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Cocktail Bars Glasgow: 25 Best Bars for Cocktails [2024]

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It’s no secret that the Glaswegians love a wee tipple or two.

And, as Scotland’s largest city, you certainly won’t be stuck for places to go.

From quirky indie bars to upmarket cocktail specialists, Glasgow has it all.

To make things nice and easy, I’ve handpicked the 25 best cocktail bars in Glasgow to help you map out your evening celebrations.

Cheers!

1. The Spiritualist

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Address: 62 Miller Street, Glasgow G1 1DT

Phone number: 0141 248 4165

Starting off with one of the most impressive cocktail bars in Glasgow, The Spiritualist is a total spectacle ‘with a slice of cool’.

This elegant bar and restaurant is filled with white and cream marble, French bistro tables and a gallery of ingredients – with a ladder to help mixologists reach the very top!

But even more impressive than that are the cocktails themselves.

With plenty of Dry Ice magic and extravagant garnishes, The Spiritualists cocktail menu is fun and playful.

Why not try a Cocktail In The Rocks (that’s right, IN) where they squeeze a cocktail into a hollow ice sphere for you to smash with a little hammer!

2. Metropolitan

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Address: Merchant Square, Glasgow G1 1LE

Phone number: 0141 553 1488

Situated in Glasgow’s Merchant City, Metropolitan is an award-winning cocktail bar with a stylish, chic interior perfect for everything from day drinks to date night.

Cocktails are what Metropolitan do best!

With sweet, fresh, punchy and spritz flavours to choose from, there’s a cocktail for everyone here.

Lounge inside on plush chairs and booths, or take your drink to a bistro table out on the Merchant City courtyard for a bit of people-watching.

3. Tabac

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Address: 10 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU

Phone number: 0141 237 8820

Strictly speaking, Tabac is actually a little wine bar tucked away on Mitchell Lane in the heart of the city centre.

But my goodness, they’ve mastered some seriously tasty cocktails, too.

The bar has a very cool vibe, with dimmed lights, loud music and funky artwork on the walls. Dressed up or down, you’ll fit in perfectly.

Choose from classic cocktails off the menu, or head through the back to Tabac’s secret CBD-cocktail bar, The Grow Room.

This old fire escape is spruced up with original cocktails, fluorescent walls and great tunes!

4. October

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Address: The Rooftop, Princes Square, Buchanan Street, Glasgow G1 3JN

Phone number: 0141 221 0303

Another favourite in the city centre is October, located on the rooftop level of the iconic Princes Square shopping centre.

In the day, October is the perfect spot to take a well-earned refreshing cocktail break mid-shopping trip.

At night, the lights turn down and the DJ keeps the vibe strong until the early hours.

Plus, the cute cherry blossom tree will make an excellent background for your next Insta pic!

5. Hummingbird

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Address: 186 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HG

Phone number: 0141 332 8513

Hummingbird, a fully converted townhouse and ‘fantasy escape’, spans across four enticing floors featuring a cocktail bar, karaoke pods and amazing function spaces.

Each room has a personality of its own, from whimsical bird cage lanterns in the Main Bar to the plush Penthouse seating to the incredibly extra Glitter Lounge.

(Seriously, every single inch of that room is reflective!)

The cocktails themselves are sweet, satisfying and very well-priced in comparison with other bars in the area.

Hummingbird even hosts their own cocktail masterclasses, just in case you fancy trying your own hand at mixing your favourites!

6. The Social

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Address: 27 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AJ

Phone number: 0141 222 2321

Tucked in the corner of the cobbled Royal Exchange Square, The Social is the kind of spot that always has a little buzz around it.

Whether it’s al fresco drinks in the afternoon, classy pre-drinks in the evening, or a big night out, this bar is packed with tasty cocktails and some pretty impressive flavour combinations.

Their avant-garde garnishes are a lot of fun, too!

There are cocktails with candyfloss toppings, a little floating rubber duck, or a mystical smoke balloon.

Fancy it?

Then get yourself down to one of the best cocktail bars in Glasgow!

