The original gin distillery's bar in Mahón harbor, serving pomadas (gin and lemon) and gin tonics with local herbs
The Xoriguer Gin Bar is attached directly to the Xoriguer distillery on the Moll de Llevant quayside in Mahon, Menorca's capital and principal harbour in the Balearic Islands. The distillery has produced gin on this site since the eighteenth century, when the British naval occupation of Menorca introduced juniper-spirit production to the island — a legacy that makes Menorcan gin a geographically distinct product protected under a Designation of Origin. The bar functions as the public face of this heritage, offering visitors the chance to taste, compare, and purchase the range of Xoriguer spirits in the atmospheric setting of a working waterfront distillery. The copper stills are visible through a window in the bar, giving an immediate sense of the production process. The signature drink served here is the pomada, Menorca's own gin-and-lemonade combination consumed island-wide at festivals and family gatherings. Bartenders prepare pomadas with the house gin and a citrus-forward lemon mixer, served cold in ceramic or glass. Gin and tonic serves, cocktails, and straight spirit tastings are also available. A range of herb-infused variants from the Xoriguer catalogue — including anise and herb licors — can be sampled at modest prices, and the adjacent shop stocks the full product range including limited editions. Prices are notably lower than at resort bars: a pomada typically costs 4-6 euros. The bar serves from mid-morning through the afternoon, catering primarily to visitors exploring the Mahon waterfront and cruise passengers. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, drawing couples, families, and solo travellers equally. No reservations are needed; the bar operates entirely on a walk-in basis. Groups can request a brief distillery overview from staff, and short guided tours of the copper still room are sometimes available on request during quieter periods.
Good to know
- Signature
- Menorcan gin and pomadas
Highlights
- Working distillery bar on Mahon harbour where Xoriguer gin has been produced since the British naval occupation of Menorca
- Pomadas — Menorca's native gin-and-lemonade drink — served at prices far below those of any resort or beach bar
- Copper stills visible through the bar window, giving a direct view into active eighteenth-century-rooted gin production
- Full Xoriguer spirits range for tasting and purchase, including herb-infused licors and limited-edition expressions
- Protected Designation of Origin Menorcan gin — a geographically distinct spirit with deep island heritage
Tips for visiting
- Order the pomada first — it is Menorca's defining drink and the most direct entry point to the island's gin culture
- Ask staff about distillery viewing or short tours; these are sometimes available during quiet periods and not always advertised
- The adjacent shop sells Xoriguer products at distillery prices — significantly cheaper than airport or hotel shops
- Arrive early if cruise ships are in port; the bar can fill quickly with cruise passengers from late morning onward
- Herb licors such as Palo and Calent make excellent low-cost souvenirs and pair well with ice as a digestif
Frequently asked questions
What is a pomada?
A pomada is Menorca's traditional gin-and-lemonade drink, made with Xoriguer gin and a citrus lemon mixer. It is the island's most widely consumed long drink, served at festivals and social occasions across Menorca.
Can visitors tour the distillery?
Brief distillery visits or viewings of the copper stills are sometimes available on request during quiet periods. The bar staff can advise on availability on the day.
Is Menorcan gin available outside Menorca?
Xoriguer gin holds a Designation of Origin tied specifically to Menorca. While some export distribution exists, the widest range and lowest prices are found at the distillery shop in Mahon.
What are the opening hours of the Xoriguer Gin Bar?
The bar typically serves from mid-morning through the afternoon on weekdays. Evening and weekend hours vary by season. Visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon is most reliable.
Is the bar suitable for children?
The bar setting is informal and family-friendly in atmosphere. The distillery shop sells non-alcoholic local products, and the Mahon waterfront directly outside is a pleasant area for all ages.