quality wines, liqueurs and all kinds of alcoholic and soft drinks belonging to all the large brands. This wine shop has become quite an emblem of the city and is the ideal place to have a delicious vermouth. Here you can also taste its traditional Málaga Muscatel variety and buy samples of local wine to take home as gifts.
Moscatel Vermouth
If you have already taken note of all the bars we have included in this amazing aperitif route, pay special attention to the local Málaga Vermouth you can find at these establishments, which is called Moscatel. Some exquisite drinks are now being made from this grape variety, and Malagan Axarquía grows the best clusters on its fertile lands. We suggest you enjoy your trip to the Costa del Sol to the max and, when you make a stop, be sure to try its local products and accompany them with the best vermouth.
Interesting Facts About Vermouth
Vermouth is a fascinating alcoholic beverage with a rich history and many intriguing facts. Here are some to share with you:
- Ancient Origins: Although vermouth is often associated with Italy and France, its origins trace back to ancient Greece. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used a mixture of wine and herbs as a medicinal tonic around 400 B.C., a beverage known as “Hippocratic wine.”
- Curious Name: The word “vermouth” comes from the German term “Wermut,” meaning wormwood, a bitter plant originally used to flavor this drink. Wormwood is also a key ingredient in absinthe.
- Three Main Styles: Vermouth comes in three primary types: red (or rosso), white (or bianco), and dry. Red vermouth is sweet and is primarily associated with Italy. White vermouth is sweeter and milder, while dry vermouth is characteristic of France and is commonly used in cocktails like the Martini.
- Use in Mixology: Vermouth is a fundamental ingredient in some of the world’s most famous cocktails, including the Martini, Negroni, and Manhattan. The classic Martini, in fact, is made with dry vermouth and gin.
- Aperitif and Digestif: Traditionally, vermouth is consumed as an aperitif, meaning it is enjoyed before meals to stimulate the appetite. However, it is also popular as a digestif, sipped after meals, especially in some European countries.
- Variety of Herbs and Spices: Vermouth is made by macerating wine with a blend of herbs, spices, and roots. Each brand has its own secret recipe, which may include ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, cardamom, orange peel, and, of course, wormwood.
- Homemade Vermouth: Although commercial vermouth is the most common option, it is possible to make homemade vermouth using wine, a selection of herbs and spices, and spirits. This tradition, common in some regions, allows for customization of the flavor to suit personal tastes.
- Rituals and Traditions: In Spain, particularly in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, “vermut” is not just a drink but a cherished tradition. “La hora del vermut” (vermouth hour) is a special time of day, usually before lunch, when people gather in bars or on terraces to enjoy a glass of vermouth accompanied by tapas.
- Vermouth and Cinema: Vermouth has had a notable presence in popular culture, appearing in numerous films and series. One of the most iconic moments is in the James Bond movies, where the spy orders his Martini with vermouth, “shaken, not stirred.”
- Vermouth Renaissance: In recent years, vermouth has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many new brands innovating in flavors and presentations. This “vermouth renaissance” has brought the drink back into fashion in cocktail bars and restaurants worldwide.
The Andalucian wine, a culture of life
Wine Route of the essential wineries in Malaga
WHERE TO STAY
El Fuerte Marbella
The best accommodation option on the Costa del Sol that lets you enjoy its cities and experience the re-emergence of vermouth is undoubtedly Fuerte Group. The chain has establishments where you can enjoy not only its services, but also the best of the province. Its 60 plus years of experience serve as the best guarantee of service. Marbella and Torrox are just some of the places where you can find these amazing hotels, which make an exceptional starting point for this Malagan vermouth route.