The 12 Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh for the Finest Palates
I’m old enough to remember when the cocktail bar scene of Edinburgh was just about whiskey sours and the odd martini. Now, it’s a full-blown adventure for anyone who loves chasing a good cocktail!
Today, you can stumble into a hidden speakeasy one night and sip something smoky, then find a rooftop bar next that serves up drinks that look like art.
Here’s my boozy take on the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh for both classics done right and some wild, innovative mixes!
The Bon Vivant
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Address: 55 Thistle Street
Contact: +441312253275
Hours:
Monday to Tuesday, 4–11 PM
Wednesday to Thursday, noon–11 PM
Friday to Saturday, noon to midnight
Sunday, noon–11 PM
Price: ££
The Bon Vivant has that warm, candlelit charm that makes you want to linger longer than planned. I once lost track of time here over their Bramble and a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned.
The small plates deserve as much love as the drinks; think haggis bonbons and truffle chips to match the cocktails. Pair a Clover Club with those bites, and you’ll understand why this spot tops my Edinburgh list.
Pro-tip: Smart casual works best at Bon Vivant: a neat shirt or blouse, with trousers, or a dress.
Panda & Sons
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Address: 79 Queen Street
Contact: +441312200443
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 4 PM–midnight
Friday, 4 PM–1 AM
Saturday, 2 PM–1 AM
Sunday, 3 PM–midnight
Price: ££
Panda & Sons tricks you at the door with its old-school barber shop front, but the real magic starts once you step downstairs. I still laugh at how I nearly walked past this speakeasy, only to end up with their Birdcage special smoking on the table.
The drinks are playful yet precise, and the bar chow keeps pace. Crispy pork bites and spiced nuts are ideal orders alongside their inventive mixes.
Pro-tip: Try the Nuclear Banana Daiquiri if you dare! It’s as bold as the speakeasy’s hidden entrance.
Bramble Bar & Lounge
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Address: 16A Queen Street
Contact: +441312266343
Hours: Daily, 4 PM–1 AM
Price: ££
Bramble’s drinks steal the show, but overall, it feels like stumbling into a secret basement party. My first cocktail at this bar and lounge was sharp, sweet, and dangerously easy to order again.
The bar snacks are simple but spot-on. Their spiced olives and cheese boards pair beautifully with the inventive menu.
Pro-tip: Want something off-menu? Try the Clover Club or rotating seasonal specials.
The Devil’s Advocate
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Address: 9 Advocate’s Cl
Contact: +441312254465
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, noon to midnight
Friday to Saturday, noon–1 AM
Price: ££
The Devil’s Advocate hides in a Victorian pump house, and walking in feels like being in Edinburgh’s darker, cooler side. I once swapped my usual gin for their Smoked Plum Negroni, and it instantly won me over!
Their whisky list is a bit intimidating, but in the best way. The food more than matches the drinks: think venison carpaccio and beer-battered fish bites.
Pro-tip: The bar is in a historic location and features many stairs, which may not be accessible to everyone.
Hey Palu
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Address: 49 Bread Street
Contact: +447869710695
Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 4 PM–1 AM
Sunday, 4 PM–midnight
Price: ££
Hey Palu feels like a little slice of Italy tucked into Bread Street. Its award-winning Negroni is bitter, smooth, and nicely balanced. The spritzes are just as good at making you forget Edinburgh’s moody weather for a while.
Their aperitivo-style snacks hit the spot, too: olives, cured meats, and parmesan chips pair well with the drinks. For something different, try the Garibaldi with its fluffy, refreshing orange juice base.
Pro-tip: For that proper aperitivo vibe, try dropping by between 6 and 8 PM.
The Voodoo Rooms
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Address: 19a W Register Street
Contact: +441315567060
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 5 PM–1 AM
Friday, 3 PM–1 AM
Saturday, 1 PM–1 AM
Sunday, 4 PM–1 AM
Price: ££
The Voodoo Rooms is where I first discovered that cocktails can feel like theatre, with ornate ceilings above, and a delicious glass of Zombie in hand below.
Their menu swings from timeless classics to bold originals, and a setting that makes every sip grand.
The bar chow is nothing to scoff at, either: tempura prawns and incendiary fries are known to vanish fast here with their drinks! If you’re feeling a tad debonair, try their espresso martini.
