COCKTAIL BARS EDINBURGH

The Register Club is a reservation-only cocktail bar and restaurant perched on the fourth floor of Edinburgh Grand at 42 Saint Andrew Square, offering elevated views over historic St Andrew Square. Since its 2018 opening, the venue has become a cornerstone of Edinburgh's cocktail scene, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea alongside classic and contemporary cocktails crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The space features historic detailing blended with modern design across multiple drinking and dining areas, including a games room available for private hire accommodating 22–60 guests. Accessed through the Grand's soaring lobby, The Register Club combines refined interiors with hand-crafted tables that serve as both social and workspace-ready furniture.

Cask Smugglers is a rooftop cocktail bar hidden on Edinburgh's Princes Street atop Waverley Mall, offering panoramic views of Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh Castle. The bright, industrial-style space features an extensive cocktail menu inspired by 13 lunar revolutions, alongside draught beers, fine spirits, and authentic Peruvian cuisine. An open-plan terrace provides outdoor drinking with city views, while the Mezzanine Wine Bar and Secret Domes offer luxurious alternative experiences. The combination of mysterious mixology, international wines, and rooftop setting creates a one-of-a-kind destination.

Dragonfly is Edinburgh's oldest cocktail bar, located at 52 West Port in the city centre and specializing in craft cocktails for enthusiasts. The venue offers a curated online cocktail menu, private event bookings, and gift vouchers, maintaining an active presence on Instagram and Facebook for customer engagement. Its positioning as a historic establishment reflects heritage within Edinburgh's established bar culture while providing contemporary services and social engagement for the modern cocktail community.

Juniper is a stylish cocktail bar inside Hotel Indigo on Princes Street, offering craft gin, Scottish whisky cocktails, dining, and private events with sweeping city skyline views. The venue features windows spanning the entire frontage illuminated with energy and light, hosting an exceptional range of local gins and Scottish whiskies. The iconic Strawberries & Steam cocktail is complemented by premium spirits, extensive wine lists, and food options including mac and cheese and Haggis Bon Bons. Flexible private spaces accommodate up to 40 guests for meetings or celebrations.

Lady Libertine is a sophisticated bar and restaurant in Edinburgh's West Register Street offering distinct experiences across two levels. The ground floor café bar presents laid-back sophistication and casual cool, while the moody basement restaurant delivers intimate ambiance ideal for lingering evenings. The venue serves signature cocktails and classic drinks alongside brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, with live DJ performances on summer weekends and private event hosting capabilities. Open daily with extended hours on weekends.

Le Monde is a boutique hotel bar and restaurant in Edinburgh offering expertly crafted cocktails and elegant afternoon tea experiences. The venue positions itself as a destination for various occasions—from spontaneous drinks with friends to champagne afternoon tea services. Alongside its full cocktail selection and bar bites, Le Monde provides an upscale social experience within the hotel setting, complete with gift vouchers for signature experiences and private event hosting.

Lucky Liquor Co. on Queen Street combines cocktails with vinyl records and recreational gaming under the concept of 'Cocktails + Vinyl + Pool.' Founded in 2013 by creators of renowned Bramble bar, the venue features signature cocktails rotating monthly, alcohol-free options, craft beers from local breweries, and curated wines. An eclectic vinyl soundtrack spans all eras and genres, while a downstairs pool table and hot food service create a welcoming social gathering space. Open daily from 4 PM to 1 AM.

One Square Bar & Brasserie overlooks Edinburgh Castle from Festival Square, offering innovative cocktails, gin tastings featuring over 60 varieties, and an impressive selection including their house-made One Square Gin. The venue champions seasonal Scottish produce across its menus, providing afternoon tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. A wood-fired pizza oven and terrace with castle views offer summer dining, while private dining accommodates special celebrations. Sophisticated yet relaxed in style.

Panda & Sons is a hidden speakeasy located behind a vintage barber shop on Queen Street, recognized as one of the world's 50 best bars in 2023. The theatrical, Prohibition-style cocktail bar showcases innovative mixology using freeze distillation and sous-pressing techniques to enhance drink profiles. Staff wear panda-emblazoned aprons while serving visually stunning and flavorfully profound creations in a luxurious New Town setting that exemplifies contemporary cocktail culture.

