Bartender crafting cocktails with precision - orange peel garnish over coupe glass
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Browse Best Places to Drink by City

Trusted bar recommendations in major cities worldwide.

Best cocktail bars in Toronto - Premium drinking establishments and speakeasies

Toronto

29 venues

Best cocktail bars in London - Premium drinking establishments and speakeasies

London

46 venues

Best cocktail bars in Lisboa - Premium drinking establishments and speakeasies

Lisboa

13 venues

Best cocktail bars in New York - Premium drinking establishments and speakeasies

New York

20 venues

Best cocktail bars in Barcelona - Premium drinking establishments and speakeasies

Barcelona

6 venues

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Discover Best Cocktails by Base Spirit

Browse cocktails by your favorite spirit

Whiskey cocktails - collection of classic whiskey-based drinks including signature serves and garnishes

Whiskey

80 cocktails

Rich, warming cocktails showcasing oak, caramel, and spice notes.

Gin cocktails - collection of classic gin-based drinks including signature serves and garnishes

Gin

88 cocktails

Botanical and herbaceous cocktails highlighting juniper and aromatic complexity.

Vodka cocktails - collection of classic vodka-based drinks including signature serves and garnishes

Vodka

57 cocktails

Clean, versatile cocktails that let mixers and modifiers shine.

Rum cocktails - collection of classic rum-based drinks including signature serves and garnishes

Rum

52 cocktails

Tropical cocktails with molasses, sugarcane, and spice flavors.

Tequila cocktails - collection of classic tequila-based drinks including signature serves and garnishes

Tequila/Mezcal

66 cocktails

Agave-based cocktails with earthy, citrus, or smoky profiles.

Brandy/Cognac cocktails - collection of classic brandy-based drinks including signature serves and garnishes

Brandy/Cognac

18 cocktails

Sophisticated, fruit-forward cocktails with warming grape-based depth.

Specialty Spirits cocktails - collection of classic other-based drinks including signature serves and garnishes

Other Spirits

63 cocktails

Unique cocktails featuring specialty spirits and creative combinations.

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Discover the Best Places to Drink

Recently added top-rated cocktail bars and venues

Dimly lit bar with bottles on shelves and a polished counter
8.7/10
cocktail bar

ESPECIARIUM BAR

Barcelona, ES

ESPECIARIUM BAR is a premium cocktail destination in Barcelona's vibrant El Born neighborhood, offering an exceptional drinking experience centered around creative spice-themed cocktails. This sleek and intimate bar features a polished interior with a timeless edge, complemented by carefully curated music and professional service. The signature cocktail menu showcases unique flavor combinations inspired by spices and local Barcelona culture, with standout drinks like the Curryquiri delivering beautifully balanced and inventive taste profiles. With a 4.8-star rating from over 2,000 reviews, ESPECIARIUM BAR has earned recognition for its high-quality cocktails, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere. The bar offers both counter seating and table options, making it perfect for solo visitors and groups alike. Reservations are recommended during peak times, and guests are treated to complimentary water and snacks upon arrival. Located on Carrer de la Princesa, this must-visit cocktail bar combines refined craftsmanship with creative mixology in one of Barcelona's most charming districts.

Rustic cocktail bar with exposed brick and stained glass windows
9.3/10
cocktail bar

Mariposa Negra Cocktail Bar

Barcelona, ES

Mariposa Negra Cocktail Bar is an artisan cocktail destination in Barcelona's historic Born neighborhood, offering handcrafted cocktails with soul. This unique venue combines creative mixology with custom ceramic glassware designed in-house, creating a mysterious and immersive experience. Located at Plaça de les Olles, Mariposa Negra features signature cocktails like the Mariposa Gimlet, El Suero, Pepino Blau, Florian, and Timut, all crafted with artisanal ingredients. The bar's distinctive ambiance is enhanced by carefully curated music and artistic décor, making it a standout choice for cocktail enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary. With a sister location, El Bestiari, also in the Born district, Mariposa Negra has established itself as a must-visit destination for premium cocktails served in one-of-a-kind ceramic vessels. The venue welcomes guests daily from noon until late, offering both intimate seating and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for discovering Barcelona's innovative cocktail scene.

