Argentina has a drinking culture as diverse as its landscapes. You might start the day sharing mate with friends, sit down for lunch with a glass of Malbec, and end the night exploring some of the best bars in Buenos Aires. Each drink tells something about the country: mate as the symbol of togetherness, wine as a proud reflection of Argentine terroir, and cocktails as proof of how creative the city’s bartenders have become.
In Buenos Aires especially, drinks are part of the rhythm of daily life. Cafés, wine bars, and cocktail bars in Buenos Aires mix locals and travelers alike, offering everything from traditional Argentine drinks like Fernet con Coca to signature creations you’ll only find here. And while nightlife often steals the spotlight, the culture goes far beyond: it’s about sharing, tasting, and discovering new flavors at any time of day.
This guide walks you through the essentials of Argentine drinks, from the classics every visitor should try to the best bars where the city’s energy truly comes alive. We’ll also show you the one experience where you can taste it all in a single night.
Traditional Argentine Drinks You Can’t Miss
Argentina’s drinking culture goes far beyond what you’ll find at the bar. Some of the most iconic flavors are part of daily life, family gatherings, and traditions passed down for generations. Here are the essentials to understand (and taste) when exploring Argentine drinks.
Mate: The Everyday Ritual
Mate isn’t just a drink, it’s the heartbeat of Argentine social life. Made from the dried leaves of yerba mate and sipped through a bombilla (metal straw), this infusion is shared at any time of day. Friends, families, even coworkers pass the gourd around, taking turns and following simple rules: never stir the straw, don’t keep it too long, and when you say gracias, it means you’re done. Its slightly bitter, herbal taste may take some getting used to, but once you join a circle, you’re already part of the ritual.
Malbec and Argentine Wine
Wine in Argentina is serious business, and not just in Mendoza. There’s an ongoing rivalry with San Juan, another wine region that insists its bottles are just as worthy of attention. Still, Malbec from Mendoza has become Argentina’s international star, celebrated for its smooth texture and deep flavor. But don’t stop there, local bars and restaurants will also tempt you with Torrontés (a floral white), Cabernet Sauvignon, and unique blends. Wherever you land in the debate, a glass of Argentine wine is the perfect companion to the country’s food culture.
Fernet con Coca
Originally an Italian bitter, Fernet found its second home in Argentina, and here it reinvented itself. Mixed with Coca-Cola, lots of ice, and shared among friends, it became one of the most beloved Argentine drinks, especially in Córdoba, often called its unofficial capital. Want a fun fact? Locals joke about “el viajero” (the traveller): a Fernet served in a plastic bottle cut in half, perfect for the walk to the club. It’s messy, communal, and very Argentine.
Sangría and Other Classics
While not originally from Argentina, sangría has become a summer staple. Picture a big jug filled with wine, soda, sugar, and chunks of fresh fruit, sometimes even watermelon (sandía), which gives it a refreshing twist on hot afternoons. It’s festive, easy to make, and always better when shared.
Of course, Argentina’s bar scene doesn’t stop there. You’ll find all the international classics—Negronis, Old Fashioneds, gin tonics—alongside signature creations in the best cocktail bars in Buenos Aires. Many bartenders are part of a new wave of mixology, reinventing drinks with local flavors: Malbec reductions, yerba mate infusions, and bitters inspired by native herbs. Whether you stick to the global hits or try something crafted just for that night, there’s always a story in the glass.
Where to Drink in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods, and each one comes with its own way of drinking. Palermo is all about experimental cocktail culture, San Telmo keeps it bohemian with historic bars and tango vibes, Recoleta feels more polished with wine-driven spots, and Puerto Madero adds sleek, international flair by the water. Wherever you go, the city’s best bars mix atmosphere and flavor in equal measure.
Now, if you’re looking for names you can’t miss, here are some of the best bars in Buenos Aires, where Argentine creativity meets world-class mixology.
Best Cocktail Bars in Buenos Aires
Cochinchina
Run by celebrated bartender Inés de los Santos, Cochinchina brings Parisian elegance to Palermo. The cocktails lean on botanicals and seasonal ingredients, making it one of the best cocktail bars in Buenos Aires if you like drinks that are as beautiful as they are flavorful.
