Aberdeen is the third-largest city in Scotland, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do there.
But what about the cocktail scene?
Well, the ‘granite city’ has an impressive mix of bars to enjoy a tipple or two.
And the best news is, most of these spots are within a few minutes’ walk of each other, making it the perfect destination for a cocktail crawl.
From themed bars to secret speakeasies to local hidden gems, there are cocktail bars in Aberdeen to suit every taste.
So without further ado, here are the 19 best cocktail bars in Aberdeen!
1. Orchid Cocktails
Address: 51 Langstane Place, Aberdeen AB11 6EN
Easily one of the most popular cocktail bars in Aberdeen, Orchid Cocktails has won a heap of awards including Scottish Cocktail Bar of the Year, GQ Top Bar, and UK’s Top 50 Bars.
So if that doesn’t convince you right off the bat, I don’t know what will!
This super stylish venue describes itself as ‘a focal point for cocktail innovation’ and this is well and truly reflected in its drinks menu.
Old classics sit alongside contemporary and unique mixes, meaning there’s something for everyone.
Orchid offers a cocktail delivery service, too.
So if you don’t fancy trekking through town for a cocktail, the cocktail can come to you instead!
2. The Spiritualist
Address: 67 Langstane Place, Aberdeen AB11 6EN
Phone Number: 01224 587717
For those who like a little bit of whimsical fun alongside their cocktail, look no further than The Spiritualist.
The menu is inventive, playful and full of surprises – think smoke, bubbles and even fire!
These quirky concoctions will add a bit of fun to any day or night in the city (and make a pretty good boomerang on Instagram, if you ask me).
The Spiritualist also serve impressive cocktail trees, XL martinis, and giant cocktails served in a skull, because sharing is caring, after all!
I think you can now see why this is one of my favourite cocktail bars in Aberdeen.
3. Jam Jar
Address: The Galleria, Langstane Place, Aberdeen AB11 6FB
Phone Number: 01224 574237
Jam Jar might be known as a wee bit of a student hotspot, but they’re famous for their hands-on mixology classes, too!
Beginning with a quick introduction to the basics of cocktail making and bartending, you’ll be taken through the recipes and methods of some of the most popular cocktails.
(And sample one for yourself, of course!)
You’ll then split into groups for a fun competition: create the best new cocktail based on what you’ve learned!
The winning team gets a bottle of bubbly, and you’ll all be shown to a reserved area to enjoy your drinks afterwards.
These classes book up fast, though, so make sure you plan well in advance!
4. Dusk
Address: 45 Langstane Place, Aberdeen AB11 6EN
Phone number: 01224594430
The name might somewhat give it away, but Dusk has got to be one of the coolest and moodiest cocktail bars in Aberdeen.
Tucked away in the west end of the city, it has dark interiors and a sultry vibe.
Knowledgeable bartenders take pride in mixing, muddling and serving a wide range of cocktails to suit every taste.
And they’re more than happy to tweak things to your liking!
This intimate spot stays open well after dusk (see what I did there) and DJs keep the atmosphere going until 2-3 am.
5. Ninety-Nine Bar and Kitchen
Address: 1 Back Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1JN
Phone number: 01224 631640
Tucked away down a little cobbled street, you’ll find Ninety-Nine Bar and Kitchen, an eclectic, cosy spot with guaranteed great tunes.
Midweek, Ninety-Nine has a relaxed, local feel, with people enjoying casual drinks and tucking into great food.
But when the weekend comes, things pick up and it becomes a buzzy little bar packed with people enjoying their favourite drink.
Bartenders can whip up just about any cocktail you choose, but they also have themed specials available each month.
You never know, you might even find your new favourite cocktail waiting for you…
6. The Tippling House
Address: 4 Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JE
Speaking of cosy spots, The Tippling House is a subterranean venue that oozes charm with its intimate booths, tweed bar stools, and rustic drinks display.
They have a concise but intriguing hand-crafted cocktail menu full of punchy flavours and fresh ingredients.
And even better yet, they all have a slight nod to local Scottish heritage.