Elegant bar with chandeliers and bottles on shelves in a dimly lit setting
8.8/10
cocktail bar

COMPTON AVE

Toronto, CA

COMPTON AVE is a sophisticated cocktail bar in Toronto's vibrant Dundas West neighborhood, inspired by London's exclusive Compton Avenue address. Part of the acclaimed Frankie Solarik Holdings portfolio (which includes BarChef and Prequel & Co.), this intimate venue delivers expertly crafted cocktails with elegant presentations in a moody, candlelit atmosphere. The bar features creative and well-balanced signature drinks alongside classic cocktails, all served by attentive and professional staff. Beyond exceptional beverages, COMPTON AVE offers a carefully curated food menu including Grilled Steak Diane, Scotch Eggs, and crispy fries that complement the drinking experience. The space transforms seasonally with special themed nights and holiday drinks, creating Instagram-worthy moments throughout the year. With its gorgeous art-adorned walls, perfect lighting, and carefully selected music, COMPTON AVE provides an upscale yet welcoming environment for date nights, weekend hangouts, and special celebrations. Reservations are recommended to secure the best seating in this popular West End destination.

Modern cocktail bar interior with green accents and large windows
8.7/10
cocktail bar

Sips Barcelona

Barcelona, ES

Sips Barcelona stands as one of the world's premier cocktail destinations, ranked 3rd best bar globally. Located in L'Eixample, this modern drinkery house features two distinct concepts: the main Drinkery House and Esencia. The bar showcases expertly crafted cocktails with inventive presentations, creative glassware, and thoughtful garnishes that elevate every drink into an art form. The dark, electric, and stylish atmosphere moves away from traditional bar counter formats, with seating arranged around tables and high-tops surrounding a central island bar. The extensive digital menu offers consistently well-balanced and creative cocktails, each unique and special. Professional bartenders interact constantly with guests, creating an engaging theatrical experience. The modern design, well-calibrated music volume, and sleek backbar create an unforgettable atmosphere. Water and snacks are served on arrival, and the attentive service team ensures a world-class hospitality experience. Reservations are highly recommended for this must-visit Barcelona cocktail destination.

Neon-lit bar with colorful lights and shelves of bottles
9.1/10
speakeasy

Sneaky Sip

Lisboa, PT

Sneaky Sip is one of Lisbon's premier underground cocktail bars, nestled in the charming Príncipe Real neighborhood. This sophisticated speakeasy offers an exceptional craft cocktail experience with creative signature drinks like the Sour Rizz, Unicorn, Green Dope, and El Dorado. Led by expert bartenders who craft personalized experiences and explain the techniques behind each perfectly balanced cocktail, Sneaky Sip strikes the ideal balance between chill and sophisticated ambiance. The bar features a relaxed atmosphere perfect for starting or ending your evening, with attentive service and a passion for mixology evident in every detail. Open until late with food service available until midnight, including their acclaimed Dirty Prego duck sandwich. Whether you're seeking classic cocktails or innovative house creations, Sneaky Sip delivers an unforgettable cocktail masterclass in an intimate, welcoming setting that keeps guests returning night after night.

Cozy cocktail bar interior with dim lighting and wooden decor
9.6/10
speakeasy

CORKIES SPEAKEASY

Lisboa, PT

CORKIES SPEAKEASY is a hidden gem in Lisbon's Bica neighborhood, offering an intimate speakeasy experience with exceptional craft cocktails. Ring the bell to enter this exclusive venue where expert bartenders create bespoke drinks tailored to your preferences. Known for innovative signature cocktails like the Cherry Blossom and Coffee & Coconut, CORKIES delivers unique twists on classics that go beyond standard offerings. The venue features a welcoming atmosphere with attentive service, making it perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed evening. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from over 300 reviews, guests consistently praise the knowledgeable staff, well-balanced cocktails, and passionate team. Open daily from 7 PM to 2 AM, this speakeasy provides an authentic Lisbon cocktail experience where creativity meets craftsmanship in every glass.

