When most people picture Scotland, they picture whisky. And fair enough, we do it brilliantly! But here’s what more and more visitors are finding out: Edinburgh has one of the most exciting cocktail scenes in the UK right now. From speakeasies behind bookcases to buzzing neighbourhood bars that keep going until the early hours, this city knows how to pour a good drink.
We’ve done our homework for the best cocktail bars to try in Edinburgh this 2025. After too many weekends of “just one drink” turning into “last orders,” here are our favourite places where locals actually go, where the drinks are thoughtful, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay for another round!
Let’s dive in.
Black Ivy – Bruntsfield’s All-Day Favourite
If you want your weekend to feel smooth from the very first drink, Black Ivy is where to begin. Located in Bruntsfield, just far enough from the tourist trails to feel local, it’s the kind of place people end up returning to again and again. Locals treat it like an extension of their living room, which tells you something about how welcoming it is.
The drinks list works for every type of night. Fancy a bright gin spritz on the heated terrace when the sun’s out? No problem. Want something deeper and more comforting on a cold night? The seasonal specials cover that too. They even take their mocktails and low-alcohol options seriously, which makes it easy for everyone to feel included.
Food is part of the deal here too. Brunch, Sunday roasts, and plenty of sharing plates mean you can keep your seat without worrying about moving on for dinner. And if you don’t want the night to end? The rooms upstairs are stylish, comfortable, and a great way to make sure the evening ends on your own terms.
Photo from Panda & Sons Instagram page
Panda & Sons – Behind the Bookcase
One of Edinburgh’s best-known cocktail bars hides in plain sight on Queen Street. From the outside, Panda & Sons looks like an old-school barbershop, but step inside and you’ll find yourself walking through a bookcase into a speakeasy that has earned an international reputation.
The menu changes often, and it always pushes boundaries without feeling gimmicky. You might be handed a cocktail under a smoke-filled glass dome or discover an inventive twist on a classic. Regulars swear by the Coconut Affogato, a playful take on an Espresso Martini. But honestly, the bartenders here thrive when you give them free rein. Tell them what you usually like and watch them come back with something spot on.
It’s a lively place, full of personality, and yes, they serve popcorn on the side. Booking ahead is essential now because visitors from around the world make it a priority stop, but once you’re inside, it never feels like a tourist trap.
Photo from Bramble Instagram
Bramble – The Underground Gem
Finding Bramble is part of the fun. You’ll probably walk past the unmarked door a few times before realising you’ve reached it. Once you do, head downstairs into a dimly lit space where the atmosphere feels intimate and unforced.
Bramble has built a reputation as one of the world’s best cocktail bars, and it earns that status through consistency. The staff take time to listen, then suggest drinks that match what you’re after, even if you’re not sure what that is yet. The Bramble cocktail itself is iconic, a sharp and fruity mix of gin, blackberry, and lemon that somehow feels timeless.
This isn’t a bar where you come for spectacle. It’s where you go for flavour, balance, and a sense of being in on something special. It suits a later-night stop when you want to slow the pace down and enjoy the craft that goes into every pour.
Photo from Lucky Liquor Instagram
Lucky Liquor – 13 Weeks, 13 Bottles
Lucky Liquor is about keeping things fresh and surprising. Every 13 weeks, the team selects just 13 bottles and builds an entire cocktail menu around them. That’s it. No endless shelves, no sprawling menu, just sharp creativity and plenty of skill.
The result is a space that always feels alive. Drinks might come in unusual bottles, soda-style packaging, or quirky glassware, but there’s substance behind the presentation. Each visit is a snapshot of what the team is experimenting with at the time, and the short window makes it feel like you’re part of something temporary and exciting.
It’s upbeat, music-driven, and colourful, which makes it a good stop when you want to keep the mood fun and energetic. You’ll leave already thinking about when the next menu change might be.
Photo from Dragonfly Instagram
Dragonfly – Grassmarket Classic
Dragonfly has been part of Edinburgh’s cocktail story for years, and it still holds its own. Tucked just off the Grassmarket, it mixes old-school glamour with quirky details like bold wallpaper and chandeliers that don’t take themselves too seriously.
The menu combines house specials with strong versions of classics, so it works whether you want something adventurous or a familiar favourite. It opens from 4pm, making it a handy place to begin an evening before moving on. The service is warm, never rushed, and the space has just the right mix of energy and calm to keep you comfortable.
It’s not the flashiest bar in the city, but it has staying power. Dragonfly is the kind of place where you settle in, notice time slipping by, and realise you’re in no rush to leave.
Photo from The Alchemist Facebook page
The Alchemist – Theatre in a Glass
The Alchemist at St James Quarter is unapologetically bold. Walk in and you’re stepping into a space designed for spectacle, with glowing lights, sleek interiors, and a drinks menu that puts performance first. Cocktails smoke, fizz, and change colour, which makes them endlessly photogenic and ideal for a group night out.
