Madrid is no longer afraid of haute cocktails. If even less than a decade ago Getting hold of a precise and well-prepared cocktail was an odyssey, now the domain of the capital's gastronomic scene by this sector is a reality more than evident.
It was time Madrid. And echoing it is a joy, because behind each project there is an entrepreneur who wants to stir up good drinking behind bars that were previously reserved solely and exclusively for vermouth, wine and beer.
Marrufo's Green Lounge.
This is precisely what is happening in the Conde Duque neighbourhood, where the Marrufo cocktail bar has just been installed as a traditional bar where drinks are served like never before. Your manager is Carlos Luis Marrufo, who after 10 years importing and distributing mezcal, As well as being the head bartender of some of the best cocktail bars in the city, he decides to become independent with his own concept after the pandemic helped him materialize it.
Where does the idea for a project like Marrufo come from?
It was born then as a project that recovers the tradition of the bars of yesteryear, those "of all life" and incorporates a careful selection of classic cocktails adding a proposal of signature cocktails.
The idea is to be a business that coexists with the rest of the establishments in the revived Noviciado street, in the heart of count Duke , using Spanish, quality, and local products, all to offer cocktails in an accessible format for all, without conventions, a closer cocktail bar, a neighborhood cocktail bar.
What is drunk in Marrufo?
In Marrufo you can find from a Gimlet, a Negroni or a Pisco Sour , even a very specialized distillate. but also u n good vermouth, well-drafted beers and wines from Madrid . As for food, drinks can be accompanied with cured, semi-cured and soft cheeses, someday there is Russian salad and, others, there are ricotta dip , but you will always find some cap.
Negroni.
Unassuming but well done, white marble tables, wooden chairs and a good selection of music . Marrufo is simple but sincere.
Where did the name come from?
The place where Marrufo is located was before a bar of all life, the mythical Casa Candi, which was open for more than 40 years (and which was under the tutelage, after its official closure, of Edgar Kerri) . There are still many anecdotes and stories of that mythical bar and its owner, Candi, through the streets of Conde Duque. we wanted to do a tribute to those traditional bars in which the name of the place and the name of the person serving they are the same. Marrufo, is the second last name of Carlos. The last name that his maternal grandfather also had, so Marrufo is a last name, but also a tribute in several ways.
Who make up the project?
This project has been Carlos's dream for many years and I [Montse] have helped him materialize it. Together and as a team, we both run the premises. Carlos is in charge of the operational and executive part, the menu, the cocktails, the orders and of course, customer service. I, on the other hand, take care of the administrative part, coordination, decoration and communication.
What previous experience do you have in the world of hospitality?
We have both worked in the sector since we studied International Relations at university. I [Charles] I started in La Catrina , the legendary bar in Malasaña, and then I was part of the team at Santa Maria , a place to which I will always be grateful for offering me my first opportunity and where I learned to make quality cocktails. Later I went through Angelita, Malaboca and Jazz Bar as manager and head bartender.
I [Montse], for my part, have worked in Mexico, Argentina, Vancouver and New York. I've been through chain restaurants, family restaurants, home-style restaurants, coffee shops and bars, as well as work in catering at events and fairs.
Red room.
What kind of cocktails is served at Marrufo?
Classic and signature cocktails, but without pretensions. We want anyone to be able to have a cocktail without feeling like they don't belong. The first days since the opening, the Marrufo worked by recommendation. We asked the question: What do you usually drink? What flavors do you like the most? And with that came a suggestion.
Mai Tai.
Now, the menu is about to be launched with the cocktails that we have seen that customers like best, but we will also launch a proposal of signature cocktails more risky . In the letter there a selection of 35 cocktails , divided by different types of alcohol to make your selection easier. With gin there is the Gin Fizz, Negroni or Clover Club; with rum, Mai Tai or Planters Punch; with tequila or with mezcal, Paloma, margarita, or two signature ones with tamarind or cucumber; with vodka, Moscow Mule or Bloody Mary; with whiskey the classics Manhattan or Old Carré.
What are the "greatest hits" on the chart?
For our surprise, the great successes of the moment are being Naked and Famous and Pisco Sour. Although people also ask for many cocktails with mezcal, knowing that Carlos specializes in it.