The Argo introduces fresh creations inspired by the ocean, fermentation and local flavours

The Argo Cocktail Bar in Vilamoura Marina is marking its third anniversary with the launch of a new cocktail menu that strengthens the venue’s creative and maritime identity.

Located at the Hilton Vilamoura, the bar has become one of the Algarve’s leading names in contemporary mixology, recently winning the Best Hotel Bar award at the Lisbon Bar Show Awards for the third consecutive year.

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Over the past three years, The Argo has built a strong reputation across the Iberian Peninsula, garnering both national and international recognition. Alongside this year’s Lisbon Bar Show award, the bar also received two stars in the Top Cocktail Bars List in 2025 and earned nominations for Best Bar Team and Best Bar Menu.

The project is led by Nelson de Matos, named Best Bartender at the 2024 Lisbon Bar Show Awards. Having started his career at London’s historic Savoy Hotel, he now leads a team focused on transforming local ingredients, modern techniques and mythological storytelling into an immersive cocktail experience inspired by the sea and the voyages of the Argonauts.

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Ridel Cocktail

The new menu reflects what Nelson describes as a natural evolution of the bar’s concept. “We continue to explore techniques of clarification, fermentation and upcycling, moving ever closer to a zero-waste approach, always with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients,” he explained.

Among the latest additions is The Whisper, a delicate and aromatic cocktail combining Grey Goose vodka, bamboo, lychee, herbs and soya. Coast to Coast takes inspiration from the ocean, blending Martin Miller’s Westbourne gin, Grey Goose vodka, gluten-free bread, chilli, cider vinegar, sea air, lime, vegetable butter, salt and coriander.

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Flora Cocktail

For bolder flavours, Soul of Japan mixes Grey Goose Pear vodka, Japanese gin, umeshu, sudachi, miso, mirin and umeboshi, while Hansik Heritage draws inspiration from Korean cuisine with Grey Goose Lemon vodka, kimchi, kalamansi and cinnamon roll.

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Soul of Japan Cocktail

The Argo’s signature cocktail remains at the heart of the menu. Inspired by the Algarve coastline, The Argo combines premium gin with ingredients such as plankton, sea fennel and inula to create a salty and mineral-rich profile.

Elsewhere on the menu, Popcorn & Apples pairs Jack Daniel’s Calvados with popcorn, green apple, rooibos tea, vegetable butter and vanilla, while Did You Have Your Veggies? offers a fresh and plant-based combination of Martin Miller’s Summerful gin, sugar and vegetables.

Sustainability continues to play a central role in the bar’s approach, with the team working closely with local producers including Ria Fresh, known for its sustainable cultivation of halophytes in the Algarve.

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