7. The Corinthian Club

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Address: 191 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1DA

Phone number: 0141 552 1101

As a former bank and high court, The Corinthian Club is a truly iconic venue on Ingram Street that’s home to one of the best rooftop bars in Glasgow.

However, it doesn’t get much grander than the Tellers Bar at The Corinthian.

From the marble bar to the ornate wall panelling to the breathtaking dome ceiling, your jaw might drop slightly as you walk through the door.

It’s the kind of place that requires a little more dressing up (and a little more cash to splash) but it’s more than worth the fuss.

The cocktail menu is extensive and the service is impeccable – you’re guaranteed to be well looked after at The Corinthian Club. 

8. Saint Judes

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Address: 190 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HG

Phone number: 0141 352 8800

If you happen to have a sweet tooth for a candy shop cocktail, then look no further than Saint Judes.

They have a huge range of inventive cocktails based on everyone’s favourite sweets (think drumsticks, jelly tots, Haribo and more) and even a couple of chocolate-based flavours (Galaxy caramel and mint Aero).

But if you don’t quite fancy the sugar rush, Saint Judes also serve some more traditional cocktails by the glass – or in a teapot!

9. Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn

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Address: 214 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HW

Phone number: 0141 332 1341

Following on with the theme of exotic flavours, step inside the Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn and you’ll find an oasis tucked away in this basement bar.

The cocktail menu is bursting with tropical flavours and, for an extra £14, you can choose to have your drink served in your very own authentic Tiki mug to take home with you!

Totally worth it, right?!

The Tiki Bar also has a gigantic but cosy beer garden, with big screens showing major sports (if that’s your thing).

And don’t worry, it’s fully covered and heated to keep the tropical vibes going even throughout the winter months.

10. Mezcal

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Address: 104 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 6PH

Phone number: 0141 378 8207

Say hello to one of my favourite cocktail bars in Glasgow!

Named after the popular Mexican spirit, Mezcal is a lively place that puts a fun twist on traditional, authentic flavours.

It’s an absolute go-to for Mexican-inspired street food – and cocktails, too.

Enjoy a classic Mezcal Mule in this cosy space filled with neon signs, colourful tiles and lively music.

Oh, and make sure you order the Paloma (Mexico’s national cocktail) before you leave, too.

I mean, it’d be rude not to!

11. Slug & Lettuce

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Address: 150 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5NE

Phone number: 0141 229 0607

Now, this wouldn’t be a list of the best cocktail bars in Glasgow without mentioning Slug & Lettuce, would it?

It’s a well-known chain, but still a classic spot for a girls’ cocktail night.

You can always rely on Slug & Lettuce to bring tasty cocktails at a reasonable price (usually with 50% off in Scotland, just saying!).

Plus, where better to order an infamous cocktail tree?

Grab your girls, choose your cocktail tree and share the love and bubbles!

12. The Anchor Line

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Address: 12-16 St Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2DH

Phone number: 0141 248 1434

One of my favourite cocktail bars in Glasgow, The Anchor Line is a taste of a different era.

Combining classic New York style with some of the very best Scottish produce, this opulent bar and restaurant is a celebration of both sides of the Atlantic.

They say “you don’t just drink cocktails at The Anchor Line, you experience them” and, as cheesy as that sounds, it’s true!

It’s an immersive experience, with pre and post-prohibition style oozing everywhere from the décor to the classic, contemporary (and even dessert-style) cocktails.

This stunning venue won’t take drinks-only reservations, but they do accept walk-ins (if you manage to get in at the right time).

Otherwise, I’d recommend booking a table to enjoy fresh seafood and scotch beef, too!

13. Revolution

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Address: Multiple locations

If you’re searching for somewhere in-between a cocktail bar and a nightclub, Revolution is without a doubt the place to go.

With a photo booth, a ball-pit bathtub and a decent dancefloor, it’s one of the best spots in Glasgow to spend a tipsy evening with the girls.

Perfect for big celebrations or a spontaneous night out, you’ll easily find a spot that suits you across their two floors.