Tattu Edinburgh is a modern Asian restaurant and bar located on West Register Street, blending traditional Chinese interior design with contemporary reflective surfaces. The venue mirrors Edinburgh's unique Old and New Town landscape through its sophisticated setting. Offering à la carte and set menus from £29.50, full drinks selections, and private hire for events, Tattu operates daily from noon until late, providing an elegant destination that honors both culinary and architectural heritage.

The Alchemist St James Quarter on the fourth floor of Edinburgh's St James development delivers theatrical cocktails and all-day dining within striking black and gold interiors. The bar is celebrated for spectacular presentations featuring dry ice effects, neon-lit drinks served in unusual vessels like lightbulb flasks and beakers, and iconic creations such as Cherry Poppins. Globally inspired food complements imaginative cocktails with vegetarian and vegan options, though its energetic atmosphere and loud music require advance booking.

The Cocktail Mafia was a theatrical cocktail bar in Edinburgh's West End featuring gangster-inspired design with a Prohibition-style main room and Miami-inspired back room available for private parties. The venue offered approximately 30 cocktails with theatrical names like Sleeping with the Fishes and Smoking Barrel, alongside cocktail masterclass experiences. Note: The bar permanently closed in May 2024, though owners indicated hopes of reopening at a future venue.

The Voodoo Rooms is an award-winning multi-space venue located at 19a West Register Street in Edinburgh's city centre, combining a sophisticated bar, restaurant, and entertainment complex. The establishment features several distinct areas including The Ballroom and The Speakeasy, each hosting live music performances and entertainment events throughout the year. The menu blends tantalizing tapas and sharing platters with succulent burgers and vegan options, whilst the bar showcases craft beers, innovative cocktails, and fine wines. Accommodating private functions for groups of 10–300 people, The Voodoo Rooms operates daily from early evening until 1am, making it a premier destination for dining, entertainment, and nightlife in Edinburgh.

Tigerlily is an upscale 4-star boutique hotel, bar, and restaurant situated at 125 George Street in Edinburgh's New Town, described as 'the original icon of George Street.' The venue features striking interiors combining elegance with energy, offering an eclectic cocktail list paired with extensive global wines. The culinary program blends Scottish ingredients with Pan-Asian influences, featuring refined seated dinners and shareable plates, with an all-day set menu offering excellent value. The hotel comprises 33 beautifully appointed bedrooms designed as 'a curated blend of contemporary luxury and thoughtful comfort.' Tigerlily serves as a premier event destination, accommodating intimate dining and exclusive full-venue takeovers for celebrations and social gatherings.

The Voyage of Buck is a cocktail bar and restaurant at 29-31 William Street in Edinburgh that draws inspiration from global travel experiences. The signature concept centers on thematic voyages through five key world cities, with each cocktail menu showcasing flavors, emotions, and cultural elements encountered by 'Buck' on international travels. The bar emphasizes originality in beverage creation, with bartenders applying professional techniques to develop consistently evolving cocktail offerings. The venue features multiple dining menus including summer fare and Sunday specials, alongside an associated gift shop and home delivery drinks service. Private event catering is available for those seeking to host memorable occasions.

Superico Bar & Lounge in Edinburgh's city centre is an opulent cocktail destination showcasing an impressive sound and visual experience. Located at 99 Hanover Street, this sleek venue features bare stone walls, drapes, and dark wood interiors, creating an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. The award-winning bar team crafts signature cocktails including the Padron Martini, Yuzu Spritz, and Superico Peach Negroni. Entertainment ranges from chilled DJ sets starting at 5pm to full-energy vibes from 9pm onwards, complemented by regular movie nights. Guests can enjoy food and beverage service in a sophisticated setting that reflects Edinburgh's contemporary hospitality scene.

Copper Blossom is a cocktail bar and dining establishment located in the basement at 107 George Street in Edinburgh's city centre. Positioning itself as an opulent oasis in the capital with the tagline Come hungry, leave obsessed, the venue combines exceptional drinks and cuisine for memorable experiences. The bar specialises in creative cocktails including twists on classics, signature selections, and sharing cocktails, alongside a food menu inspired by global flavours using seasonal, local ingredients. Offering weekend brunch, private hire capabilities, a loyalty programme called Crave, and regular entertainment, Copper Blossom delivers upscale yet welcoming hospitality.

