The best thing about small cities? Less walking between bars. Not only can you check out this Scottish city’s top watering holes in just a couple of days, but the quality here is great. From quirky spots boasting regularly changing menus through to subterranean dens that shake up their own concoctions alongside the classics, here’s 5 of my favourite cocktail bars in Edinburgh.
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The Bon Vivant
Where: 55 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY
Why: Date night vibes from the bustling bar area to the intimate candlelit tables, with impressive food + drinks
What: EVERYTHING
Top Tip: Go off-menu with a whisky espresso martini… you won’t regret it
£££: Cocktails from £7.50 to £9.50
Panda & Sons
Where: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF
Why: This underground hideaway is home to some of the city’s best drinks, each made using an ingredient from world-class bars from all over the globe
What: Try it all (there’s a whopping 5 chapters)
Top Tip: It’s probably the most well-known bar in town so book ahead or be prepared to queue
£££: Cocktails from £9 to £9.50
Lucky Liquor Co
Where: 39A Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3NH
Why: 13 drinks made using 13 bottles for a menu that changes every 13 weeks
What: This charming smiley-faced fella below
Top Tip: On Sundays it’s BYO vinyl until 1am
£££: Cocktails between £7.50 and £9.50
Bramble
Where: 16A Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 1JE
Why: A subterranean party bar that merges live music with decent drinks
What: The Ube; it fuses vodka and umeshu with Tonka, coconut + the purple yam
Top Tip: Get here early for a table (if you fancy live hip-hop on the decks, then you’ll wanna stay late)
£££: Cocktails from £8 to £9.50
The Last Word Saloon
Where: 44 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AL
Why: Candlelit corners and edgy vibes in an underground bar – all from the team behind Bramble + Lucky Liquor Co
What: Just about anything
Top Tip: Check ahead for live music listings
£££: Cocktails between £7.50 and £9.50
London Girl ✖️
London Girl Munches 