Close-up of a well-stocked bar with various liquor bottles and glassware
9.3/10
cocktail bar

Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar

Lisboa, PT

Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar is a must-visit destination in Lisbon for cocktail enthusiasts and oyster lovers alike. Located on R. da Imprensa Nacional in the heart of the city, this intimate bar combines expertly crafted cocktails with the freshest oysters in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The talented bartenders create both inventive signature cocktails and classic drinks with precision and creativity, offering flavors you won't find anywhere else. During their popular "Oyster Hour" from 6-7 PM, guests can enjoy premium oysters for just €1.50 each, paired perfectly with their strong, well-balanced cocktails. The venue features attentive, friendly service and great music, making it a favorite among locals and travelers. With a 4.8-star rating from nearly 900 reviews, Imprensa stands out for its unique signature sauces, quality ingredients, and welcoming ambiance. Open daily from 6 PM to 2 AM, this cocktail and oyster bar delivers an unforgettable experience where natural flavors shine and every drink is crafted with care. Whether you're seeking classic cocktails or adventurous new creations, Imprensa offers a distinctive Lisbon nightlife experience.

Atmospheric bar with bottles and vintage decor
8.9/10
speakeasy

ULYSSES

Lisboa, PT

ULYSSES is an intimate, reservation-only speakeasy in Lisbon's historic neighborhood, offering a truly bespoke cocktail experience. This exclusive venue accommodates only 4-5 guests at a time, providing a private 2-hour journey through expertly crafted cocktails. Owner and master mixologist Manuel brings exceptional knowledge of spirits and cocktail history, creating personalized drinks tailored to each guest's flavor profile. Drawing inspiration from the 1920s cocktail era, ULYSSES specializes in riffing on classic cocktails with unique twists, all made with premium spirits and meticulous attention to detail. The venue has earned a stellar 4.9-star rating for its potent, memorable cocktails and intimate atmosphere. Whether you prefer classic cocktails or adventurous new creations, Manuel's expertise ensures each drink is a carefully considered masterpiece. The experience is highly sought-after, requiring advance booking due to limited availability and the owner's travel schedule. Located on R. da Regueira in a charming Lisbon neighborhood, ULYSSES offers an unforgettable cocktail experience for discerning spirits enthusiasts willing to invest in quality craftsmanship.

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Trending Cocktails Around the World

Top-rated cocktails across different spirits

Margarita cocktail - tequila-based served in Coupe or Rocks Glass with Lime wheel, salt rim
tequila

Margarita

The Margarita is the world's most popular tequila cocktail and America's favorite drink. While its exact origins are disputed (with multiple bartenders claiming invention in the 1930s-1940s), the Margarita emerged in Mexico or the American Southwest as a sophisticated evolution of the tequila shot with lime and salt. The classic recipe combines tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec) in perfect harmony, creating a balanced cocktail that's simultaneously tart, sweet, and spirit-forward. Served in a salt-rimmed glass (either up or on the rocks), the Margarita represents Mexican-American drinking culture and casual sophistication. The drink's versatility has spawned countless variations—frozen, fruit-flavored, spicy, mezcal-based—but the classic lime Margarita remains the gold standard. Quality matters: premium tequila, fresh lime juice, and good orange liqueur transform the drink from sweet-sour simplicity to complex sophistication. The Margarita embodies vacation vibes, casual celebrations, and the democratization of cocktail culture. Its association with Tex-Mex cuisine, beach resorts, and happy hour specials makes it universally beloved. The cocktail represents accessibility, fun, and the global appreciation for tequila. Whether served at a Mexican beach club or an urban rooftop bar, the Margarita delivers instant refreshment and celebration.

