Cocktails in Paris

Cocktails in Barcelona!

Since its opening in 2017, Dr. Stravinsky bar in Barcelona has set itself apart with its artistic and experimental approach to cocktails. By incorporating uncommon ingredients, the bar quickly drew the attention of curious visitors and enthusiasts of unique beverages. Today, Dr. Stravinsky is a must-visit destination for those seeking innovative tasting experiences. It’s common to find guests engaging with the bartenders, asking questions that enhance their appreciation of the cocktails and local ingredients.

Dr. Stravinsky is renowned for its experimental and artisanal cocktails, with nearly 80% of ingredients made in-house. The bar has consistently been featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Notably, the bar emphasizes the quality of ingredients and does not display brand names on the barback, highlighting their artisanal approach.

The new menu showcases three local ingredients, each incorporated in five different ways into the cocktails. The team travelled across Spain to find the best producers of butter, vinegar, and goat cheese, developing special recipes for the bar.
Dr. Stravinsky continues to excel in creating balanced cocktails that focus on local ingredients, providing an unforgettable experience with a very welcoming team and great hospitality.

Taking things to the next level, Dr. Stravinsky has created a new space behind the bar, offering approved members an experience centred on classic cocktails and perfumes. We will need to scan a QR code and become a member to access the space, it is free and very easy to do.

The menu will feature 16 cocktails, each paired with three different perfumes. These cocktails focus less on unusual ingredients and more on classic recipes with a twist, emphasizing aromas. The entrance that links the two bars’ concepts include a museum where guests can learn about historical figures associated with the fictional life of Grigori Stravinsky, and a shop offering products made in collaboration with local artisans, including candles, books, and perfumes—perfect souvenirs from Barcelona!

Speaking of books, the Perfumery will launch a cocktail book with the stories behind the historical characters highlighted in the museum and the drinks. The book will be available for online purchase as well as the rest of the merch.

The Perfumery also includes a ‘playroom’ for the team to take care of the preps for both bars and share the tools and knowledge with the industry. This space may be used for more special experiences in the future… stay tuned!

In this series of interviews, we delve into the secrets behind their success, the new menu at Dr. Stravinsky, and the inspirations for their new project, Stravinsky Perfumery.

My first interview is with César Montilla, the bar manager, who shares insights into the evolution and future of these unique spaces. I also had the pleasure of speaking with Davide Norcini, who focuses on Stravinsky Perfumery, to learn more about their innovative concepts.

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-> Interview with César Montilla https://www.instagram.com/cesarmontilla/

Can you tell us more about Dr Stravinsky?

César Montilla: The idea behind Dr. Stravinsky was to be an artisan in the cocktail world, focusing on different techniques and everything unique around us. Opening in 2017 was a big success but it was very different from what was the norm at the time especially with the popularity of gin and tonic in Spain, where people also enjoy beers and wines. Dr. Stravinsky stood out because we do experimental things with uncommon ingredients like goat cheese and butter. We have five drinks on the menu made with goat cheese, which is not typical in the bar industry. Initially, people came out of curiosity, but now they come because they know what we do and want to try our unique offerings. When people visit Barcelona, they often include us in their list of bars to visit because we offer something very different. We don’t have wine of beer at the bar so the people have to go out of their comfort zone and try a cocktail with goat cheese for instance!

What can you tell us about the new menu?

We’re keeping the same concept but changing the ingredients. For example, we use butter in five different ways, resulting in completely different drinks. This keeps people interested and curious. We aim to make everything at the bar ourselves or in collaboration with known producers. Our goal is to know all the producers who supply our ingredients, ensuring quality and consistency.

How do you manage costs?

We use ingredients with long shelf lives, like goat cheese and butter, which can be stored for months. We prepare everything in batches, reducing costs through good relationships with producers and buying in bulk. For example, goat cheese can last months if stored properly, and butter can last for weeks. This approach helps us manage costs effectively.

What inspired the new place, Stravinsky Perfumery?

My partner had the idea of combining cocktails with perfumes. We found a story about Dr. Stravinsky, a forgotten character passionate about perfumes, and developed the concept around him. Stravinsky Perfumery offers a different experience from Dr. Stravinsky, focusing on the importance of aroma in cocktails. The idea is to offer something very different to our customers, providing a complementary experience to Dr. Stravinsky.

Are cocktails lovers ready for this innovation?

I hope so. We’ve worked on this concept for over a year, and people are always looking for new experiences. We’re offering something very innovative but based on classic drinks. We want to change people’s perspective on cocktails and how they experience them.

How are the 2 spaces different?

We want each space to have its own character. Dr. Stravinsky starts with a classic drink but ends with something very different. Stravinsky Perfumery keeps the structure and flavour of classics but adds the element of perfume. We might offer customers the option to change the perfume halfway through their drink. We have many ideas, but we need to see how people respond first.

