top 5 cocktail bars

EAT & DRINK

cocktail
ˈkɒkteɪl/
noun

1. an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients

Cocktail bars sometimes come as a surprise to many. You could go to the most fancy or expensive bar and still come out disappointed (and poorer), or you could go somewhere that looks shady and run down, but end up leaving at 3am when they kick you out. The first lesson I have learnt when judging a bar by its cover is: don't judge. 

For me, it's as simple as good atmosphere + mixologists = good cocktail bar.

Living in London means that many of my favourite bars are in the city, but I have found some hidden gems abroad and have made sure that I remember to write a review on tripadvisor or add them to my instagram, just so I can relive the memory, possibly go back and recommend it to other cocktail-thirsty travellers. 

Sometimes I do get distracted by beer, which may explain why I haven't found amazing cocktails in some of the cities I have been to, but what's the rush? Here are my five personal favourites, but when I struggle, I do look up some options on TimeOut to be safe. 

Top 5:

1. ​Ayahuasca, Lima, Peru
2. Royal Exchange, London, England
3. Lebua Sky bar, Bangkok, Thailand
4. Merchant House, London, England
5. Chowringee bar, Kolkata, India

There are some other interesting places that are worth a mention, such as Absintherie in Prague, the home of Absinthe with a pianist playing the latest songs from Top of the pops, right under the staircase; as well as Coq d'argent, in the City of London, well-known for a notable number of people trying to jump off the top (for personal reasons, nothing to do with the drinks at the bar), as well as well made classics. Can't go wrong with a pornstar martini here. Finally, I have to mention Be at One and their Blueberry Muffin cocktails as well as their hyper and borderline crazy bar staff... plus they have happy hours, so it's a guaranteed fun, tasty night out.

1. Ayahuasca, lima

I love this place. Each room has a different vibe, one with Peruvian rugs rolled into glass jars, another secret room with a few rocking chairs and couches, another with a modern bar, and then an outside area. The Pisco Sours had a number of variations and the bar staff were very welcoming, which makes this the one bar you shouldn't miss if you're going to Peru.  

Atmosphere: 10/10
Price: 7/10
Cocktails: 8/10
​Overall: 8/10

Last night in Lima in one of the nicest bars I've been to #peru #lima #□ #pisco #piscosour #barranco #SRtravels✈️

A post shared by San R. (@superdupersan) on Oct 15, 2016 at 11:15pm PDT

​2. Royal exchange

The Royal Exchange Grand Cafe & Bar is very close to my heart since we went to university in London. I remember strolling in a Pineapple branded tracksuit, with my coursework with my friend and the bar staff were pleased to serve us that one cocktail that we made last a couple of hours (student budget-permitting). A decade later, I still work nearby, thankfully, and you can always count on them to make you a bespoke cocktail, hot or cold. It's also pretty cool that it used to be a Stock Exchange (hence its name) and a Theatre before the great Fire in 1666. 

Atmosphere: 10/10
Price: 7/10
Cocktails: 10/10
​Overall: 10/10

Been going to the Royal Exchange in London for the odd drink for about 10 years and only just found out that (apart from being home to amazing cocktails with mini clothes pegs □) before the great Fire in 1666 it was an open square and only 2 floors high, launched by a rich merchant for trading stocks in 1566 and at some point it was also home to the Mermaid theatre (1953, now in Blackfriars) □ #funhistory #didyouknow #royalexchange #london #cocktails #greatfireoflondon #stockexchange

A post shared by San R. (@superdupersan) on Dec 23, 2016 at 1:51pm PST

​3. lebua sky bar, bangkok

A.k.a. the 'Hangover Bar' where the film was shot, this bar has the best panoramic views of Bangkok, especially stunning at night. The cocktails are smooth and interesting, however, you'll probably blow your entire evening (or holiday) budget in this bar if you're not careful. The drinks are very (very) expensive. Having said that, if you're in Bangkok, it's a must see. 

Atmosphere: 10/10
Price: 5/10
Cocktails: 7/10
​Overall: 10/10

Incredible place, drink and view #skybar #bangkok #skyline #asia #amzthld #SRtravels✈️

A post shared by San R. (@superdupersan) on Jul 24, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT

​4. MERCHANT HOUSE, LONDON

First of all, good luck finding this bar as it's hidden away in a tiny alleyway near Bow Lane. If you walk past, you'll probably think it's someone's  living room. This doesn't really change while you walk down the wooden stairs, but then you are greeted by friendly members of the staff.
It's a good idea to book, but we usually find a seat for two or three without much trouble, probably because others couldn't find the bar. The music is very chilled out and the sofas make you feel like you are actually in someone's home. We have a personal favourite: the Cuban Zombie which is served in a giant beer mug, involves 7 different types of rum and absinthe, which is set on fire before you drink it. 

Atmosphere: 9/10
Price: 7/10
Cocktails: 9/10
​Overall: 9/10

Behold.....the #zombie #cubanzombie #merchanthouse #london #cocktails #absynth #rum #fireinmydrink @berniieward @jalps1018

A post shared by San R. (@superdupersan) on Jun 4, 2017 at 11:50am PDT

5. chowringee bar, oberoi grand, kolkata

I probably liked this bar more because of the contrast between the busyness of the streets outside, near New Market and the pool-side silence inside the walls of this grand hotel. The waiters are dressed in traditional Indian attire, which is part of the hotel uniform, which reminds you that you are most certainly in Kolkata. The cocktails are made bespoke, are reasonably priced and you'll be made to feel like a very special guest. 

Atmosphere: 8/10
Price: 9/10
Cocktails: 8/10
​Overall: 8/10

Hideout in #kolkata with a caramel martini ❤️ #oberoi #oberoigrandhotel #india #SRtravels✈️

A post shared by San R. (@superdupersan) on Jan 8, 2016 at 5:44am PST