Old Fashioned cocktail - whiskey-based served in Rocks Glass with Orange peel, cherry
whiskey

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is America's original cocktail and the blueprint for all modern mixed drinks. Dating to the 1880s, this whiskey-forward classic emerged when bartenders returned to "old fashioned" drink-making—simply spirit, sugar, water, and bitters—in response to elaborate Victorian-era concoctions. The standard recipe muddles sugar with Angostura bitters, adds whiskey (bourbon or rye), and garnishes with orange peel and a cherry. Served over a large ice cube in a rocks glass, the Old Fashioned showcases quality whiskey while adding just enough sweetness and bitterness to highlight its character. The cocktail represents American drinking heritage, whiskey appreciation, and classic cocktail craft. Its simplicity demands quality ingredients and proper technique—there's nowhere to hide mistakes. The Old Fashioned experienced a massive revival during the 2000s craft cocktail renaissance, becoming the calling card of serious cocktail bars. The drink's association with Mad Men-era masculinity, Don Draper's signature order, and timeless sophistication cemented its cultural status. Variations include using different whiskeys, sweeteners (maple syrup, demerara), or bitters, but purists maintain the classic bourbon-sugar-Angostura formula. The Old Fashioned embodies slow drinking, contemplation, and appreciation for fine spirits. Whether enjoyed in a Wisconsin supper club or a Manhattan speakeasy, it remains the ultimate whiskey cocktail.

Negroni cocktail - gin-based served in rocks with Orange peel
gin

Negroni

The Negroni is one of the world's most iconic aperitivo cocktails. Born in Florence, Italy in 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked bartender Forsco Scarselli to strengthen his favorite Americano by replacing soda water with gin. This bold equal-parts cocktail combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to create a perfectly balanced aperitif that's simultaneously bitter, sweet, and botanical. The standard recipe (1:1:1 ratio) creates a complex, contemplative drink that rewards slow sipping. Served over ice in a rocks glass with an orange peel, the Negroni embodies Italian aperitivo culture and sophisticated cocktail appreciation. The drink's ruby-red color, assertive bitterness, and perfect balance have made it a bartender favorite and a benchmark of craft cocktail culture. The Negroni's resurgence in the 2000s-2010s paralleled the craft cocktail renaissance, with bartenders celebrating its simple complexity and bitter elegance. Variations abound—from the Boulevardier (bourbon instead of gin) to the White Negroni (Suze and Lillet Blanc replacing Campari and vermouth)—but the original remains the gold standard. The cocktail represents Italian sophistication, bartender credibility, and the acquired taste for bitterness. Whether served at a Florentine café or a Brooklyn cocktail bar, the Negroni signals refined drinking and aperitif appreciation.

Mojito cocktail - rum-based served in Highball Glass with Mint sprig, lime wheel
rum

Mojito

The Mojito is Cuba's most refreshing cocktail and the ultimate summer drink, combining rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, and soda water to create effervescent tropical perfection. While similar drinks existed in 16th-century Cuba, the modern Mojito emerged in 1930s Havana and was popularized at La Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway famously drank them. The drink is built in a highball glass: mint leaves are muddled with sugar and lime, white rum is added, then ice and soda water top it off. The Mojito represents Cuban drinking culture, tropical refreshment, and the elegance of simple ingredients. The drink's herbaceous freshness (from mint), bright citrus, gentle sweetness, and effervescence create a balanced, crushable cocktail perfect for hot weather. The Mojito embodies beach vacations, Latin American culture, and leisurely drinking. Its popularity exploded in the 2000s, becoming a ubiquitous bar order, though many versions suffer from over-muddling (which bruises mint and creates bitterness) or lack of fresh ingredients. A proper Mojito requires fresh mint (gently pressed, not destroyed), fresh lime juice, good white rum, and delicate balance. Whether served on a Havana terrace or a Miami rooftop, the Mojito delivers instant vacation vibes and refreshing sophistication.

