An Escape to the Caribbean in the Andes at Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar Bogotá

Location: Calle 70a #10a-18, Bogotá, Colombia

Every great city has a bar that feels like it belongs somewhere else — not as imitation, but as escape. In Bogotá, that place is Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar. Step through its doors and you’re suddenly somewhere warmer, brighter, closer to the Caribbean coast. The air smells faintly of sugarcane and citrus, the lights glow amber and gold, and the sound of salsa hums in the background.

Pedro Mandinga isn’t just about rum; it’s about identity. It celebrates Latin flavor, craftsmanship, and rhythm in equal measure. You come here for cocktails, yes, but you stay for the atmosphere — the stories in the bottles, the care in every pour, and the rhythm that runs through the space like a quiet heartbeat.

If you’re looking for a bar that combines great drinks, genuine hospitality, and that unmistakable Caribbean joy — without leaving Bogotá’s Zona G district — Pedro Mandinga should be near the top of your list.

Get Transported

Tucked into the lively gastronomic hub of Zona G, Pedro Mandinga fits perfectly among the area’s mix of world-class restaurants and relaxed lounges. The façade is understated — wooden doors, subtle signage — but step inside and you’re instantly transported.

The neighborhood itself is walkable and safe, with taxis and Ubers constantly passing through. If you’re exploring Bogotá’s restaurant scene, this is the ideal spot to start or end the night. Come in for a pre-dinner cocktail, or settle in late and let the rhythm carry you into early morning.

The Rum Collection — A Journey in Every Glass

At Pedro Mandinga, rum isn’t a side note — it’s the star of the show. Behind the bar, you’ll find shelves lined with bottles from across the Caribbean and Latin America: Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Jamaica, Cuba, Nicaragua, and beyond. Each represents a different history, a different rhythm, and a different kind of heat.

The bar’s menu divides the experience into “Rum Journeys” — tasting flights that let you explore flavors by region. The Colombian Journey might include La Hechicera, Dictador, and Ron Medellín 12 Años, while the Panamanian Journey showcases the house’s own Pedro Mandinga Silver and Blend, alongside Ron Abuelo expressions.

For those who want to venture deeper, there’s the Caribbean Journey with Plantation, Flor de Caña 12, and Botrán 18, or the Premium Journey, where rums like Zacapa XO and Diplomático Single Vintage tell stories of patience and craft.

Each flight is served with care, often with a short explanation about the distillation process or flavor notes — hints of vanilla, molasses, banana, spice. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you rum is far more complex than people give it credit for.

Signature Cocktails — Rum, Reinvented

If you want to taste Pedro Mandinga’s creative side, dive into their signature cocktails — each built around rum but layered with local fruits and house-made syrups.

Mojito Mandinga

Their take on the classic Cuban mojito, this version adds panela (raw cane sugar) for depth and uses Pedro Mandinga Silver Rum for a clean, citrus-forward finish. It’s light, balanced, and one of the most refreshing drinks you’ll find in Bogotá.

Canal Buck

A spiced rum cocktail with ginger, bitters, and citrus. It’s lively, tangy, and carries just enough heat to wake you up.

Colomandinga

This one’s for coffee lovers: spiced rum, espresso, and coffee liqueur shaken with panela. It’s rich and smooth, with a subtle bitterness that pairs beautifully with dessert or late-night conversation.

Pedroni

A clever Caribbean twist on the Negroni — Pedro Mandinga Silver Rum replaces gin, while pineapple adds a tropical touch. Strong, aromatic, and slightly sweet.

El Viejo y el Mar (“The Old Man and the Sea”)

This cocktail feels like storytelling in a glass: rum, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit, and lemon, topped with egg white for texture. It’s both delicate and bold — perfect if you’re in the mood for something refined.

Other standouts include the Rum Bar Punch, Mai Tai, and Galeón, each highlighting local fruits like lulo and uchuva (golden berry). These aren’t just tropical drinks — they’re expressions of Colombian flavor, each built on precision and pride.

Even the mocktails here are memorable: try the Lulada Virgin (lulo fruit, citrus, cashew, and soda) or the Mango & Coconut Smoothie, both bright and refreshing without being overly sweet.

Atmosphere — Caribbean Warmth, Bogotá Soul

The space feels like a fusion of colonial Caribbean charm and modern Bogotá cool. The bar glows in warm tones of amber and wood, the lighting soft but intentional, and the music a perfect backdrop — salsa, bolero, and sometimes live acoustic sets.

Pedro Mandinga is intimate without being cramped. The décor nods to old rum distilleries — barrels, maps, and nautical motifs — yet still feels current, with sleek brass finishes and a polished wood bar. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a first date, a night with friends, or an after-dinner nightcap.

What sets the vibe apart is the staff’s energy. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. You can ask for a recommendation and end up with a small rum history lesson or a personalized cocktail crafted on the spot. The service feels warm, never rushed, and adds to the sense that you’re part of something special.

The soundtrack deserves a mention too. Salsa and Latin jazz keep the energy flowing without overwhelming conversation. On some nights, live musicians drop in — percussionists or singers performing beside the bar, giving the space an effortless groove that makes every drink taste better.