They also have a range of single-cask and independently bottled whiskies, as well as local gins and rare wines.
So, in the unlikely event that you tire of cocktails, there’s plenty more to tide you over for the rest of the evening!
7. Revolution
Address: 25 Belmont Street, Aberdeen Ab10 1JS
Phone number: 01224 645475
The perfect mix of cocktail bar and nightclub, Revolution is a staple on the Aberdeen drinks scene.
Split over two levels, this spacious venue offers plenty of seating and even an outdoor deck in the lower bar.
And with a retractable roof, you’re covered on those rainy Scottish nights, too!
The cocktail list is extensive and, in true Revolution fashion, they have discounts aplenty.
We’re talking cocktails for a mere £4.50 and ‘Happy Days’ (for when you need longer than an hour).
This is one of the cheapest cocktail bars in Aberdeen and this alone warrants the bar a visit!
8. Siberia Bar & Hotel
Address: 9 Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JR
Phone number: 01224 645328
If you’re the type of person who appreciates a good view almost as much as a good cocktail, then Siberia Bar and Hotel is the place for you.
Overlooking Union Terrace Gardens (which undertook a £25.7 million revamp in 2022), this boutique hotel bar has a beer garden with over 100 seats as well as stylish, thoughtful interiors.
The cocktail menu is carefully crafted in-house, with a focus on fresh flavours and premium spirits.
You’ll usually find a hidden gem or two in their ‘Cocktails of the Moment’ list, too.
There’s no place better to try something out of your comfort zone!
9. Chaophraya
Address: 1 Union Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1NJ
Phone number: 01224 918005
Chaophraya isn’t just about the food, you know.
Their fantastic range of Thai-inspired cocktails is mouth-watering and quite different to anything else in the city.
With aromatic flavours like lemongrass, ginger, and elderflower, to name a few, Chaophraya has one of the most exciting cocktail menus of any of these cocktail bars in Aberdeen.
Not to mention the venue itself feels very decadent, with traditional Thai features on the walls and luxurious lighting paired with calming music.
A classier choice, perhaps, but it’s well worth it!
10. Revolucion de Cuba
Address: Academy Centre Courtyard, Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1LB
Phone number: 01224 608585
Bringing the party vibes all the way from Latin America, Revolucion de Cuba is a fun-filled fiesta right in the heart of the city.
Choose from a great menu of classic Cuban cocktails (most are rum-based and super punchy) or even join a cocktail-making class and become a ‘Master of Rum’ yourself!
Let the bar add some live music and Latin-inspired food, and you’re ready to party.
Speaking of which, Revolucion de Cuba is one of the best places to go for bottomless brunch in Aberdeen, too!
11. All Bar One
Address: 5 Marischal Square, Aberdeen AB10 1BL
Phone number: 01224 451020
Another name that’s well-known across the UK, All Bar One is a reliable option for girly vibes and even better cocktails.
Take your pick of signature cocktails, spritzes and even dessert cocktails.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the ‘Midnight Tiramisu’ (because why should you have to choose between a cocktail and a dessert?).
They also have a brilliant low and no-alcohol cocktail menu that makes sure being mindful doesn’t mean missing out!
12. Barbelow
Address: 8 Golden Square, Aberdeen AB10 1RB
Phone number: 01224 638446
The very aptly named Barbelow is a gorgeous basement bar specialising in cocktails, organic wine, and small food plates.
It’s a family-run business, and you really get a sense of their shared passion and purpose throughout your visit, from the warm welcome and excellent service to the tasty nibbles and unforgettable drinks.
Their core cocktail menu features a good few crackers, with some on offer for only £5 on a Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
And if you happen to visit on a Thursday, they have a special ‘Margarita Menu’ with an extra nine tequila-based delights.
Count me in!
13. Paramount
Address: 23-25 Bon Accord Street, Aberdeen AB11 6EA
Phone number: 01224 590500
Paramount always seems to have the right kind of buzz around it.
Eclectic decor, neon signs, plush leather seats, and great music combine for the ultimate cocktail experience.
