London’s bar scene is a kaleidoscope of experiences. Dive bars with sticky floors and jukebox tunes rub shoulders with opulent cocktail havens where bartenders in waistcoats craft libations with the precision of surgeons. But through it all, one thing remains constant: Londoners’ love affair with the perfectly mixed drink.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious newbie, navigating this vibrant world can be overwhelming. Fear not, intrepid imbiber! This guide from CJ Digital unveils 10 of London’s most exceptional cocktails, each offering a unique taste and experience. So, grab your designated driver, loosen your belt (metaphorically), and embark on a liquid odyssey through the city’s best bars.
- The Dialled Inn (Hackney): The Natural Philosopher
Nestled in the heart of Hackney, The Natural Philosopher isn’t just a bar, it’s a destination. Housed within the unassuming Dialled Inn, this hidden gem takes inspiration from the scientific revolution, offering a playful and theatrical approach to cocktails. Their signature, The Dialled Inn, is a must-try. Served in a vintage telephone, it’s a whimsical twist on the classic Old Fashioned, infused with smoked cherrywood and finished with a dramatic tableside flourish.
- Coupette (Fitzrovia): French Twist on the Classics
Coupette is a love letter to the golden age of Parisian cocktails. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time, with plush red velvet booths, gilded mirrors, and a menu brimming with French classics. Don’t miss the Bijou – a potent yet balanced combination of gin, vermouth, and orange curaçao. Served in a chilled coupe glass, it’s a sophisticated sip that embodies Parisian elegance.
- Happiness Forgets (Dalston): Tiki Treats with a Twist
Escape the ordinary and dive into the vibrant world of Happiness Forgets. This tropical paradise in Dalston transports you to a Polynesian dream, complete with tiki torches, thatched ceilings, and a cocktail menu packed with rum-soaked delights. Go for the Mai Tai, a classic tiki cocktail with a Happiness Forgets twist. The high-quality rum base and fresh fruit juices make for a refreshing and potent island getaway in a glass.
- Tayēr + Elementary (Shoreditch): Cutting-Edge Cocktails
Tayēr + Elementary is a game-changer in London’s cocktail scene. This Shoreditch bar pushes boundaries, using innovative techniques and unexpected ingredients to create truly unique and mind-bending concoctions. Their ever-evolving menu is a playground for adventurous palates. For a truly unforgettable experience, ask the bartender for their current showstopper. You might find yourself sipping on a cocktail infused with smoked rosemary or one that changes colour before your eyes.
- Swift (Soho): Precision and Panache
Soho’s Swift is a masterclass in minimalist luxury. The sleek, black marble bar and attentive staff create a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a special occasion. Their cocktail menu focuses on precision and balance, with each ingredient playing a vital role in the final masterpiece. Indulge in the White Negroni, a refreshing and lighter take on the classic Negroni, featuring gin, Lillet Blanc, and grapefruit.
- Lowcountry (Shoreditch): Southern Hospitality in a Glass
Lowcountry brings a taste of the American South to the heart of Shoreditch. This charming bar boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere with exposed brick walls and vintage maps adorning the walls. Their cocktail menu pays homage to Southern libations, with a focus on bourbon and fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Fat Fashion is their crown jewel – a boozy blend of bourbon, peach liqueur, and amaretto, topped with a splash of soda for a touch of fizz.
- Cahoots (Soho): Time Travel with a Tipple
Calling all history buffs! Cahoots is a hidden gem tucked away in an old air raid shelter in Soho. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to a 1940s wartime bar. Dimly lit with vintage posters and sandbags on the walls, the atmosphere is authentic and immersive. Their cocktail menu features wartime classics with a playful twist. Don’t miss the “Stir Up the Trouble,” a rum-based concoction with hints of ginger and pineapple, served in a vintage teacup.
- Bar Termini (Soho): Italian Aperitivo Hour All Day Long
Embrace the Italian way of life at Bar Termini. This Soho spot embodies the quintessential aperitivo bar, with a laid-back atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the art of the pre-dinner drink. Sip on a classic Negroni or a refreshing Aperol Spritz as you soak up the bustling Soho scene. Bar Termini offers an authentic slice of Italian.
- The Aviary (City of London): Molecular Mixology
The Aviary is a culinary adventure for those seeking the extraordinary. This high-end bar in the City of London pushes the boundaries of cocktail creation, using molecular gastronomy techniques to create visually stunning and taste-bud-tingling concoctions. Their menu changes regularly, so expect the unexpected. The “Cloud Nine” is a popular choice, featuring a fluffy cloud of cotton candy infused with gin and elderflower.
- The American Bar at The Savoy (Strand): Timeless Elegance
No list of London’s best cocktails would be complete without a mention of The American Bar at The Savoy. This iconic institution has been serving up world-class cocktails since 1893. The elegant Art Deco interior, impeccable service, and legendary bartenders make it a must-visit for any cocktail enthusiast. Their signature Vesper Martini, created specifically for James Bond, is a timeless classic that’s as sophisticated as the surroundings.
London’s cocktail scene is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape. From hidden speakeasies to Michelin-starred bars, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking a classic Martini or an experimental molecular creation, London’s bars offer a world of possibilities. So, raise a glass to this city’s liquid artistry and embark on your own cocktail adventure.