It’s more than just style, though. The bartenders balance the flavours properly so the drinks taste as good as they look! Expect a busy, buzzing crowd and a sense of energy that fits the location perfectly. This isn’t a quiet, intimate stop, but when you want theatre and excitement in your glass, it delivers.
Photo from The Devil’s Advocate
The Devil’s Advocate – Whisky Meets Cocktails
Hidden down Advocate’s Close, The Devil’s Advocate feels like the Old Town at its best: atmospheric, tucked away, and full of character. The building itself is a former Victorian pump house, with high ceilings, exposed brick, and warm lighting.
The whisky selection here is huge, with more than 300 options, but the cocktail menu more than holds its own. The bartenders know how to use whisky as a base in clever ways, but they’ll happily create non-whisky cocktails if that’s more your style. It’s versatile, which makes it a reliable stop no matter what mood you’re in.
It’s a great choice for a pre-dinner drink, especially if you’re eating nearby, but it also works as a final stop when you want something robust to finish the night.
Photo from The Bon Vivant
The Bon Vivant – Chic and Cosy
On Thistle Street, The Bon Vivant has been a steady favourite since 2008. It feels European in style, with a balance of comfort and elegance that makes it easy to settle into. The lighting is soft, the tables are close enough for atmosphere but not crowded, and the staff know how to pace an evening.
Cocktails lean on refined versions of the classics. The French Spring Punch, with Champagne, Grey Goose, and Campari, is a standout. Food here deserves attention too, with a menu designed to complement the drinks rather than compete with them.
It’s a versatile spot that works just as well for a date as it does for catching up with friends. The key is the atmosphere: relaxed, stylish, and never overcomplicated.
Photo from The Botanist
The Botanist – Green, Bright, and Full of Energy
Step inside The Botanist in St James Quarter and it feels like you’ve entered a garden party indoors. Plants cover the space, lights glow warmly, and the vibe is upbeat from the start!
The drinks list is built around botanicals, herbs, and fruit flavours. Expect cocktails like a garden mojito, rhubarb spritz, or gin-based infusions that taste as refreshing as they look. It’s also one of the stronger food stops on this list, with their signature hanging kebabs and sharing platters making it an easy place to linger.
It’s popular on weekends, so expect a lively atmosphere. That’s part of the draw, though — this is a place where energy and sociability are front and centre, and it pulls it off with style.
TL;DR: Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh 2025
- Black Ivy – Stylish Bruntsfield spot with brunch, roasts, cocktails, and late-night vibes. Hotel upstairs = no last train panic.
- Panda & Sons – Speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase. Inventive cocktails, playful presentation, friendly bartenders.
- Bramble – World-class underground bar. Known for its signature gin-and-blackberry cocktail and intimate atmosphere.
- Lucky Liquor – Rotating menu of 13 bottles, 13 cocktails, every 13 weeks. Fresh, creative, and always surprising.
- Dragonfly – Grassmarket classic with chandeliers, eclectic décor, and approachable staff. Opens early evening.
- The Alchemist – Big energy, theatrical cocktails that smoke, fizz, and pop. Perfect for groups and Instagram moments.
- The Devil’s Advocate – Old Town favourite with 300+ whiskies, robust cocktails, and rustic exposed-brick setting.
- The Bon Vivant – Cosy, chic, European-inspired bar with refined classics and a stellar drinks-and-dining combo.
- The Botanist – Bright, green, foliage-filled bar in St James Quarter. Herb-forward cocktails and hearty food.
Tips for a Great Cocktail Night in Edinburgh
If you want your night to run smoothly, a bit of planning makes all the difference. Book ahead, especially for smaller venues like Panda & Sons or The Alchemist where seats are limited. Take a look at each bar’s signature cocktails before you go, it gives you an idea of their personality and helps you spot the must-tries.
Vary your stops so you experience the range Edinburgh has to offer. Start with a neighbourhood bar, duck into a hidden speakeasy, then finish at a bigger, more theatrical spot.
And yes, think about what you wear. Most places are relaxed, but a few lean elegant and you’ll enjoy it more if you feel part of the atmosphere.
Why Black Ivy Should Be on Top of Your Cocktail Tour
If you’re mapping out a cocktail crawl, Black Ivy deserves to be the first pin on your map. The setting is stylish without losing that easy-going Bruntsfield warmth, which makes it just as good for a solo sip as it is for a group night or a date.
The drinks list is broad, covering the classics you know alongside seasonal specials that keep things interesting. Service is thoughtful, and you always feel like the team genuinely cares that you’re having a good time. Add in food that carries you from brunch through to late-night bites, plus the option of staying over, and you’ve got a place that works for every type of evening.
Location helps too! Bruntsfield keeps you close enough to the centre that you can head off exploring other bars, but far enough away that you start your night in a space with a bit of breathing room.
Why not make it the spot you begin and the one you come back to?
Book your table at Black Ivy now and make it the first stop on your cocktail crawl.
