In Barcelona, the aperitivo isn't a moment — it's a ritual. It begins when the afternoon light turns golden, around a well-worn wooden counter, and carries on from one tapa to the next: small plates to share, bubbles fizzing in the glass, conversation that stretches into the evening.
It's the atmosphere where GIN NIRO is at its best: relaxed, warm, generous. Because GIN NIRO is the soul of the party, and its most radiant cocktail — the Niro 75 — feels made to open a Spanish-style spread.
The Niro 75, Mediterranean bubbles
The Niro 75 is our take on the legendary French 75. In place of champagne, a sparkling Zibibbo; at its base, GIN NIRO, the first gin made with Sicilian Zibibbo grapes from a volcanic island. The result is a fresh, citrusy, sparkling long drink: the tang of lemon, the sunny softness of the grape and bubbles that wake up the palate. Exactly what you need to whet the appetite and keep pace with the bold flavours of Spanish cuisine, without ever covering them.
The Niro 75 recipe
Ingredients (for 1 cocktail)
• 50 ml GIN NIRO
• 15 ml agave syrup
• 20 ml lemon juice
• 30 ml sparkling Zibibbo
• Blackberry and a lemon leaf to garnish
Method
Shake GIN NIRO, agave syrup and lemon juice vigorously with ice. Strain into a large glass, top with the sparkling Zibibbo and garnish with a blackberry and a lemon leaf. Serve well chilled.
Find the step-by-step method in the full Niro 75 recipe.
The perfect tapas to pair
The beauty of the Spanish aperitivo is variety: every tapa brings a different flavour to the table, and the Niro 75 speaks to them all. Here are the pairings not to miss.
Jamón ibérico
The king of the counter. The savoury, buttery richness of Iberian ham finds its ideal counterpoint in the Niro 75: bubbles and citrus acidity cleanse the palate between slices, bringing out the sweetness of the cured meat.
Croquetas
Creamy inside, crisp outside. Fried food calls for freshness: the effervescence of the sparkling Zibibbo and the lift of lemon cut through every bite, making the croquetas even more irresistible.
Pimientos de Padrón
Little green peppers pan-fried and scattered with coarse salt, with the odd spicy surprise. Their vegetal, smoky note weaves into GIN NIRO's botanicals, while the citrus refreshes with every sip.
Marinated olives
Simple, essential. Their brine and aromatic herbs echo the cocktail's Mediterranean soul: a must-have pairing, perfect for opening the appetite.
Potato tortilla
Soft, comforting, enveloping. The roundness of egg and potato is lightened by the sparkling freshness of the Niro 75 — a bite that tastes of home and celebration at once.
Bring Barcelona home
You don't need a flight to Catalonia: all it takes is a bottle of GIN NIRO, a few good tapas and the urge to share. Make the Niro 75, set the table generously, pour for everyone around you — and let the party do the rest. That, after all, is what GIN NIRO does best.
Make your aperitivo with GIN NIRO – Zibibbo Gin 70cl. Looking for more ideas? Discover all the GIN NIRO signature recipes.
