The 8 best gin bars in Edinburgh convinced me gin is better than Scotch (Shhh!)
For as long as I can remember (or rather, since I started drinking), I’ve always favoured gin over whisky. My dad used to bash me for it, but there’s just something about sipping on smooth gin that’s made from dozens of botanicals.
The craft behind gin is fascinating, and I’m so glad that my city keeps the craft alive thanks to the many distilleries and gin bars around. There are spots that offer gin flights or their own special spin on gin-based cocktails.
I personally like my gin neat, but if you’re open to exploring the different ways we Scots like to enjoy the liquor, here are the best gin bars in Edinburgh!
The Jolly Botanist
– Media from thejollybotanist
Address: 256-260 Morrison St
Contact Details: +44 131 228 5596
Operating Hours:
Monday to Tuesday, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Wednesday to Thursday, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am
Friday, 1:00 pm to 1:00 am
Saturday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
The Jolly Botanist is one of the prettiest gin bars I’ve ever seen, and there are a lot of them in the city, mind you. This one, however, blends Victorian-era decor with a cosy vibe that just makes you want to grab a few drams and enjoy the company of your friends.
The bar takes pride in sourcing the best gin from all over the world (there are over 60 brands in their roster). The best part is that not only can they whip up great and tasty cocktails, but they also serve mean breakfast meals and bar chow.
Tips:
- Tables here fill up fast! I highly recommend you give yourself at least three days ahead of your preferred visit date to book your reservation. You can still enter as a walk-in, but if you’re coming on a weekday or weekend evening, expect the bar to be crowded.
- The drinks menu doesn’t show other drinks aside from alcoholic ones. However, the bar does sell non-alcoholic beverages, although you have to request them personally.
56 North
– Media from 56northedinburgh
Address: 2 W Crosscauseway, Newington
Contact Details: +44 131 662 8860
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
56 North is one of the best gin bars in the city, especially if you want to explore how the liquor is made. The bar has one of the largest gin collections I’ve ever seen, with over 350 gins available for every enthusiast to try (not all at once, I hope!).
Apart from serving gin and gin-based cocktails, 56 North is also known for its distillery. They offer immersive tasting sessions, including a gin and cheese pairing workshop, and masterclasses for aspiring bartenders, collectors, and gin enthusiasts.
Tips:
- If you’re unsure about what gin to try (especially since they have a ton), you can opt for the flight menu and let the bartender choose the best they can offer. This way, you can test out their different gins without drinking too much!
- If you want to enjoy a tasting session on your own, the bar offers self-guided sessions wherein they book a table for you to stay in the bar for 120 minutes. You have up to 2 hours to try as many gin samples as you want from their South Loch Gin distillery.
Heads and Tales Gin Bar
– Media from headsandtalesbar
Address: 1a Rutland St, Edinburgh
Contact Details: +44 131 656 2811
Operating Hours:
Thursday and Sunday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am
Friday and Saturday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
One of the few things I love about Heads & Tales Gin Bar (aside from the gin, of course) is the ambience. It’s dark and cosy inside, and it hides behind a wooden door between the bars The Huxey and Taco Libre.
You can instantly feel the cosy vibe from the moment you enter (think timbre ceilings, low chairs, and low lighting), but that’s not the only showstopper.
You will be spoilt for choice with their wide range of cocktails and gin flights. They’re arranged by notes and flavours (and they also provide great bar chow).
Tips:
- Do you have food allergies or intolerances? It’s always best to check in with the staff before placing your order. They’ll do their best to accommodate your needs, but keep in mind that meals and drinks are prepared in a shared space where cross-contamination can happen. Better to ask first and stay safe!
- If you’re visiting with a larger group, I highly recommend requesting one of their private nook booths. It gives off this cool, cave-like vibe, making it an ideal spot for groups to enjoy drinking and socialising.
Sip Antics
– Media from sipanticsedinburgh
Address: The Cumberland Bar, 2 Cumberland St
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
Monday to Tuesday, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Thursday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
If you are looking for a place where you get the chance to distil your own bottle of gin straight from the distillery, then you should keep Sip Antics on your radar.
Here, you can enjoy a round of gin flights fresh from their Cumberland Bar. They’ll give you a maximum of 3 hours to craft your own gin recipe using small copper stills assigned to each seat.