The pop-art-themed drinks menu is fun and features the classics alongside six cocktails handpicked by Paramount staff from the past ten years of mixing.
They even have some quirky additions including beer towers, a photo booth, and the Charlie Sheen Dance Machine!
14. Grape & Grain
Address: 31 Thistle Street, Aberdeen AB10 1UY
Phone number: 01223 633761
As the name might suggest, Grape & Grain is actually a sophisticated wine bar, but don’t let that fool you as their cocktail menu is not one to miss.
They mostly stick to the classics but they make them to absolute perfection.
It’s a luxurious yet understated place to relax, unwind, and enjoy some great drinks.
They also often have live music which always goes down a treat!
Their small plates and sharing platters deserve an honourable mention, too, as they’re carefully chosen to enhance the flavours within the drinks on offer.
Who could say no to a perfect food and drink pairing?
15. Soul
Address: 333 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BS
Phone number: 01224 211150
Easily one of the best cocktail bars in Aberdeen, Soul is a vibrant bar located within the former Langstane Kirk, an ancient Scottish church.
Inside, many original Gothic features remain intact as an impressive backdrop to the liveliness of the bar.
The cocktail menu itself is full of modern classics with a wee twist – almost mimicking the venue itself!
There’s also The Garden at Soul, a covered outdoor seating area with heaters and big screens for those who just can’t get enough of al fresco drinking.
16. Boho
Address: 150 Union Street, Aberdeen AB10 1QX
Phone number: 01224 658018
Under the same roof as the popular restaurant Jack’s Grill, you’ll find Boho cocktail bar.
It’s a sleek spot designed to intertwine delicious food with seasonal cocktails.
With a menu full of house classics as well as weekly specials, they often run a special offer where you can get a free cocktail with every Jack’s Grill steak!
They also champion the after-dinner Cheesecake and Cocktail pairing.
An espresso martini and Oreo cheesecake sound like the perfect way to end the night!
17. 21 Crimes
Address: 254 Union Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TN
Phone Number: 01224 566566
21 Crimes, Aberdeen’s most exclusive bar, is the first secret speakeasy to grace the granite city and boy it doesn’t disappoint.
The concept is inspired by the 21 offences that led to over 160,000 criminals being deported from Britain to Australia in the late 18th and 19th centuries.
And with amazing personalised table service, the bar staff are more than happy to talk you through the fictional background story of each cocktail.
It really is a one-off experience in the city just waiting to be enjoyed!
(Once you’ve found the password to get in, that is…)
18. The College
Address: 9 Alford Place, Aberdeen AB10 1YD
Phone number: 01224 595550
Calling all sports lovers!
The College is the place you’ll want to head to if your favourite cocktail backdrop is a huge screen playing live sports.
They love a frozen cocktail in this bar and they come in some pretty delicious flavours, from caramel to rhubarb to Drumstick Squashies.
On top of that, you’ve got the crowd-pleasing classics and a handful of ‘College Concoctions’ – the absolute staples of the bar.
Not really a sports fan, but want to please the group?
The College has smaller screens and little booths tucked away around the corner, for a less intense viewing experience!
19. MALBAR
Address: Malmaison Aberdeen, 49-53 Queen’s Road, Aberdeen AB15 4YP
Phone number: 0330 016 0380
MALBAR is always a reliable place to enjoy a classy cocktail.
By day, it’s an elegant lounge to enjoy coffee and herbal teas.
But as the hours go by, the lights dim and the bar becomes the perfect place to enjoy a classic cocktail artfully made by the ‘Malchemists’.
They even regularly offer new local and seasonal creations, so you know you’re getting the best and freshest cocktails that Aberdeen offers.
Even better yet, the bar is situated within the stunning Malmaison hotel which is one of the best places to go for afternoon tea in Aberdeen!
So that concludes my round-up of all the best cocktail bars in Aberdeen!
The variety of choices really does rival the nearby cocktail bars in Glasgow and cocktail bars in Edinburgh.
You’re in for a treat in Aberdeen, that’s for sure!