Heads & Tales is a hidden gin and cocktail bar tucked behind an inconspicuous wooden door in Edinburgh's West End, at 1a Rutland Street. Accessible by descending stairs, this intimate venue specializes in creative, forward-thinking cocktails crafted with a dash of fun, welcoming both serious enthusiasts and casual visitors. The bar offers a curated selection of gins, light bites including butter boards, and accommodates walk-ins as well as private events. Known for its friendly, approachable atmosphere, Heads & Tales combines expert mixology with a playful spirit, making it an ideal escape for a sophisticated night out in a secluded setting.

Bar Tonic is an intimate, award-winning independent cocktail bar located on Castle Street in Edinburgh's city center, just steps from George Street. The venue celebrates craftsmanship with daily creations using local and homemade ingredients, offering everything from signature house drinks to timeless classics. Beyond cocktails, Bar Tonic features curated playlists and resident DJs spinning everything from classic R&B to disco, with bartenders performing as much as pouring. The bar's philosophy centers on creating an inclusive, lively environment where patrons sing, dance, and celebrate together, open Sunday–Friday 5pm–1am and Saturday noon–1am.

Elio's, located on George Street in Edinburgh's West End, has been a cornerstone of Scotland's cocktail culture since 1978. Renowned for creating exceptional cocktails from quality ingredients, the venue features signature drinks like 'The London Cut' and 'Dance with the Devil No.2' priced around £9.50–£10.50, alongside creative combinations featuring premium gins and spirits. The bar's atmosphere pulses with live music and DJs nightly, creating an energetic vibe perfect for dancing and socializing. With a storied history of hosting royalty and celebrated artists, including Princess Anne and The Temptations, Elio's opens seven days weekly with extended hours until 3am on weekends.

The Cocktail Geeks, nestled in Arch 14 on East Market Street beneath the Jeffrey Street bridge, is Edinburgh's independent, rotating-theme cocktail bar with a cave-like architectural character. This small, intimate venue changes its thematic décor every few months, creating immersive experiences inspired by popular culture and entertainment. The welcoming team crafts imaginative cocktails and mocktails that reflect each theme's narrative. Wheelchair accessible on its main level with additional seating upstairs, it offers an extensive menu where every drink tells a story. Advance booking is recommended, especially for groups.

Nightcap is an intimate speakeasy cocktail bar tucked away in a basement on York Place, featuring exposed brickwork and neon accents. Specializing in expertly crafted signature cocktails like the Nightcap blend and Midnight Sour, it stocks premium whiskies, craft beers, ciders, and fine wines. The venue operates as a cosy retreat for relaxed evenings or romantic dates, with exclusive member-only access after midnight. Open daily from 5 PM until 3 AM.

The Last Word is a cocktail and whisky bar in Stockbridge founded in 2012 by Jason Scott and Mike Aikman, creators of Bramble and Lucky Liquor. Specializing in creative cocktails and exceptional whiskies, the bar maintains over 100 whiskies from established distilleries and emerging bottlings, complemented by spirits, liqueurs, wines from around the world, and Scottish craft beers. Customers consistently praise its cosiness and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Open daily 4 PM to 1 AM.

The Raging Bull is an award-winning cocktail bar located on Lothian Road in Edinburgh's city centre, offering an intimate speakeasy experience with candlelit ambiance and exposed stone walls. Specializing in craft cocktails, the venue features signature espresso martini creations alongside innovative drinks like Strawberry & Elderflower Negroni and Spicy Peach & Passion Margarita. Beyond signature cocktails, guests can enjoy five-course tasting experiences and cocktail masterclasses led by skilled mixologists. The bar emphasizes personalized service and memorable hospitality, complemented by a private function room for private events. Operating Monday to Thursday 5pm–1am, Friday 4pm–1am, Saturday 2pm–1am, and Sunday 5pm–1am.

Three Marys is a neighbourhood cocktail bar located in the Shore area of Leith, Edinburgh, housed in a historic 1899 sandstone building originally known as the Bay Horse. The bar specializes in seasonal and sustainable, locally-themed cocktails that reflect its heritage, featuring smoked creations like the distinctive rhubarb margarita, alongside independent local beers and fine French wines. Named after three famous Marys connected to Leith's legendary past—Mary, Queen of Scots, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Guise—the venue combines unique decor with small plates bursting with flavour. A finalist for Scotland's best bar at the 2022 Thistle Awards, Three Marys hosts live music performances every Friday, creating a vibrant social atmosphere that honours both local tradition and contemporary craft bartending.