Aperol Spritz cocktail - aperitif-based served in a glass
aperitif

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is Italy's most popular aperitivo cocktail and a symbol of relaxed European drinking culture. While spritz cocktails (prosecco with bitter liqueurs) existed in Venice since the 1800s, the Aperol Spritz in its current form became popular in the 1950s-1960s. This simple combination of Aperol, prosecco, and soda water creates a refreshing, low-alcohol drink perfect for warm weather and pre-dinner drinking. The standard ratio (3-2-1: prosecco-Aperol-soda) creates a balanced aperitif that's neither too sweet nor too bitter. Served over ice in a wine glass with an orange slice, the Aperol Spritz embodies Italian aperitivo culture—light drinking with snacks before dinner to stimulate appetite. The drink's bright orange color, effervescent character, and Instagram-worthy appearance contributed to its global explosion in the 2010s. Aperol's gentler bitterness (compared to Campari) makes the Spritz approachable for bitter-averse drinkers. The cocktail represents European café culture, social drinking, and the joy of simple pleasures. Whether enjoyed on a Venetian piazza or a Brooklyn rooftop, the Aperol Spritz transports drinkers to sunny Italian afternoons.

Porn Star Martini cocktail - vodka-based served in coupe glass with passion fruit half and prosecco shot
vodka

Porn Star Martini

The Porn Star Martini is a controversial, polarizing, and wildly popular modern cocktail that has become Britain's bestselling drink. Created in 2002 by Douglas Ankrah at the Townhouse bar in London, the cocktail was designed to be "something a bit naughty, something to impress." Originally called the "Maverick Martini," Ankrah renamed it after observing that the drink's presentation and exotic flavor profile evoked luxury and indulgence. This passion fruit-based cocktail combines vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur (Passoã), fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh passion fruit, served in a coupe glass with a shot of Champagne or prosecco on the side. The presentation is deliberately theatrical: the drink arrives with half a passion fruit floating on top and effervescent Champagne accompaniment. Despite its provocative name (which has led some establishments to rename it "Passion Star" or "Passion Fruit Martini"), the cocktail represents serious mixology craft—balancing tropical sweetness with citrus acidity and vanilla depth. The addition of sparkling wine adds celebratory effervescence and cuts through the drink's richness. The Porn Star Martini divides the cocktail world: traditionalists criticize its sweetness and theatrical nature, while fans embrace its bold flavors and fun presentation. Regardless of opinion, the drink's commercial success is undeniable—it consistently ranks as the UK's most-ordered cocktail and has spread globally. The cocktail embodies modern drinking culture: Instagram-friendly, flavor-forward, unabashedly fun, and unapologetic about prioritizing enjoyment over tradition.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned cocktail - mezcal-based served in rocks glass with orange twist
mezcal

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a modern classic that revolutionized mezcal cocktails and introduced agave spirits into classic cocktail templates. Created in 2007 by Phil Ward at Death & Co in New York City during the early craft cocktail renaissance, this drink combines reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters, following the Old Fashioned template with Mexican spirits. The genius lies in the split base—tequila provides structure and familiarity while mezcal adds smoky complexity that transforms the drink into something entirely new. The agave nectar replaces traditional simple syrup or sugar cube, adding agave terroir that connects all ingredients thematically. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned represents the craft cocktail movement's approach to innovation: respecting classic templates while incorporating new ingredients and flavors. Phil Ward's creation demonstrated that mezcal could work in stirred, spirit-forward cocktails beyond margarita variations. The drink helped launch mezcal's popularity in the United States and inspired countless variations and agave-spirit Old Fashioned riffs. The cocktail's name references Oaxaca, Mexico's mezcal capital, connecting the drink to authentic agave spirit production and Mexican terroir. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned showcases mezcal's versatility—the smoke complements rather than overwhelms, creating depth similar to Islay Scotch in a Rob Roy. The drink has become a modern classic staple on craft cocktail menus worldwide, often serving as drinkers' introduction to mezcal in stirred cocktails. It embodies Death & Co's innovative approach, mezcal's renaissance, and the successful fusion of Mexican spirits with American cocktail classics. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned proves that great cocktails honor tradition while pushing boundaries.

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Dark cocktail bar atmosphere

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