Best Cocktails in Edinburgh
Discover 12 exceptional cocktail bars and speakeasies in Edinburgh, GB. Expert-curated venues with detailed reviews, ratings, and insider tips.
Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has established itself as a serious cocktail destination, with 12 reviewed venues across 5 neighbourhoods earning an impressive 8.7 average score — and 5 bars scoring 9 or above. The city punched onto the global stage when Panda & Sons was named World's Best Bar in 2025, but Edinburgh's strength lies in its depth beyond any single venue. From Bramble's underground speakeasy pioneering to Hey Palu's UK-leading amaro collection, from The Cocktail Geeks' immersive themed experiences to Nauticus's Scottish-sourced cocktails on the Leith waterfront, the scene is remarkably diverse for a city of its size. Edinburgh's cocktail bars are concentrated enough to explore in an evening — New Town alone holds five of the city's best — yet each neighbourhood offers a distinct character. The competition for quality is fierce, and the bartending community is tight-knit and collaborative, driving standards higher year on year.
Explore by Neighborhood
Top-Rated Bars
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cocktail Geeks is currently the top-rated cocktail bar in Edinburgh with a score of 9.3/10 on Best Cocktails Guide, located in Old Town. Other highly-rated options include Hey Palu and Never Really Here.
Edinburgh has 4 reviewed speakeasies on Best Cocktails Guide. The top-rated options are Never Really Here (9.1/10), Bramble (8.7/10), Panda & Sons (7.9/10).
New Town has the highest concentration of reviewed cocktail bars in Edinburgh with 5 venues. Other great neighborhoods for cocktails include Old Town, West End, Leith. Browse all 5 neighborhoods on our Edinburgh guide.
Best Cocktails Guide has reviewed and rated 12 cocktail bars in Edinburgh as of 2026. Each venue is individually scored across multiple criteria including drinks quality, atmosphere, service, and value.
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