And you can forget about happy hour as Revolution Glasgow does ‘happy days’ from Sunday – Wednesday every week, with amazing deals on delicious cocktails.

Count me in!

14. Missoula

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Address: 110-114 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1NF

Phone number: 0141 332 9724

A girls’ night out hotspot, Missoula is the kind of lively party bar that could start off as a drink or two and end up as a full night out.

Cocktails take centre stage on the drinks menu and, with regular promos including half-price cocktails Sunday to Thursday, it’s a great place to party.

Depending on the day of the week, Missoula also has some cracking entertainment, including pub quiz nights, live music and DJ sets.

They’ve also teamed up with Popworld upstairs if you fancy singing your heart out to some cheesy classics!

15. Revolución de Cuba

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Address: 36 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 1LU

Phone number: 0141 404 0410

The sassy, feel-good energy of Revolución de Cuba is always a total hit – and so are their deliciously punchy cocktails!

This authentic Catina with Latin-inspired food, drinks and live music brings straight-up party vibes all the way from Latin America.

Choose classic Cuban cocktails from the bar (with a special focus on Rum-based concoctions) with Happy Days from Monday to Wednesday every week.

They also serve an amazing bottomless brunch in Glasgow that’s available every single day of the week.

It’s by far the best fiesta you’ll find in Glasgow City Centre!

16. The Finnieston

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Address: 1125 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8ND

Phone number: 0141 222 2884

Heading over to the Finnieston area of Glasgow, you’ll find the aptly named The Finnieston.

Celebrating local Scottish produce from inside their charming, blue building, The Finnieston serves up only the freshest, ethically-sourced Scottish seafood alongside award-winning cocktails and exceptional gins.

Gin martinis are a real speciality of The Finnieston, as are Johnnie Walker mixtures and other botanical cocktails.

The building itself has heaps of charm and a hint of vintage sophistication, with nautical themes and a nice, relaxed vibe.

This is a popular spot for locals and with a cracking drinks menu, it’s not hard to see why.

17. Lebowskis

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Address: 1008 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8LX

Phone number: 0141 654 7988

Famous for its impressive 30+ varieties of White Ukrainians (changed from White Russians to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine), Lebowskis has made its mark with arguably the best selection of milk-based cocktails in town.

White Ukrainians can also be made with soy, oat or almond milk so that everyone is able to enjoy these delicious creamy cocktails!

Of course, they have a selection of classic cocktails, too.

I’d recommend those with a fresh, quirky twist like the Honey & Pear Margarita or Pineapple Whisky Sour.

Bottoms up!

18. Porter & Rye

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Address: 1131 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8ND

Phone number: 0141 572 1212

If whisky is your drink, then Porter & Rye is sure to impress.

Porter & Rye are passionate about sustainability, choosing local, seasonal ingredients and brands that minimally impact the planet.

Their drinks menu is packed with creative, unique cocktails that aim to elevate your dining and drinking experience.

The cocktail menu is split into three sections; ‘Aperitif’ for a light, fresh taste, ‘Digestif’ for a deeper, indulgent flavour, and ‘Signature Classics’ for those traditional cocktails with an innovative Porter & Rye twist.

They can also create bespoke and tailor-made cocktails upon request, so why not try something completely new?

19. Kelvingrove Café

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Address: 1161 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8TB

Phone number: 0141 221 8988

Heading further over to the West End of Glasgow, surround yourself with the cosy wooden-panelled walls and crimson leather booths and bar stools of Kelvingrove Café.

This is a cool, relaxed bar that always has a little buzz around it without ever feeling overwhelmed.

Using fortified wines and Amaro as the base of their drinks (instead of spirits), Kelvingrove Café offers bolder flavoured cocktails that are well thought out and utterly delicious.

Just one look at their cocktail menu and your mouth will be watering!

It’s actually one of the oldest cocktail bars in Glasgow, so why not enjoy a couple of drinks in the name of history and sightseeing?

20. beGIN

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Address: 383 Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8AU

Phone number: 0141 341 6516

For all the juniper lovers out there, beGIN is the ultimate cocktail destination ‘where it’s always gin o’clock’.

