Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh

Easily the swankiest venue in Edinburgh, The Balmoral Bar is the Roger Moore of cocktail bars. Based in the world-famous Balmoral Hotel, the bar's velvet furniture, chandeliers and sleek furnishings create an opulent vibe that's matched by the bar's incredibly complex cocktails. With Scotland's leading mixologists pulling the strings here, this luxurious cocktail bar simply doesn't know how to disappoint. 

Looking for a quirky cocktail bar in Edinburgh? Ditch your usual spot for a taste of Asian-inspired food and drink as Bar Soba invites you to wine and dine from lunch to dinner.

A hotel, bar and restaurant off Princes Street, Angels Share houses an impressive whisky selection from across the country, and they know what to do with them. Head down for the chance to sample some sippable delights, bursting with unique ingredients such as pepper-infused Talisker, and a Thyme and Irn Bru concoction.

Serving up cocktails from just £4.50 all day, every day come rain, shine, hell or highwater, Las Iguanas has got you covered on the drinks front. This vibrant George Street spot boasts a delectable selection of refreshing South American-influenced tipples from the classic Caipirinha to the charcoal and aquafaba-infused Rock Star Martini.

A fun and relaxed spot in Bruntsfield, Henrick's offers an excellent range of cocktails perfect for getting you in the mood for a night-out, of chilling you out after a long day. Alongside their selection of tipples, you'll find some delicious comfort eats and tasty bar snacks.

Marrying the luxury of a hotel bar with the quirk of an edgy pop-up, the beautiful decorated Tigerlily boast one of the most impressive cocktail menus in town. Split up into various sections and using a wide range of different spices, fruits, spirits and liqueurs, the mixologists behind the bar are always looking to try new things with their cocktail creations. 

One of the coolest cocktail bars in Edinburgh, this relaxed and informal spot on Queen Street brings the heat with its very unique drinks list. You ever had seabass and red onion in a cocktail? Well now you can with the LLC Ceviche Sour. What about chorizo? Because their Liquid Lunch can sort you out for that too. We weren't lying when we said 'unique'.

Step off George Street's beaten path and you'll find this neon-lit marvel taking up a spot on North Castle Street. Wearing its sense of humour loud and proud, you'll find a drinks menu designed around your favourite film and TV references, from a Pickle Rick-inspired tipple, to a Blue Curacao-toting 'Ichiban, Lipstick For Men'.

Home to some of the city's finest shakers and master mixologists, the Heads & Tales team have crafted a superb cocktail menu of unique and moreish tipples, from twists on the classics, to something entirely different. On top of that, they've got one seriously impressive gin list that would humble even the most knowledgeable juniper junkie. 

Sleek, suave and elegant, 99 Hanover Street is easily one of our favourite cocktail bars in Edinburgh. Alongside being home to one of Edinburgh's most impressive collection of single malt scotch whiskies, the venue's bartenders don't hold back when it comes to creating new concoctions and marrying different flavours together. 

Based just a short stroll away from the iconic Grassmarket, Dragonfly is a cocktail bar that reached new heights by keeping things simple. While others in the city have gone for an in-your-face look and serve the quirkiest creations, the team at this spot simply serve their guests classic and signature recipes in a laid back, relaxed environment.

Home to stylishly rustic interiors and some sublime cocktails, this unique private hire space on Dublin Street is ready to make those party wishes come true. With space for 150 people, the venue can also sort you out with some delicious grub and personalised drinks menus.

Throwing bunting, huge indoor plants, kitsch antiques and vibrant tropical cocktails all into one snug venue, Paradise Palms on Lothian Street is a cocktail bar in Edinburgh that just refuses to sit still. While the decorations continue to get louder and more outrageous, the cocktail menu follows the same path, constantly evolving and featuring drinks that'll make you feel as if you're on a Polynesian beach. 

Situated in the heart of Old Town, this charming cocktail bar is the ultimate stopping off spot for pre-dinner drinks, or a relaxed date night. Serving up a sublime selection of sips, their drinks mix simplicity and intelligence, with a fair amount of finesse, to make sure they always hit the spot.

Styled as a vintage barbershop, Panda & Sons is the only purpose-built speakeasy in Edinburgh. Sitting just off Charlotte Square, guests will find a basement bar decorated with vintage chairs, Victorian male grooming guides and a truly creative cocktail menu that could rival any.

New Town's most lauded cocktail bar, Bramble has more than proved its worth since being named among the world's best last year. One look at their menu and can see why though as the drinks on offer go beyond the classics to bring together flavours and ingredients in perfect harmony.