Pro-tip: Check out upcoming live events and high-energy electronic sets at Voodoo Rooms.
Lucky Liquor Co.
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Address: 39A Queen Street
Contact: +441312254290
Hours: Daily, 4 PM–1 AM
Price: ££
Lucky Liquor Co. manages to keep things exciting with a menu of just 13 cocktails that change with the seasons. I fell hard for their rhubarb gin concoction that was no longer there on my next visit.
Their bar snacks are cheeky and satisfying, too. To keep pace with my drinks, I like ordering some of the loaded fries or spiced popcorn.
Pro-tip: The bar also holds occasional pop-up or themed nights, where you might stumble upon a cocktail experiment.
The Alchemist
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Address: 51 George Street
Contact: +441313764376
Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, noon to midnight
Thursday to Friday, noon–1 AM
Saturday, 10 AM–1 AM
Sunday, 11 AM–midnight
Price: ££
If you want a mix of cocktails and a science/art show, visit The Alchemist. I ordered their Bubblebath, and was tickled pink when it arrived, fizzing and smoking like a chemistry experiment gone right.
Theatrics aside, the drinks taste as good as they look, making this bar a must for anyone who loves a bit of drama on their night out. Bar bites like salt and pepper fries and gyoza keep things grounded while you sip your portions.
Pro-tip: Come by for the theatrics, between 7 and 9 PM, for peak atmosphere.
Copper Blossom
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Address: 107 George Street
Contact: +441312300617
Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, noon–11 PM
Thursday, noon to midnight
Friday, noon–1 AM
Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM–11 PM
Price: ££
The boozy brunches at Copper Blossom are hands-down their real hook, with eggs Benedict and pancakes paired with endless fizz or a Bloody Mary done right. With light bites like truffle fries, you’ve got a venue that turns brunch into an all-day affair.
Ambience-wise, it feels like stepping into a floral dream on George Street. The cocktails are playful yet polished, making it a spot that balances style with substance.
Pro-tip: Book your boozy brunch early, as weekend slots tend to fill fast.
Nauticus
– Media from nauticusbar
Address: 142 Duke Street
Contact: +441316299055
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 4 PM–midnight
Friday, 4 PM–1 AM
Saturday, 2 PM–1 AM
Sunday, 3 PM–midnight
Price: ££
Nauticus feels like a reimagined sailor’s hideout, offering cocktails that nod to Scotland’s rich distilling past. I still can’t get over their Port of Leith creation: a salty, smooth, and decidedly nautical drink.
The bar chow also keeps me anchored with hearty pies and smoked fish plates that pair beautifully with the booze.
Pro-tip: Check out their whisky tasting and pairing events that typically happen on Thursday and Sunday nights.
The Cocktail Geeks
– Media from thecocktailgeeks
Address: Arch 14, 27 E Market Street
Contact: +441315571224
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 3 PM–midnight
Friday, 3 PM–1 AM
Saturday, noon–1 AM
Sunday, noon to midnight
Price: ££
I wish I could remember the taste of the Demogorgon Daiquiri at The Cocktail Geeks (I just remember the after effects).
The Stranger Things-inspired drink is a must-try for the franchise’s fandom, but don’t sleep on the monthly themes. I’ve been there during the Jurassic and Westeros phases.
The cocktails are wild but balanced, and the staff happily nerd out when you ask the inspiration behind each one. It’s easy to see why this place is fast becoming a cult favourite.
Pro-tip: Pair your drinks with nachos or loaded fries during quiz nights or themed events, usually announced on their Facebook page.
The Last Word
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Address: 44 St Stephen Street
Contact: +441312259009
Hours: Daily, 4 PM–1 AM
Price: ££
If you want that secret lounge look and feel in your next cocktail bar crawl in Edinburgh, I highly recommend The Last Word. You duck below street level, then suddenly, you’re by the fire with a cocktail that tastes like it was made just for you.
I still think about their namesake drink, The Last Word, which is sharp with chartreuse but nicely balanced. The staff makes the place shine, happily chatting about house-made ingredients and guiding you through the menu.
Pro-tip: You can ask the bartender to craft off-menu twists using hand-picked ingredients!