Barcelona isn’t just discovered by wandering through its alleyways, historic squares, and buildings that whisper tales from centuries past. It’s also experienced through its flavors, and few are as authentic as vermut. This beverage, deeply rooted in Catalan culture, is much more than a simple aperitif; it’s a social ritual, a moment to pause time and savor the company and surroundings.

Vermut: From Greece to Barcelona.

While many associate vermut with the Mediterranean, its roots stretch much further back, all the way to ancient Greece. It was Hippocrates who experimented with wine infused with herbs, creating a medicinal elixir known as Hippocratic wine. Over the centuries, this practice evolved, and by the 18th century, Italians had perfected vermut as we know it today.

The name, derived from the German word wermut (wormwood), pays homage to one of the key ingredients in this aromatic drink. But it was when vermut crossed the Pyrenees that it truly found its home in Catalonia. Its bittersweet flavor and versatility quickly earned it a place in Barcelona’s taverns and wine cellars, especially among the working class, who embraced it as the perfect drink to stimulate the appetite before a meal.

The Ritual of Vermut Time.

In Barcelona, vermut time ( la hora del vermut in spanish ) isn’t just an excuse to drink—it’s a time for connection. This ritual, usually enjoyed on weekends before lunch, is accompanied by a selection of tapas seemingly designed to complement the drink’s complex flavors: marinated olives, anchovies, artisan chips, and the classic boquerones en vinagre (pickled white anchovies).

The traditional wine cellars of the Gothic Quarter serve as silent witnesses to this custom, passed down through generations. Sitting at a table, ordering a vermut with soda water, and enjoying conversations as the sun warms the cobblestone streets is, at its core, the Barcelona way of life.

Why Vermut and Not Another Drink?

Vermut is unique because, beyond its taste, it tells stories. Each sip is a journey through the herbs and spices that compose it: cinnamon, wormwood, cloves, citrus, and aromatic roots. It’s a reflection of artisanal passion, a testament to how small details can create something extraordinary. Furthermore, Catalonia has developed its own recipes, producing vermuts that blend tradition with modernity.

More Than an Aperitif.

Vermut isn’t just a drink—it’s an invitation to connect with Barcelona’s roots, to share moments, and to live in the present. So, the next time you hear, “Shall we have a vermut?” remember that you’re participating in a tradition that has united generations around a table.

Discover this unique experience with Levitate and let the magic of the Gothic Quarter and the flavor of vermut transport you to the very essence of Barcelona.