By the time your second cocktail arrives, you’ll understand what Pedro Mandinga does best: it creates a mood.

Food Menu — Caribbean Bites at High Altitude

While Pedro Mandinga is first and foremost a rum bar, the food menu deserves real attention. It bridges the warmth of coastal kitchens with Bogotá’s culinary precision — small plates made to share, full of color and spice.

Small Plates and Appetizers

Start with Patacones Mandinga — crispy fried plantains topped with shrimp in coconut cream and guacamole. They’re indulgent and perfectly matched to a daiquiri or Colomandinga. Another favorite: Mini Empanadas de Pollo y Panela BBQ, small chicken turnovers glazed with a slightly sweet, smoky panela sauce.

The Ceviche Caribeño is bright and refreshing — white fish marinated in citrus, coconut milk, and chili, served in a chilled bowl that looks like sunshine. It’s a great way to balance stronger rum cocktails with something zesty.

For group snacking, order the Picada Pedro: grilled meats, cassava fries, empanadas, and fried cheese cubes served with house-made dips. It’s hearty, fun, and designed for sharing around a table full of drinks.

If you want something lighter, the Arepitas de Queso Costeño — small cheese arepas with a drizzle of spicy honey — bring the perfect touch of sweet and salty to pair with an aged rum.

Mains — Simple, Soulful, and Flavorful

If you’re staying longer or turning the night into dinner, the kitchen offers a handful of larger dishes that echo Caribbean comfort. The Arroz con Camarones (shrimp rice) is rich and creamy, infused with coconut and topped with cilantro and lime — a dish that instantly reminds you of the Colombian coast.

The Costillas Glaseadas con Ron (rum-glazed pork ribs) are slow-cooked until tender and brushed with a sticky, sweet glaze made from Pedro Mandinga Spiced Rum. Pair it with a Pedroni or neat rum, and it’s an unforgettable match.

Vegetarian options include Yuca Frita con Salsa de Tamarindo — golden cassava fries with a tangy tamarind dip — and a Tropical Salad with grilled pineapple, avocado, and citrus dressing that fits perfectly between cocktails.

A new addition, the Sandwich Caribeño, features shredded pork marinated in rum and citrus, served on toasted bread with slaw and pickles — simple but delicious, ideal for casual dining with friends.

Desserts

End the night on a sweet note. The Flan de Coco is classic Caribbean comfort: smooth, creamy, and topped with golden caramel. Or try the Rum Cake, soaked in aged rum and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Both pair beautifully with an after-dinner Ron Pedro Mandinga Spiced or a small pour of Zacapa 23.

If you prefer something more refreshing, the Piña y Ron Sorbet delivers tropical brightness in every spoonful — a playful, cooling finish to a rich evening.

The Crowd — Curious, Cultured, and Connected

Pedro Mandinga draws a mix of people — professionals unwinding after work, travelers chasing Bogotá’s best bars, and locals who know exactly where to find a world-class rum cocktail. The vibe is social but relaxed; you’ll see people chatting with bartenders, laughing across tables, and sometimes breaking into a little salsa step when the right track hits.

It’s a place for conversation as much as celebration. You might start the evening with quiet talk over a daiquiri and end it dancing between tables. That’s the balance Pedro Mandinga strikes: elegant, yet completely unpretentious.

Pedro’s Pros and Cons

What we love:

• The rum selection is unmatched in Bogotá — both local and international labels.
• Cocktail craftsmanship is top-tier, with creative blends that stay balanced.
• Atmosphere: Cozy, refined, and perfectly tuned to the music.
• Staff: Knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to guide you through the experience.
• Social mission: Every cocktail supports Fundación Cakike, which fosters music education for children — a thoughtful touch that ties culture and community together.

What could improve:

• On busy nights, seating is tight; a reservation helps.
• Lighting can be dim for some tables — better for ambience than photos.
• Adding a few new rum-based mocktails would make the menu even more inclusive.

Still, these are small notes. The bar’s soul — the balance of passion, craftsmanship, and purpose — shines through effortlessly.

The Final Take? A Must

Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar feels like a story told through flavor and rhythm. It captures the warmth of the Caribbean and distills it into every detail — the cocktails, the music, the smiles. Whether you’re a rum expert or simply someone who enjoys a good drink in a good mood, this place welcomes you.

Come here to explore, to relax, and to feel that rare mix of sophistication and soul that defines Bogotá’s best nights.

Cielo Travel — Experience Bogotá with Depth and Style

At Cielo Travel, we craft more than trips — we design stories that unfold through Bogotá’s most inspiring places. A visit to Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar might be your first toast in the city, but we’ll take you beyond it — into the markets, art districts, hidden rooftops, and the cultural heartbeat that makes this capital unforgettable.

Whether you want to discover Bogotá’s cocktail scene, explore its culinary roots, or pair nightlife with mountain escapes, we’ll plan every detail around your rhythm and interests. Let Cielo Travel create your journey through Bogotá — refined, effortless, and deeply local.