CREAM Coffee & Cocktail Almeria earns Michelin-style recognition

Published October 16, 2025 | Category: Food & Drink

TL;DR: Almeria’s CREAM Coffee & Cocktail has received a “Michelin-style” recognition from the prestigious Top Cocktail Bars guide — the only venue in the province to earn it.

CREAM Coffee & Cocktail puts Almeria on Spain’s cocktail map

At number 2 on Rambla Alfareros Street, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee meets the rhythm of a cocktail shaker. In this small yet vibrant space, CREAM Coffee & Cocktail has achieved something remarkable — being the only establishment in Almeria to receive a Michelin-style distinction from Top Cocktail Bars, the renowned guide to the best mixology venues across Spain and Portugal.

Local media such as La Voz de Almeria describe it as the “Michelin star of cocktails” — an accolade that rewards not just drinks, but also service, creativity, atmosphere, and sustainability. Across Andalusia, only Málaga’s Chester & Punk bar shares this level of recognition, placing CREAM among the elite cocktail destinations on the Iberian Peninsula.

From local dream to national recognition

Founders Carlos López, Javier Cantón, and later Roberto Garrido opened CREAM in 2020 — “the worst possible time and place,” as they admit. But what began as a risky idea during the pandemic has grown into one of Almeria’s proudest success stories.

“We never imagined it,” recalls Javier. “François Monti, one of the most respected figures in the cocktail world, visited us unexpectedly. Soon after, we found out that CREAM would receive the star. It was a rush — a dream come true.”

The recognition follows earlier praise in 2023, when CREAM was listed among Andalusia’s top venues. Now, in 2025, coinciding with its fifth anniversary, it has officially joined the guide’s starred category — a jump that local media describe as “the equivalent of moving from being listed to earning a Michelin star.”

Five years, three days of celebration

To celebrate this milestone, CREAM has planned three special events this week. On Thursday, October 16, a Guest Bartending night will feature collaboration with the NOIR cocktail bar. On Friday, October 17, the team unveils a brand-new menu, “Cositas de Almeria”, inspired by local icons such as tapas culture, the Americano at Amalia, and even the province’s greenhouses. Finally, on Saturday, October 18, they’ll host their Caffeine Party — an afternoon event mixing coffee, DJs, and giveaways, described as the first of its kind in Almeria.

Sustainability and a new rhythm

With citrus fruits from the Cantón family farm and local greenhouse produce, CREAM’s philosophy is built on minimizing waste and using zero-mile ingredients. But sustainability extends beyond ingredients — it’s part of their work culture. “Our team members work 37 hours a week. We want them to have balance and happiness. We’ve also redefined when Almeria drinks — we open in the afternoon, giving people a reason to enjoy cocktails before sunset,” they explain.

Perhaps that’s the real secret: creating a space where every customer feels at home. CREAM blends Almeria’s deep love for tradition with a spark of innovation — and now, with this recognition, the city officially has its own cocktail star.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Towns & Villages category.