Aperitifs, or “el vermut”, are in fashion, having become a ritual that precedes lunch for chatting with friends and stimulating the appetite. Here are some delicious suggestions for enjoying them in Ibiza.
On Saturday and Sunday at lunchtime, aperitif fans meet up in the island’s best bars to engage in a custom that invites one to take life slowly and enjoy the good weather. The star drink is artisanal vermouth, which is accompanied by patatas bravas, pickles and quality preserves.
Urbanites will find numerous options in Vila, as locals call Ibiza town. In the La Marina neighbourhood, facing the Renaissance city wall, is the only “vermutería” which defines itself as such on the island: Petit Vermut. A place with a family atmosphere with an abundance of traditional glass siphons which often surprises its clientele with a musical selection by Oscar Albaladejo. The menu proposes denomination of origin wines, artisanal vermouths —like that of Casa Mariol— and cocktails both classic and creative, such as mojut, or mojito made with vermouth. All of them are enjoyed in combination with crisps, preserves, sandwiches or Ibizan dishes like crostes salad. It also has a shop section where one can buy the best products to take home.
Paseo Vara de Rey is where one of the town’s most popular terraces is located, that of Café Montesol. Since 1933 it has been a cosmopolitan meeting point where people have an aperitif and watch life go by. It is on the ground floor of a historical colonial building which was recently restored, and offers an extensive menu of wines, cocktails, tapas and sushi, including other tempting proposals.
With views of the bay of Talamanca, the Bar Flotante is open all year. Its terrace, which seems as though it is suspended over the sea, is a highly-prized treasure on sunny winter days. A unique place where one can delight in the generous aperitifs and snacks at any time of day.
In the interior of the island there are establishments where, in the 1960s and ’70, hippies from all over the world who lived in houses dispersed around the countryside would meet up. One of them is the Bar Costa, located opposite the church of the village of Santa Gertrudis, famous for its tomato and Serrano ham toasted sandwiches. It also serves cheeses and cold meats, and inside one can contemplate an impressive collection of works by painters who have passed through Ibiza, such as Monreal, Pomar or Vicent Calbet.
Sant Carles de Peralta is the site of the historic bar Ca n’Anneta, which was established in 1876 and is one of the oldest active businesses on the island. At weekends —especially on Saturday, when the Las Dalias market is held— its terrace fills up with customers who come for an aperitif, some tapas or a glass of the traditional Ibizan herb liqueur made by the owners.
And in Santa Agnès, opposite the little local church, Can Cosmi has been the meeting point for local inhabitants for decades. Its omelettes, accompanied with local wines and all kinds of drinks, justify a pilgrimage to this village, especially in late January, when the almond trees on the fertile plain of Pla de Corona are in flower. An event that fills the winter heart with warmth.
Vermouth made in Ibiza
Bodegas Can Rich makes vermouth using a carefully-selected range of wines and aromatic herbs gathered in Ibiza. A premium beverage with an attractive bright ruby-red colour, an intense aroma of citrus fruits, thyme, berries and mints, which is frank and leaves a pleasant, prolonged sensation in the mouth. It is enjoyed in the best bars at aperitif time, with ice or soda and a slice of lemon or orange. The winery also produces ecological local products like wines, sparkling wines, Ibizan herb liqueur and other traditional liqueurs, as well as virgin olive oil, vinegars and salt.
