After a jam-packed day of sightseeing around Edinburgh, you might be in need of a little pit stop to enjoy a drink.
And if it just so happens that you’re in the mood for a cocktail… well, you’re in luck.
Edinburgh will truly leave you spoiled for choice with its many cocktail bars.
From secret speakeasies to themed bars to classic spots with iconic backdrops, there’s something for everyone in Scotland’s capital city.
So without further ado, here are the 25 very best cocktail bars in Edinburgh!
1. The Alchemist
Address: 414 St James Quarter, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
Phone number: 0131 374 7737
Let’s start off strong with one of the most popular (and most Instagrammable) cocktail bars in Edinburgh, The Alchemist.
Situated in Edinburgh’s stunning St James Quarter, The Alchemist brings Edinburgh’s dark and mysterious history to life through its delicious cocktails and enchanting décor.
Their unconventional menu is innovative and darkly theatrical, with cocktails to be smashed, popped, and transformed right in front of your eyes.
Presented in weird and wonderful vessels and garnished with just the right amount of smoke and mirrors, The Alchemist provides a cocktail experience you won’t forget!
2. Bramble Bar & Lounge
Address: 16a Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE
Phone number: 0131 226 6343
Bramble Bar & Lounge is a beautifully intimate venue with plenty of nooks and crannies to cosy up in with your partner or friends.
Exposed brick walls, leather armchairs and artsy alcoves create a speakeasy vibe for this popular spot.
And with a strict first come first serve policy, you’re better to get down nice and early.
Skilled bar staff are more than happy to talk you through their impressive cocktail menu, or even come up with a bespoke pour just for you.
And if you visit on the weekend, expect DJ sets and a great atmosphere!
3. The Lucky Liquor Co
Address: 39A Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 3NH
Phone number: 0131 225 4290
A sister venue to Bramble, The Lucky Liquor Co lines up 13 bottles of base spirits behind the bar, using them to conjure up 13 cocktails that are available for 13 weeks.
A totally refreshing concept, it really is your luck of the draw on what cocktails are available when you visit.
But if one thing is guaranteed, they’ll be experimental, original and absolutely delicious.
The bar itself is refreshingly simple.
White-tiled walls make the perfect backdrop to showcase current core liquors and ingredients, and sleek wooden tables add a bit of warmth to the space.
And to top it all off, the bartenders are always easy-going and dish out a bit of friendly Edinburgh banter.
4. Panda & Sons
Address: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF
Phone number: 0131 220 0443
If you didn’t know any better, you might end up walking straight past Panda & Sons’ American barber shop exterior.
But trust me – this one is worth searching for.
One of Edinburgh’s best hidden gems, Panda & Sons is a concept bar in the style of a 1920s speakeasy, all tucked away behind a secret door.
The décor itself is enough of a reason to visit.
Wood panelling, sultry lighting, vintage furnishings, and extravagant props make the perfect setting to enjoy a classic cocktail in true prohibition style!
The six-chapter menu provides page upon page of quality cocktails, separated by mixing techniques and special ingredients.
So go ahead and find that secret door – you won’t be disappointed.
5. The Printing Press
Address: 21-25 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PB
Phone number: 0131 240 7177
Part of The George Hotel, The Printing Press takes real pride in its historical literary link.
With their décor, menu, and overall atmosphere, they pay homage to the literary legends who formerly occupied the building.
The townhouse interior is truly beautiful and gives off a classic and expensive feel that fits right in with the city of Edinburgh.
Open for food from breakfast onwards, The Printing Press describes itself as an all-day restaurant and late-night bar – perfect for an evening of dinner and drinks.
The cocktails list is fantastic, with an entire range of signature cocktails inspired by literary figures including Ian Fleming, George Orwell, and Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet and author.
So if literature is your thing, there’s no place better to spend your evening!
6. Insomnia Bar
Address: 54 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LR
Phone number: 0131 202 0606
Calling all espresso martini lovers!
If there’s one bar you must visit while in Edinburgh, it’s Insomnia Bar.
Located within the Assembly Rooms, Insomnia Bar is a pioneering espresso martini bar home to 20 different serves of the popular cocktail.