BeGIN stocks over 100 gins from around the world in their glamourous, speakeasy-style bar.

No matter what your tastebuds are, they’re guaranteed to have a carefully crafted cocktail on the menu to suit.

They take their gins seriously, but have a whole load of fun with them!

Every cocktail on the menu comes with a bespoke name, origin story and a series of drawings to illustrate the flavours.

21. Hillhead Bookclub

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Address: 17 Vinicombe Street, Glasgow G12 8SJ

Phone number: 0141 576 1700

A student favourite, Hillhead Bookclub is one of the coolest, cosiest bars in Glasgow’s West End.

Formerly an Art-Deco cinema house, Bookclub has kept its charm and personality with coved, arched ceilings and operatic balconies – a cracking contrast to the funky music and laid-back vibe!

With fun, weekly events from drag bingo nights to ping-pong tournaments, you’ll never be stuck for a bit of entertainment to accompany your cocktail of choice.

You can’t fault the pricing at Bookclub, but they also do a lot of offers if you’re lucky enough to hold a valid student ID.

If so, make the most of 20% off all drinks, or their boozy brunch deal featuring their classic Bookclub Bloody Mary!

22. Vodka Wodka

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Address: 31 Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ

Phone number: 0141 341 0669

Heading over to the famous Ashton Lane (the West End’s cobbled street with fairy-light skies), you’ll find one of the very first dedicated cocktail bars in Glasgow, Vodka Wodka.

One of the busier weekend spots (likely due to the great prices for their cocktails), Vodka Wodka is a party bar offering cocktails, shots and great music through the night.

One of the bar’s biggest selling points, though, is the impressively toasty beer garden out back.

With wooden decking seating, overhead coverings and plenty of heaters, you’re sorted for all seasons at Vodka Wodka.

23. The Grosvenor Café

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Address: 24 Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ

Phone number: 0141 341 1234

On the other side of the lane sits The Grosvenor Café, a converted picture theatre with a whole lot to offer.

Head along for just one drink, or join a special event like their boozy brunch where you can enjoy a movie in the quirky independent cinema downstairs.

Then, head up to the mezzanine to enjoy brunch, drinks and entertainment!

They love a frozen cocktail at the Grosvenor (and even pick a new special each week) along with other fruity, fun specialities on the menu.

They also have a handful of tables out on their wooden balcony, just beneath the draped lights of Ashton Lane.

So pull up a chair, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the best bird’s-eye view of the lane!

24. Brel

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Address: 37-43 Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ

Phone number: 0141 739 4830

Also on the lane, Brel is a Belgian bar and restaurant that has undergone a recent transformation, bringing a whole new alfresco dining (and drinking) experience to the West End.

Here you can reserve firepit tables!

From just £10 per person, you can cosy up, toast some marshmallows over an open fire, and enjoy some s’mores with your drink.

For the perfect outdoor contrast between hot and cold, why not order one of their boozy snow cones?

And yes, that is exactly as it sounds: a crushed ice snow cone with your favourite spirit mixed through.

That counts as a cocktail, right?

But if you’d rather have something served in a normal glass, that’s an option, too.

(It’s just not quite as fun!)

25. The Gardener

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Address: 24 Ashton Lane, Glasgow G12 8SJ

Phone number: 0141 341 1230

The Gardener’s philosophy is to ‘keep it simple and do what you love’.

This family-run spot pairs leafy décor and bold artwork with fresh cocktails and seasonal ingredients, all wrapped up with some of the friendliest, most genuine service and a super relaxed atmosphere.

The Gardener team are passionate about using the very best ingredients and, as botanists and cocktail enthusiasts themselves, will happily talk you through the entire menu.

What could be better than a personalised recommendation from someone who loves cocktails as much as you do?

 

So there it is, a round-up of the 25 very best cocktail bars in Glasgow.

You can’t deny there’s something for everyone on this list, and for every type of occasion that might require a cocktail in hand.

So pick your favourite cocktail bars in Glasgow and start creating your dream cocktail bar crawl.

Now that’s a way to spend your Saturday night!

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