Bars in Edinburgh 🍸

Edinburgh's cocktail bars offer a varied experience. For innovative drinks and a bit of theatre, check out Panda & Sons, known for its speakeasy vibe. The Devil's Advocate in Old Town is another solid choice for expertly made classic and signature cocktails. If you're after a more relaxed setting with great drinks, consider bars in Stockbridge or Leith that often serve up excellent cocktails without the fuss.

Expect to pay between £12 and £16 for most cocktails in Edinburgh's dedicated cocktail bars. High-end establishments or those with particularly complex, multi-ingredient drinks might charge slightly more, possibly up to £18. For more affordable options, look for happy hour deals which can bring prices down significantly, sometimes to around £10-£12 for select drinks. Always check the menu or ask staff about current pricing.

Most cocktail bars in Edinburgh typically close around 1am or 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. During the week, closing times are usually earlier, often around midnight or 12:30am. Some smaller bars might shut their doors at 11pm. It’s always a good idea to check the specific bar's hours before you visit, especially if you plan on going late on a weeknight.

For popular cocktail bars in Edinburgh, especially on weekend evenings (Friday and Saturday nights), booking ahead is highly recommended. Places like Panda & Sons or The Devil's Advocate can get very busy. If you're visiting on a weeknight or going to a less well-known spot, you might be able to walk in, but it’s never a guarantee. Using an app like Seeker Social (Android) or Seeker Social (iOS) can sometimes show real-time availability or allow direct bookings.

While true 'cheap' cocktails are rare in Edinburgh's dedicated bars, you can find better value. Look for happy hours, which are common between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays, often offering 2-for-1 deals or reduced prices on certain drinks. Some student-focused bars or pubs with a decent cocktail list might also have more budget-friendly options. Exploring areas slightly outside the immediate city centre might reveal places with lower overheads and thus lower prices.

The main difference lies in focus. Cocktail bars specialize in mixed drinks, often with a wide selection of spirits, liqueurs, and innovative recipes, and pride themselves on presentation and technique. Pubs, on the other hand, primarily serve beer and spirits, with a more casual atmosphere and usually fewer complex mixed drinks. You'll find excellent neighborhood bars that offer both, but dedicated cocktail spots aim for a refined drinking experience.

Classics like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, and Espresso Martini remain consistently popular across Edinburgh's cocktail bars. Many establishments also feature signature creations that reflect local ingredients or seasonal themes. You'll often see variations on gin-based drinks, given Scotland's strong gin heritage. Bars like Bramble Bar often experiment with unique flavour profiles, so asking the bartender for their current favourite or a house special is usually a safe bet.