Try a twist on the classic with their coconut, mint, marshmallow, Biscoff, or salted caramel-flavoured concoctions!
You’d better plan your visit carefully, though, as Insomnia Bar only opens on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm.
(However, if you’re visiting in August during the Edinburgh Fringe, they’re open 7 days a week!)
7. Copper Blossom
Address: Basement 107 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3ES
Phone number: 0131 297 2630
Copper Blossom is arguably one of the most Instagrammable cocktail bars in all of Edinburgh – and that’s saying something.
This basement bar has floor-to-ceiling windows that shine light on its garden-inspired décor, complete with vintage floral print walls and fairy-light ceilings.
This makes Copper Blossom the perfect setting to enjoy a fresh, fruity cocktail!
The drinks menu has a nice balance of classic mixes with modern, experimental flavours, and at a very reasonable price, too.
Their ‘bites’ menu is perfect for when you need a proper snack (sometimes the olive garnish just doesn’t cut it) and you can order food til 9 pm!
8. Never Really Here
Address: 89 Rose St N Ln, Edinburgh EH2 3DX
Another secret bar hidden amongst the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, Never Really Here is disguised as an old, unused building, but what awaits inside is a charming cocktail bar that’s full of life.
Seating capacity is very limited, with space for only three at the bar itself and 20 surrounding it.
This means you might need a bit of luck if you want to nab a very coveted spot at this venue!
On a similar note, the cocktail menu itself is also quite condensed, but the experienced bartenders are more than happy to mix to your taste and shake up your favourite cocktail.
Heads up – this place is cash or bank transfer only!
9. Chaophraya
Address: 4th Floor, 33 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3DN
Phone number: 0131 634 0023
Now, we all know Chaophraya is a reliable spot to enjoy a cocktail, no matter what city you’re in.
But undoubtedly one of the best things about Edinburgh’s Chaophraya is the views.
This particular venue has a rooftop bar, with panoramic views spanning over the historic buildings of Edinburgh’s skyline, including the famous castle itself.
This backdrop, paired with the glam décor and Thai-inspired signature cocktails, makes a perfect spot to please just about everyone.
Grab a seat before sunset and watch the sky change colour as you sip away at one of the best rooftop bars in Edinburgh!
10. The Cauldron
Address: 57a Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH
Phone number: 020 8106 6911
One of the quirkiest themed bars in Edinburgh, The Cauldron really plays up on the magic of Edinburgh.
(Without distinctly tying its theme to a very famous boy wizard, known to be written in the same city!)
Upon arrival, you’ll be handed your very own robes and wand (yes, really) so you can begin brewing your very own delicious cocktails in a bubbling cauldron.
Truthfully, the cocktails end up being fairly average, but the novelty of the experience more than makes up for it.
After all, how many people can say they’ve been taught how to mix a drink by a ‘potions master’?
11. The Devil’s Advocate
Address: 9 Advocates Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND
Phone number: 0131 225 4465
Nestled inside an old Victorian pump station, The Devil’s Advocate brings the Victorian era to life with a modern edge (and some really tasty drinks, too).
Bare brick walls and exposed beams keep the history of the building alive, with the addition of an impressive, almost floor-to-ceiling display of liquor bottles.
The Devil’s Advocate places a particular emphasis on its whiskies, with over 300 bottles in its collection.
However, though featured heavily on the cocktail menu, there’s far more than whisky on offer.
Award-winning bartenders serve up seasonal and inventive cocktails to suit everyone’s taste!
For larger groups, there’s a beautiful mezzanine overlooking the bar for private functions and a more intimate space.
12. Heads & Tales
Address: 1a Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD
Phone number: 0131 656 2811
Heads & Tales bar is well and truly devoted to all things gin, offering everything from your classic G&T to unique, adventurous juniper mixes.
It’s a stylish-looking bar, home to two Edinburgh Gin stills (named Flora and Caledonia), giving you the chance to watch parts of the gin distilling process while you sip your cocktail.
Although their classic, contemporary and innovative gin cocktails are the focus of the menu, they have a lot more to offer.
Beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks all feature on Heads & Tales’ monthly menu.
If you’re overwhelmed by choice, why not order a gin flight?
It’s a selection of three gins paired with tonics and garnishes for just £25 per person!
