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.