It’s impossible to examine the Buenos Aires cocktail scene without mentioning Tato Giovannoni, who is Latin America’s highest acclaimed mixologist - most recently recognised as the 2020 Bartender of the Year by World’s 50 Best Bars. He is the mastermind behind London’s acclaimed 

 which is dubbed the best bar in Latin America and has claimed number 5 on the world’s best bars list.

Tato Giovannoni

Buenos Aires has its own unique cocktail scene, many dubbing it 'South America's Cocktail Capital' and giving many other international cities a run for their money. Drinking culture in the city, surpasses the standard cocktails you might usually expect. A new generation of bartenders have created delicious new inventions of their own while recovering classic cocktails of the past, adding new ingredients and more detailed elaboration. The locals, known as Porteños, will take a perch on any given street corner to enjoy a drink on the way home each night, with dinner often served at around 10pm, and the drinking going on even later.

Below, he uses his expert opinion to give us his guide to the best bars in Buenos Aires, with each spot carefully handpicked by him.

Buenos Aires

A staple on the World’s 50 Best Bar list since just after their opening, Florería is currently number 5 in the world, reflecting the huge growth on the Argentinian cocktail scene. The new menu is inspired by colonies and native towns, and from that, my favourite is Yamanas. Old Tom Gin, blue spirulina, earl grey, rose hip and patagónico king crab with pine mushroom bitters.

Probably one of the only bars that you can go to experience the golden era of Buenos Aires. Go here for the classic; a Clarito, the Argentine twist on the dry martini.

This relatively new bar from the younger generation of Argentinian bartenders is a great place to end the night. Trendy, hip music is played here throughout. Ask for a Milkisilin.

The third bar from the Ginoteria family, this new bar is in Chinatown, and in safe hands of old guard bartender of Pablo Pignata. It’s the only fast food style bar in Argentina, serving up gin & tonics, negronis and dry martinis. Fast, easy, simple and full of good vibes.

The newest bar from Ines De los Santos, this bar has great ambience and interiors, with a beautiful bar and food from Maximo Lopaz May. Inspired by French Vietnamese culture.

Also on the World’s 50 Best Bars list is Presidente. It’s super trendy and elegant, and a great place to go at any time of the day. Their list of signature and classic drinks is fantastic.

A must for any visit. Danzon was the bar that helped to nurture new talent and put Argentina on the world stage again for cocktails. The bar opened in 1998 and it’s still an amazing place to go. It was also the first wine bar in Argentina, with a beautiful restaurant, great cocktails and modern deco. My first job as a professional bartender was here.

This fantastic space plays tribute to tiki culture, run by Ludovico de Biaggi, one of the youngest new talents. It’s the same group as Danzon - great food, good music and always full of energy.

This amazing venue pays tribute to all the Argentinian classics. The owner is strict with what he serves and that’s just one of the reasons we love him - you’ll find no beers and no sodas here. Ask for a Ferroviario, or any classic you fancy. It’s a great place to start the night in a beautiful part of Buenos Aires.