#72 | A Bar Called Gemma, Stockholm, Sweden
Last Visit: Spring 2025
The next article from Stockholm comes from Gemma, a bar that we unfortunately want to feature now, as they have announced their closure for the end of March, 2026 (but at least with the standard "But new thing will follow!", so let's see). While it wouldn't go into my personal must-visits, the entire vibe and the passion they have put into their project is noticeable and can be seen in everything from the design of the menu to the service culture.
From the outside A Bar Called Gemma (I quite like the short version ABCG, which they named a drink for, too) looks like a chique bistro, reminiscent of French side streets. Its central location makes it a stop before a night out or for after work drinks and dates. I went without a reservation after my visit at Lucy's Flowershop and it was already getting busy. The team was incredibly kind and helpful though, telling me I could get a spot on the heated terrace and they would get me a spot at the bar as soon as possible (also immediately understanding that this is the kind of guests who would prefer the bar).
Copyright: A Bar Called Gemma & Yelp
Thus, I waited outside, which gave me the opportunity to get familiar with the stunning menu and also observe the other guests. They get a lot of groups and in some ways it reminded me of our visit to Employees Only in New York all those years back. They probably know very well which drinks work best and the fastest and how to seat everyone efficiently. The menu is bound in green leather and features a quite lengthy explanation of their concepts, which I already appreciate more than a QR-Code and a list of cryptic drinks.
There are current signatures, classics and then two 'legendary classics', the 'Gemma' and the 'Renegade of Funk'. While the bar isn't what I would call Tiki, it plays with spirits like Tequila and Rum and has some of that decor inside, but all done in an ironic way (I love their signature monkey neon sign, as well as the 80s music playing). I went for the 'Heatwave', as I was in the mood for intense flavors and Palo Santo can always deliver that. At this point I was seated inside, for both of my drinks.
Heatwave
| Ocho Reposado Tequila
| Lustau Amontillado Sherry
| Fermented Chili Honey
| Palo Santo
| Citrus
Less spicy than one might expect and maybe than I had wanted after the already soft flavors at Lucy's before. The citrus acidity is front-and-center, like a classic sour. A pleasant drink for the crowds where the fermentation was actually better than at Lucy's. It has low ABV and could be done with any other spirit other than Tequila without too much of a difference.
A Bright Day
| Almqvist Rejmyre Akvavit
| Cocchi Americano
| Siete Misterios Mezcal
| Pickled Grape
| Vetiver
Again, I was asking for what the team considers to be their favorites, and this was recommended. It was explained as a deconstructed Mojito, which sounds a bit strange, but the taste explains it. It is again a very easy drink, sweet and floral, with both Akvavit and Mezcal blending into the background like a smooth white Rum might. I was asking if the Vetiver was from Muyu and it was confirmed. Unfortunately, I believe it is just a little bit too much of it, as it overpowers and sweetens everything to a degree where the pickled elements and spirits are somewhat unrecognizable.
Nevertheless I can see thought went into the drinks and if you look at the menu there are so many curious and interesting combinations worth trying. It was such a delight to see that despite a packed room and people waiting outside I never felt rushed and even had all my questions answered. We will see what the future brings and if some of the team will move on to other projects. Gemma still is, as of the time of writing this article, the creative mind behind 'Othilia' at 'Operakällaren', a bar within the Michelin starred restaurant at Stockholm's opera that can be visited separately. I had the chance to visit as well and it will be our next Stockholm article, so I hope that the hospitality and creativity will live on there and in possible new endeavours.
Cheers,
/jf
Excerpts from the menu during the visit (click for original size):