Tres Monos
This small, unpretentious spot is a favorite among bartenders themselves. Always buzzing, with inventive drinks and a laid-back vibe, Tres Monos feels like the city’s creative lab for cocktail culture.
La Uat
In Palermo, La Uat Bar has quickly earned a reputation for creativity. Forget the predictable classics, this is a place where bartenders treat cocktails as small works of art. Drinks often surprise with unexpected pairings and playful presentation, while still feeling approachable. Visitors describe it as one of the most original cocktail bars in Buenos Aires, a spot where you go not just to drink but to discover.
Bar El Limón
If you’re exploring the best cocktail bars in Buenos Aires, El Limón is a stand out for its brightness (yes, the name fits) and friendly vibes. It isn’t the kind of place prioritizing sleek darkness or whispery exclusivity, it’s more about relaxed afternoons turning into lively evenings. The crowd tends to be varied: locals who come for good cocktails, small groups stopping by after dinner, and even folks on casual nights wanting something fun but not flashy.
What people praise most is its creativity. They don’t shy away from colorful ingredients and bartenders seem willing to experiment. Several reviewers mention that drinks there feel fresh, not over-engineered, and you often get unexpected flavor twists. The service is warm, and the atmosphere lets you talk, laugh, discover new drinks without feeling like you stepped into a performance.
Wine Bars in Buenos Aires
There are plenty of wine bars in Buenos Aires, each with its own flavor and vibe. If you love wine beyond just grabbing a bottle for dinner, these are spots that go deeper: great ambiance, knowledgeable sommeliers, and something special in every glass.
Pain et Vin
Nestled in the heart of Palermo, Pain et Vin is a cozy wine bar combined with an artisanal bakery and a wine store. This charming spot is known for its laid-back atmosphere and a carefully curated selection of natural wines. They also offer cheese boards and homemade bread that pair perfectly with their drinking offerings. Expert sommeliers are always on hand to guide you through the experience, making it a great place to start your journey.
Aldo’s Vinoteca
In the stylish neighborhood of San Telmo, Aldo’s Vinoteca & Restorán is a must-visit for wine lovers. With an extensive list focused on boutique Argentine wineries, this elegant venue offers a menu of contemporary Argentine cuisine. Its refined atmosphere and focus on small, organic wine producers provide a special experience with combination of local dishes and high-end wines.
Vico Wine Bar
Vico Wine Bar, located in Villa Crespo, is an innovative bar known for its state-of-the-art dispensing system, allowing customers to explore over 140 by the glass options. This modern space is perfect to try a wide variety of wine, with a contemporary atmosphere ideal for tastings and gourmet pairings.
The Argentine Experience: Try It All at Once
If exploring every corner of the city feels overwhelming, there’s one place where you can taste the best of Argentina in a single evening. The Argentine Experience offers a curated multi-course dinner that blends iconic dishes with carefully paired drinks in Buenos Aires. Think empanadas you’ll fold yourself, premium cuts from the asado tradition, and sweet endings with dulce de leche, all matched with Argentine wine and cocktails.
Beyond the food, the night includes a short mate class, where you’ll learn how to prepare and share Argentina’s most traditional drink. From sipping mate to tasting different wines and cocktails, it’s a full tour of the country’s flavors without leaving the table.
The atmosphere feels more like a lively dinner party than a formal restaurant, yet without losing its quality or attention to detail. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, laugh, and connect with people from around the world. A shortcut to discovering not just what Argentines eat and drink, but how they enjoy it together.
📲 Ready to sip, taste, and experience it all? [Book your spot at The Argentine Experience]
Wrapping Up Your Drinking Journey
From mate to Malbec, Fernet to signature cocktails, Argentina’s drinking culture is as diverse as its food. Buenos Aires is the heart of it all: buzzing cocktail bars, cozy wine spots, and timeless neighborhood favorites make every sip part of the city’s rhythm.
If you want to experience it all in one evening, The Argentine Experience is your best shortcut: a multi-course dinner paired with local wines, cocktails, and even a mate class, all shared in a warm and lively setting.
And if you’re hungry for more, don’t miss our full guide to Food in Buenos Aires, where we dive into the dishes that complete the picture.