The Seven Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh

The capital city has a thriving cocktail scene and we are bringing you our best cocktail bars in Edinburgh. From secret speakeasys to basement hideouts and luxurious lounges, Edinburgh has some of the planet’s best cocktail bars. And the world is taking notice!

A great cocktail bar is not only about unbelievably good cocktails, but the scene the bar sets. As we are celebrating opulent October, what better way to treat yourself to a little opulence than getting dressed up for a night on the town and enjoying a few delicious libations? When you enter the bar, you should be transformed to another world, and we think all the bars below have created spectacular spaces for sipping on their creative cocktails.

As Edinburgh has become a hotspot for world class cocktails bars, we are now being blessed with takeovers, as mixologists come from all over the world to showcase their skills alongside the Edinburgh experts. We are also seeing many Scottish whiskies and gins being globally celebrated thanks to this community. Be sure to follow your favourite bars online to never miss an exciting event.

The Lucky Liquor Co.

The Lucky Liquor Co. construct their cocktail menu off the superstitious number 13. They select 13 bottles, create 13 drinks and run the menu for 13 weeks. We think 13 has certainly been a lucky number for them as the Queen Street bar is hugely buzzed about. The bright neon signs are just as eye catching as their cocktails.

KIN

Easily missed, the single door entrance to the basement bar just off Broughton Street leads to one of the most a cosy candlelit space that couldn’t be more welcoming. Kin is also one of the few bars to make our list that offer a small selection of food, cooked by the chefs in the restaurant above, Seasons.

Panda & Sons

A hidden bar that is often overlooked on the corner of Queen Street, Panda & Sons is a personal favourite. Enter through the old fashion barber shop, down the stairs and through the bookcase, you will instantly be transported to another time in this prohibition style speakeasy.  A long list of opulent and occasionally extravagant cocktails means just about anyone could find something to love about this bar.

House of Gods

The latest addition to the vibrant Edinburgh cocktail scene is House of Gods. The only hotel to make our list because it is something truly special! The décor throughout the hotel and bar, Lilith’s Lounge, is so decadent. Our managing Director, Louise, was lucky enough to get a personal tour of the space just a few weeks ago! Their cocktail list is inspired by the hedonistic tales of hotel debauchery and each room in their hotel is adorned with a handcrafted (and stocked) cocktail bar. One truly to be enjoyed by cocktail lovers.

Nauticus

We love this cosy Leith based cocktail bar which draws on the nautical history of its location and welcomes you with soft lighting and dark wood panelling. Champions of Scottish produce, they serve the best of Scotland’s gin and whisky. What took us most by surprise was the use of wine in their cocktails! Tasting a cold cocktail with red wine certainly confuses the taste buds, but it was delicious!

Lady Libertine

In our eyes, this cocktail bar oozes sophistication, serving up an indulgent list of cocktails and food. Although set in the basement, they have a fine wine bar and café on street level too. Open until 3 AM, you can enjoy sipping a Fourteen Autumns cocktail and feeling fabulous into the wee hours.

Last Word Saloon

Lastly, set in the heart of Stockbridge, the Last Word Saloon is one of the more informal and intimate cocktail bars to make our list. Cosy and inviting, with an array of cocktails exploring many different flavours. We love escaping the cold on a winter’s night with a Queen & Country cocktail by the fireplace.

 

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Then you can try all of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh for yourself!