What traditional drinks should I try at a historic bar in Palma that are hard to find elsewhere?

Many visitors come expecting typical Mediterranean drinks and overlook Mallorca’s distinctive local beverages, yet a historic bar in Palma can offer surprising tastes rooted in island tradition. Rather than just generic sangria or common beers, try Hierbas, a fragrant herbal liqueur made from anise, thyme, rosemary, and other local herbs. It's usually served as a digestif and carries the essence of the Tramuntana mountains and Mediterranean scrublands in every sip.

Another special tipple is Palo, a bittersweet, slightly spiced vermouth-like aperitif crafted from burnt sugar, gentian, and Cinchona bark, indigenous to the Balearics. Sampled slowly, it’s a drink entwined with Mallorca’s social culture, often enjoyed casually with a few olives or sobrassada on the side. Many of the island’s older establishments in Palma—a city steeped in history—still pour these traditional drinks, preserving recipes passed down through generations.

Pair either with a plate of pa amb oli, the classic Mallorcan bread with local olive oil, tomatoes, and cured ham. Sipping on these drinks amidst the bar’s authentic atmosphere offers more than refreshment; it’s a glimpse into the island’s soul, far from the standard cocktail menus found elsewhere. For a truly local experience, seek out bars away from the main tourist streets, where familiarity with these flavours runs deep and stories flow as freely as the drinks.