Edinburgh's bar scene boasts some of the best and most varied establishments in Scotland, with mixologists serving new, exciting cocktails alongside the classics all year round.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to celebrate with friends, or just want to try something new, read on for some of the finest that Edinburgh has to offer the cocktail connoisseur...
Tip 1: Try something new!
Tip 2: Book in advance to secure your seat with the best city views.
Tip 3: Order water and drink sensibly.
Juniper
Its striking city views. Enjoy a refreshment while looking out over Princes Street and Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Priding itself on being one of Edinburgh’s most innovative cocktail bars, Juniper has established a reputation in the city as a go-to destination for creative cocktails. Coupled with its stunning views across the city, it’s a bar that doesn’t disappoint.
The focal point is the striking copper bar where each cocktail is crafted to order. Why not treat your tastebuds to Juniper Bramble (Edinburgh bramble and honey, lemon juice and sugar syrup), Chocolate Orange (Barcardi Spiced Rum, Cointreau, chocolate liqueur, chocolate milk and orange bitters) or the refreshing mocktail, Tropic Thunder which is packed with pineapple and orange juice, kiwi puree and lemonade.
Feeling peckish? They also offer a range of delicious light bites from early till late, which change on a regular basis.
Badger & Co
Being a Wind in the Willows-inspired cocktail bar.
Occupying the former Castle Street home of Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame, and inspired by the likes of Mole, Badger and Mr Toad, Badger & Co proudly takes a traditional yet uniquely quirky approach to everything from food and drink to the décor.
Cocktails such as Hot Toad Time Machine (Disaronno Amaretto, Chambord, Merlot, raspberry, cranberry and lime) and Head Full of Honey (Monkey Shoulder, Cazcabel honey tequila, apple and lime) head up a truly individual and delightfully unconventional list of drinks. One not to miss.
The Barologist
Unique and seasonal themed décor and tasty cocktails.
Head done to the Shore at Leith and you’ll find the gem that is The Barologist.
Everywhere you look round this quirky bar, weird and wonderful weather-themed objects catch your eye. With both large shared tables and small intimate booths, it’s a great place to spend a few hours, whatever the weather.
Their seasonally-themed cocktail can be enjoyed all year-round. Winter Berry Fizz (Prosecco, Ketel One berry vodka and cinnamon) and Sunset on the Shore (Absolut vanilla vodka, Peach Schnapps, lemon juice, lemonade and raspberries) are our favourites.
Heads & Tales Gin Bar
A classy bar located in Edinburgh’s West End, hidden behind an unassuming door.
Billing itself as an Edinburgh hidden gem, Heads & Tales Gin Bar is an exciting bar serving a range of contemporary cocktail creations.
If gin-based cocktails are your thing, try out The Hearts (Beefeater Pink Gin, thyme and strawberry syrup, mint and strawberry purée) or The Heads (Edinburgh Cannonball Gin, Campari, Aperol, Antica Formula and Fernet Branca).
They’re also dog-friendly, so bring your four-legged, furry friends with you.
Nineteen Hundred Bar & Lounge
Part of the impressive North Bridge, which links Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns together.
Part of the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, Nineteen Hundred Bar & Lounge is situated in the heart of the city centre on North Bridge – an iconic element of the city and a stone’s throw from the historic Royal Mile.
A stunning interior make this stylish bar a must-visit for those looking for an inventive and opulent cocktail menu.
The Cocktail Mafia
Colourful décor and stylish artwork.
For a range of true Instagram-worthy cocktails, don’t miss The Cocktail Mafia.
Once you’ve perused the menu (which includes 37 new and classic concoctions), sit back and enjoy your drink whilst taking-in the bar’s unique décor, which includes modern neon signs and stylish artwork.
Bramble Bar & Lounge
This basement bar serves a wide range of cocktails, from classics to new inventions, that will keep your taste buds tantalized.
Queen Street’s Bramble Bar & Lounge has secured itself a spot as one of Edinburgh’s go-to cocktail bars, with a relaxed atmosphere that focuses on finely crafted drinks.
Cocktails range from Grand Central (gin, Cacao Vermouth, marshmallow and fizz) to The Upbeat (vodka, apple, fig leaf, blackberry and beetroot).
Tigerlily
Featuring 100+ recipes on their list.
With a reputation to be proud of, and with a finger held firmly on the pulse of global trends in mixology combined with staffmembers’ own personal tastes and experiments, you can always be sure of true individuality and originality in Tigerlily’s cocktail menu.
And with over 100 recipes on their ever-evolving list, deciding may take a while!
Guide to the Top 10 Whisky Bars
Prefer a dram to a cocktail? In Edinburgh you’re never far from a great whisky bar.
