Head here for Spain’s post-meal drink obsession: the gin and
tonic. Under the watch of Txema Huici, owner and bartender, the
G&T reaches new heights at La Gintonería, presented in a
fishbowl glass with giant ice cubes and various berries, rinds and
other flora. Choose from nearly 200 gins, which are infused using
dry ice before being mixed with premium tonics.

The only thing you should be doing at midday at the weekend in
San Sebastián is sipping on sweet red vermouth. Bar Roberto, a tiny
hole-in-the-wall in the Gros neighbourhood, offers an extensive
menu, heavy on locally produced vermouths as well as international
bottles. Merrily does it – the enthusiasm of the owners as they
prepare your drink is infectious.

Arguably the best-located bar on the north coast of Spain, GU
sits in a former naval clubhouse right on the water. From 5pm
onwards, it offers premium views of La Concha Bay and a sizzling
contemporary cocktail list. After midnight, a line begins to form
as local and regional DJs take to the stage, spinning electronic
and house until the wee hours of the morning.

¡BE! Club is the latest rendition of what was formerly BeBop,
San Sebastián’s eclectic, catch-all club. With roots in jazz and
alternative music, this latest iteration maintains the founding
club’s aversion to the mainstream, but with a cleaned-up look, and
one of the city’s most diverse cocktail menus. This is the place to
come for a mixed crowd and an inspired music selection.

The “whisky museum” is a misleading moniker for this bar –
there’s no dusty ambience around here. Head to the top floor to
peruse over 3,000 bottles of the amber nectar, many of which can be
sampled. Downstairs, you’ll be able to order a mean gin and tonic,
and converse with a chatty piano player pounding out some greatest
hits.