Tips:
- You can bring a friend or partner to share the gin-making experience, but spots are limited, so check availability in advance. You can make a reservation and check out their availability here.
- To find the distil school. Head to the back of the bar, take a left and go down the stairs. If you’re unsure, the bar staff are happy to help, and you’ll also get location details in your confirmation email.
McGonagall’s Gin & Whisky Emporium
– Media from mcgonagallsedinburgh
Address: 49-50 George IV Bridge, Pure Scottish
Contact Details: +44 131 226 2781
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Friday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
The first time I stepped into McGonnagall’s Gin & Whisky Emporium, I knew I was in for a treat. You can just smell the scent of fine spirits in the air.
The bar offers both gin cocktails and gin flights if you’re looking for lots of options to enjoy the liquor. My personal favourite has got to be the Rhubarb and Lychee Sour because it’s a mix of just the right sweetness, sourness, and punch.
For their flights, you can get 3 samples of 25 ml gins across some of their bestselling brands. My recommendation is the Isle of Harris Gin!
Tip:
- Stay tuned to their social media pages because they have quiz and trivia nights as well as live music events. Tables during these events usually get filled up quickly, so book your reservation as soon as bookings open!
Pickering’s Gin at Summerhall Distillery
– Media from tellmediamond
Address: 1 Summerhall Square, Newington
Contact Details: +44 131 290 2901
Operating Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Catching up with college friends over a round of expertly crafted gin at Pickering’s quickly became one of our best nights out. What started as a simple tasting turned into hours of discovering new flavours, swapping stories, and appreciating the craft.
The Summerhall Distillery has over a century of history, so its gin tasting experiences are a definite must-do if you’re visiting the city for the first time. I mean, I’m aware Scotland is known for its Scotch whisky, but you really can’t miss out on our gin!
Tips:
- If you’re looking to take home a bottle of gin or whisky from the distillery, be sure to have your card or digital wallet ready. They operate as a cashless venue, so cash payments won’t be accepted for tickets, drinks, or merchandise.
- If you’re a fan of Pickering’s Gin, don’t toss your empty bottles just yet. You can actually refill them directly at the distillery with your choice of Gin, Navy Strength, Original 1947, or Scottish Botanicals Gin. Not only does this save on packaging, but you’ll also get 15% off each refill—and after five refills, you’ll be treated to brand new bottles with a fresh label.
Panda & Sons
– Media from pandaandsons
Address: 79 Queen St
Contact Details: +44 131 220 0443
Operating Hours:
Thursday to Friday, 4:00 pm to 1:00 am
Saturday, 2:00 pm to 1:00 am
Sunday, 3:00 pm to 1:00 am
At first glance, Panda & Sons looks like a classic barbershop from a bygone era, but behind a cleverly concealed bookcase lies one of my favourite gin bars in the city. It’s a speakeasy with a passion for exceptional gin.
All their gin-based cocktails and flights are served in elegant vintage glasses, and the seating areas are designed to make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Honestly, I would go here for the ambience and not just for the gin (but you still have to try them!).
Tips:
- For a more relaxed experience, visit on a weekday evening when the atmosphere is calmer, and finding a seat is much easier. While walk-ins have a better chance during these times, booking is still the safest bet!
- Hidden within the speakeasy is an even more exclusive space, perfect for those visiting with a larger group and looking for a bit of privacy. If you want to secure a spot, be sure to request it when making your reservation. These tables fill up fast.
Bramble
– Media from bramble_bar
Address: 16A Queen St
Contact Details: +44 131 226 6343
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 4:00 pm to 1:00 am
Bramble quickly became a favourite for my husband and me, especially since he’s a gin lover at heart. The first time we stepped inside, he was immediately drawn to their expertly crafted gin cocktails (and the bartender was so nice to recommend many).
The intimate atmosphere made it the perfect spot for a relaxed date night, and as the evening picked up, music set the mood. If you’re wondering what my husband orders here, he loves their classic Bramble cocktail.
Tips:
- Space is tight, and tables are limited, so be prepared to stand by a cocktail table—especially on busy weekends. If you prefer a seat, arriving early is your best bet.
- This bar operates on a walk-in basis from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am, but showing up right at opening might mean waiting in a long queue. For a more relaxed experience, visit on a weekday when the crowds are lighter and you’ll have a better chance of snagging a table.