13. Tonic
Address: 34a North Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3BN
Phone number: 0131 225 6431
The award-winning cocktail menu at Tonic is sure to impress everyone, whether you want a drink that’s fresh and fruity, deep and spicey or anything in between.
Situated on North Castle Street, Tonic’s interior is simple and contemporary, placing full focus on the drinks themselves.
The Tonic team spend months putting each menu together but is still more than happy to make your favourites or create a new concoction to suit your tastebuds.
The atmosphere is usually pretty lively without being too loud (the perfect balance for cocktail drinking, really!).
14. Nightcap
Address: 3b York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
Phone number: 07765 496418
One of the more recent cocktail bars in Edinburgh, Nightcap has already made a name for itself as a charming little spot serving up speciality cocktails.
Their cocktail menu focuses is split between ‘altered classics’ and ‘house drinks’, all expertly crafted with the highest-quality ingredients.
The menu is always changing, so with each visit, you’ll no doubt find something completely new to try.
So whether it’s a late afternoon tipple or a nightcap that you’re after (see what I did there), this spot is bound to impress.
15. 56 North
Address: 2 West Crosscauseway, Edinburgh EH8 9JP
Phone number: 0131 662 8860
As Scotland’s original gin bar, kitchen and working distillery, 56 North is easily one of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh.
It has over 300 gins and spirits and even offers gin and distillery experiences for those who want to learn a little bit more.
Stunning copper pot stills sit within the bar itself, so even without booking the full experience, you still get to observe some of the process in action.
As for the cocktails, the menu is ‘a journey with gin’ that takes the time to explain each gin and recommended tonic.
However, they encourage you to experiment with whatever pairings you like the sound of best!
16. Paradise Palms
Address: 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HB
Phone number: 0131 225 4186
Now this one errs a bit more on the side of student vibes, so if that’s not your cup of tea then keep scrolling.
But if you’re into quirky cocktails and fun events, Paradise Palms is the place for you!
Colourful bunting and neon lighting line the walls of this lively creative space, and the events calendar includes everything from DJ sets to themed party nights.
Cocktails are cheap and cheerful, with some particularly inventive mixes, including the Buckfast Daiquiri.
(It’s Scotland’s most infamous tonic wine – if you know, you know.)
17. The Cocktail Mafia
Address: 15 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh EH2 4QZ
Phone number: 0131 629 1818
Complete with indoor palm trees and a gigantic sunset wall mural, The Cocktail Mafia is a spot with eclectic holiday vibes and killer cocktails to match.
The atmosphere of this place is upbeat and cosy, with a consistently good playlist and a great drinks menu.
Of course, there are the classics, but there are also some truly weird and wonderful concoctions on there, too.
There are also low-alcohol options for those occasions when you want the taste without the sore head in the morning!
18. Dragonfly
Address: 52 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Phone number: 0131 228 4543
Recently re-established in 2018, Dragonfly is intended to be a ‘revival of the original spirit of the Edinburgh cocktail scene’ – and it doesn’t disappoint.
Their cocktail menu is vast and constantly changing, with exciting new cocktails to try amongst familiar classics.
It’s a fun, chic venue with Dragonfly-inspired artwork on the walls, beautiful chandeliers, and plenty of greenery.
Bartenders really know their stuff, too, and truly bring the menu to life with talent and individual character.
A revival of Edinburgh’s cocktail scene, indeed!
19. Jolly Botanist
Address: 256-260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8DT
Phone number: 0131 228 5596
As the name might give away, The Jolly Botanist is one of the many cocktail bars in Edinburgh that celebrates the wonders of gin.
However, this time it’s with a unique old Victorian twist.
Sourcing rare botanicals and extraordinary liquours, The Jolly Botanist offer a selection of rare and experimental cocktails to excite every taste bud!
With huge doors that open wide, allowing mismatched tables and vintage armchairs to spill out onto the pavements of Edinburgh, this is one of the best spots to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by.
(Well, if you can get a table at the front, that is.)
20. Raging Bull
Address: 161 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AA
Phone number: 0131 228 5558
Say hello to one of my favourite cocktail bars in Edinburgh, The Raging Bull.