The Blackbird in Edinburgh's Tollcross neighbourhood has established itself as a distinctive cocktail destination since 2012, earning recognition as a Top 30 UK bar by The Times. Located on Leven Street with an urban beer garden, the venue showcases small-batch craft ales and house cocktails alongside classics like martinis and highballs. The bar features competition award-winning drinks and zero-proof cocktails designed by its own mixologists. Following a £100,000 refurbishment, the space offers modern interiors and an ever-changing food menu with street food influences. Open Monday–Thursday and Sunday from noon to midnight, and Friday–Saturday until 1 a.m., The Blackbird delivers a vibrant community hub for cocktail enthusiasts.

Hoot The Redeemer is an eclectic basement cocktail bar located at 7 Hanover Street in Edinburgh's New Town, marked by a red door and whimsical psychic-themed signage. The speakeasy-inspired venue combines inventive cocktails with playful entertainment: tarot card-inspired drinks priced around £7, arcade games, a fortune teller machine, and an alcoholic claw machine where guests claw for balls to determine their drink's flavor. The intimate setting creates a fun, game-like atmosphere with strong, flavorful creations. Open Tuesday–Sunday 4pm–1am and strictly 18+, Hoot The Redeemer delivers quirky charm and memorable cocktails in a one-of-a-kind setting.

SKYbar Edinburgh occupies the top floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, offering stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh's skyline, including Edinburgh Castle and the River Forth. This luxury rooftop venue opens on select evenings and functions as an elegant event space hosting up to 150 guests, complemented by a full cocktail bar and outdoor terrace. The sophisticated setting features silent discos and al fresco barbecues, providing an unforgettable experience in the heart of Edinburgh's historic old town. Professional event planning and catering services are available for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations.

Pilgrim Bar is a lively cocktail and entertainment destination located on Edinburgh's historic Cowgate. Known for its tagline "Ducking Good Cocktails," the venue offers craft cocktails, beers, and pints alongside a unique suitcase bar concept. The fun atmosphere is enhanced by regular programming including open mic nights, pub quizzes, themed entertainment, and karaoke, with special events throughout the year from Edinburgh Fringe to Hogmanay celebrations. DJs and live performances create an energetic, social environment perfect for group occasions.

Never Really Here is a secretive speakeasy cocktail bar discreetly positioned down a lane off Rose Street in Edinburgh's New Town, requiring guests to knock on a graffiti-covered door to enter an intimate hideaway. Operating as a cash-only establishment with just seven tables and thirty seats, this cosy den features dim lighting, vintage glassware, and eclectic music with live jazz performances on Friday nights. Rather than a printed menu, skilled mixologists engage patrons in conversation about flavour preferences before crafting bespoke, carefully balanced cocktails priced around £12.50. The bar's commitment to personalised cocktail creation, intimate atmosphere, and evening-only service from 5pm make it a destination for those seeking an authentic speakeasy experience in Scotland's capital.

Smoke & Mirrors is a hidden-gem speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar in Leith, Edinburgh, set in a Grade II listed setting at 159 Constitution Street. Without any exterior signage, the bar reveals a quirky interior decorated with upcycled furniture, vintage pieces, and plants creating a retro 90s atmosphere. The zodiac-themed cocktail menu and locally sourced craft beers form the core offerings, alongside meat and cheese platters. Operating from 5 PM to 1 AM, the venue hosts community events and private functions, taking guests on what locals describe as a magical journey through its eclectic design.

Bramble is a walk-ins-only cocktail bar and lounge on Queen Street in Edinburgh's city centre, emphasizing an accessible approach to upscale drinking. Open daily from 4pm to 1am, it features a curated drinks menu showcasing cocktails and premium spirits with an active social media presence reflecting engagement with Edinburgh's cocktail community. The venue is part of a hospitality portfolio that includes Mothership Scotland, The Last Word Saloon, and Lucky Liquor Co., positioning it within a locally-established group of drinking establishments.