I hope people appreciate what we do. We’ve put a lot of work into this, and we need their support. It’s great to see respect from the industry, which motivates us to keep growing and innovating. We want people to come, enjoy, and love what we do. Our goal is to provide a great experience and keep evolving!

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-> Interview with Davide Norcini https://www.instagram.com/davide.n.bartender/

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Davide Norcini: Of course! My name is Davide Norcini, originally from Florence, Italy. I’ve spent the last ten years living abroad, so while I’m Italian, I have a bit of an international vibe. I used to work in London, but now I feel at home in Barcelona, where I’ve lived for seven years. Although I love Florence, Barcelona feels more like home to me now. I’ve been with Dr. Stravinsky for three years, and in a week, it’ll be exactly three years, so we can celebrate my anniversary at the bar. I’m very passionate about cocktails, bartending, and this sector. It’s not just my passion but also my career and future. I see myself in this industry forever, or at least I hope so.

What can you tell us about the cocktails at Dr. Stravinsky and how they complement each other?

We have two different concepts, even though they share similarities. At Dr. Stravinsky, we focus on artisanal craft cocktails, with about 75-80% of the ingredients being homemade. Craft is our identity. At the Perfumery, we maintain the homemade concept but to a lesser extent. The Perfumery is more focused on perfumes, creating a more classic and elegant concept. For example, our most representative cocktail, “Chanel,” aims to recreate the fragrance of Chanel No. 5 in a liquid form. We use ingredients like vetiver, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, rose, and jasmine to achieve a super aromatic cocktail that feels like a liquid perfume.

How many cocktails will you have on the menu?

We’ll have a selection of 16 cocktails, all twists on classics. We don’t want to stray too far from the classics, but we’ll add our personal touch with extra fragrances and perfumes. Each cocktail will come with a selection of three different perfumes. The first one is our recommended pairing, but we offer two other options for a different experience. This is great for upselling, as customers can try the same cocktail with different perfumes.

How often will you change the menu?

At Dr. Stravinsky, we change the menu every year to introduce new ideas and cocktails. At the Perfumery, we’ll stick with the same menu for more than a year initially, as we’ve launched a book about our inspiration and cocktails. We want to give the book time to become well-known.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the book?

The book is not just a cocktail book; it’s about the history and people linked to Dr. Stravinsky. It includes recipes, the concept of the bar, and the life of Grigori Stravinsky, who inspired our concept.

Will the menu be available online?

Yes, the menu will be available online, and we’ll also have the book including the menu. The menu will look like a magazine with articles about perfumery. We’re working on a system where you can smell the perfumes as well.

Will you have fizzy drinks with perfumes?

Yes, we’ll have two carbonated drinks with perfumes. Serving them in larger glasses will help retain the aroma. For example, our version of the spritz will come in a big wine glass to enhance the fragrance.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We’re very excited about the new opening. We’ve been waiting a long time for it, and we can’t wait to welcome our first customers. This is just the beginning of a new era for Dr. Stravinsky, and we couldn’t be happier.

Stravinsky Perfumery will be openfrom Thursday to Monday, from 6 PM to 2 AM, and until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. We’ll close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Our goal is to eventually open every day and extend the hours.

We’re very excited about launching the Perfumery and can’t wait for it to open!

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Here is a link to Dr Stravinsky’s new menu: http://Home – Dr Stravinsky

Here is a link to the Perfumery’s website: https://drstravinsky.com/

Dr. Stravinsky has carved out a unique niche in Barcelona’s vibrant bar scene through its innovative use of local ingredients and artisanal techniques. With a commitment to quality and creativity, the bar has earned a place among the world’s best, continually pushing the boundaries of cocktail-making. The introduction of Stravinsky Perfumery will mark an exciting new chapter, offering patrons a sensory journey that blends classic cocktails with the art of perfumery.

As Dr. Stravinsky and Stravinsky Perfumery continue to evolve, they remain dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences that celebrate the rich flavours and aromas of their carefully curated ingredients. With a passionate team and a focus on hospitality, these spaces promise to delight and inspire cocktail lovers for years to come!

Again congratulations to César, Davide and the team and muchas gracias!

I always have an amazing time in Barcelona! The people are nice and welcoming and this time I was around for Sant Jordi’s day when everybody (yes, really everyone) is going out to buy flowers and books.

Everytime I go there, I discover something new!

We also took a cooking class at Born to cook: https://borntocookbarcelona.com/

Went clubbing at Noxe: https://www.instagram.com/noxebarcelona/

Had dinner at Coya: https://www.instagram.com/coya.barcelona/

Here is my personnal map with places I’ve been to and places I still need to visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Rfa5WdAGSSFYznz7?g_st=i

Hasta la vista, Barcelona!