It’s a whacky little venue with patterned wallpaper, colourful prints, and an upbeat, friendly vibe.
Oh, and there’s also a mural of The Raging Bull himself drinking a cocktail with his lady.
Love it.
Known for its variations of the espresso martini, including salted caramel, Baileys, and hazelnut, this place has a reputation for fun drinks.
But the menu also features a whole host of quirky cocktails with strange names (Cardboard Helicopter, Granny Smith, and Bounty On My Head, to name a few).
So leave any preconceptions at the door and embrace the weird and wonderfulness of The Raging Bull!
21. Hey Palu
Address: 49 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AH
Phone number: 0131 285 6752
A modern, intimate Italian bar, Hey Palu serves ‘grown-up drinks’ influenced by the Italian aperitivo style of drinking.
Think Amari, Bitters and Vermouths – that’s the essence of the cocktail menu and it doesn’t disappoint.
The cocktails themselves are beautifully put together with the freshest ingredients.
Mixes include the Wild Strawberry Negroni, Smoked Banana Old Fashioned, and Passion Fruit Sgroppino.
It might be raining in Scotland, but at Hey Palu, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a sunny Italian piazza for a drink or two!
22. Hectors Stockbridge
Address: 47-49 Deanhaugh Street, Edinburgh EH4 1LR
Phone number: 0131 343 1735
Hectors is a gastropub that’s become a bit of a meeting place for Edinburgh locals and tourists alike.
It has five rooms, which are separated from each other and give off very different vibes.
Primarily serving food through the day and early evening, this place becomes more of a drinking spot when the sun goes down.
Warm, cosy and comfortable, it’s the place to go when you’re looking for a more casual drink in the city.
As for the cocktail menu, it’s actually quite impressive.
Expect a mixture of classic cocktails and seasonal spritzes and highballs, all at very reasonable prices!
So get your woolly jumper on, grab a couple of friends, and head down to Hectors for a cosy night in Edinburgh.
23. The Last Word
Address: 44 St. Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AL
Phone number: 0131 225 9009
Remember Bramble and Lucky Liquor, mentioned further up?
Well, they have another sister bar – The Last Word.
With the same standard of cocktails as the other two spots, The Last Word has a more relaxed, neighbourhood vibe with low lighting, wooden panelling, and leather seating.
The bartenders are exceptional, and very clearly passionate about what they do – this place is all about the drinks themselves.
Their cocktails are inventive and unique, using just about any liquor you fancy.
And if you can’t quite choose, they have a rotating Punch of the Day that’s always a safely delicious bet.
24. Bittersweet
Address: 24 Henderson St, Leith EH6 6BS
Phone number: 0131 531 1410
Bittersweet in Leith is unlike any other cocktail bar in Edinburgh.
Created by a Leith-based distiller and mixologist, the team at Bittersweet distil their own aperitivo liqueurs and have created an enormous cocktail menu around them!
Negronis, spritzes and classic cocktails feature heavily on their fresh, fruity cocktail menu.
And to top it off, the drinks are nice and strong!
(I think you can probably now tell why it’s one of my favourite cocktail bars in Edinburgh…)
Special mention to the food on offer, too – it’s arguably some of the best Italian food in the city.
25. Nauticus Bar
Address: 142 Duke Street, Edinburgh EH6 8HR
Phone number: 0131 629 9055
Nauticus is a very proudly Scottish bar, with 90% of its products made in Scotland or having strong links to the country.
This ethos carries on through the décor of the venue, too, as the renovated Parlour pub oozes character and soul with its wooden panel bar and mirrored drinks display.
For what might seem like a cosy boozer perfect for a pint, they actually have a really exciting cocktail list and an indie-led whisky list.
The menu itself is set out in a way that tells the history of Leith from 1128 through to the present day, with key periods as inspiration for signature cocktails.
Drinks do seem to taste better when there’s a bit of history behind them!
So there you have it: the 25 best cocktail bars in Edinburgh.
There are plenty of niche spots in there for those with particular tastes (gin lovers, espresso martini fanatics and whisky connoisseurs) but also some fun all-rounders to suit everyone’s tastes.
Whichever of these cocktail bars in Edinburgh you visit first, you’re in for an absolute treat!