The Scots love nothing more than a tipple (or three!), so for those looking to indulge in a boozy beverage in the beautiful land of Aberdeen, you’re in good hands.
Whether celebrating a special event, having a romantic date night, enjoying a girls’ weekend, or just because – these 10 bars are a must for a night of cocktails in Aberdeen.
Where is Aberdeen?
Not to be confused with Aberdeen in Washington State, USA, the city of Aberdeen can be found on the northeastern peninsula of Scotland, and closely rivals that of Edinburgh and Glasgow in terms of chic and popular UK cities.
Aberdeenshire is a Scottish county very much renowned for its incredible countryside and rural scenery (such as the Cairngorms National Park), so for those wanting a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, the outer areas of the county – as well as its gorgeous coast – are a real treat for those visiting the area.
Cocktails in Aberdeen: Our Top 10
Aberdeen has a glamorous and festive nightlife scene and those who love classy or kooky indie cocktail bars will not be disappointed, so here are a few of our favourite must-visits for cocktails in Aberdeen.
1. The Tippling House
First up is the Holy Grail of cocktail joints in Aberdeen, The Tippling House. Those who are suckers for a romantic, dimly-lit intimate cellar bar will want to make this cosy little cocktail place their first port of call.
All cocktails served at The Tippling House are hand-crafted and seasonal, all within the confines of its ‘subterranean’ venue. If the idea of cocktails isn’t quenching your thirst, you can also enjoy the bar’s champagne bottomless brunch, á lá carte menu, all-night grazing menu, and wine, whisky, or gin tasting.
But really, the cocktails alone are worth a visit; some of which include:
- ‘Bubble T’ – Gin, dry vermouth, lychee, strawberry & tonic cordial, bitters, champagne bubbles.
- ‘Culture Shock’ – Gin, amaro, rhubarb, blueberry yoghurt, vanilla, lemon, foamer, absinthe perfume.
- ‘Queen’s Gambit’ – Rum, falernum, pineapple, lime, coriander, bitters.
- ‘Revolver’ – Bourbon, coffee, bitters, orange.
- ‘Velveteen Rabbit’ – Whisky, dry vermouth, falernum, bergamot, jasmine cordial, bitters.
Photos from Edinburgh Whisky Experience and Johnny Walker Rooftop Bar
2. The Spiritualist
Next, we head over to The Spiritualist in Langstane Place in the centre of Aberdeen for some elegant-with-a-side-order-of-cool cocktails on a laid-back afternoon or evening.
Ideal for a boozy weekend brunch or a romantic date with your special someone, The Spiritualist offers indie-run, homemade cocktails, as well as a delightful menu for those relishing a bite to eat over an Old Fashioned.
Some of the delightful tipples you can tantalise those tastebuds with include:
- ‘Hollaback Girl’ – Absolut raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur, citrus, homemade apple cordial.
- ‘Fluffy Strawberry Daiquiri’ – Bacardi rum, strawberry purée, fresh lime, candy floss.
- ‘Wonderboy’ – Absolut Citron vodka, blue Curacao liqueur, citrus, apple.
- ‘Clover Club’ – Whitley-Neill raspberry gin, fresh lemon, simple syrup, fresh raspberries, ultrafoam.
- ‘Irish Sour’ – Busker Irish whisky, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, ultrafoam.
3. Orchid Cocktails
If you’re doing a little cocktail bar crawl, you won’t have to head far from The Spiritualist to find your next little ditty. Staying on Langstane Place for a hot minute, you will find the award-winning Orchid Cocktails.
Also, if you fancy learning a new skill, you can take part in the bar’s regular mixology classes and tastings – or treat your loved ones to the monthly cocktail subscription or tasting boxes.
As for the liquid heaven itself, some of the cocktails you can enjoy are:
- Negroni
- Mango Margarita
- Old Fashioned
- Pornstar Martini
- Bramble
- Mai-Tai
- Strawberry Cosmopolitan
Photo from Dalwhinnie Distillery
4. Barbelow
Take a trundle over to the historical Golden Square and here lies the fabulous Barbelow, Aberdeen. As the name might suggest, this cocktail joint is an underground bar and is super intimate, stylish, and has a few mouth-watering tipples just waiting to be devoured!
As well as delicious food and drink, Barbelow hosts regular events to really get the night going, including live music, boozy bingo, pop-ups, and more, and in the summer, you can enjoy their fabulous little beer garden.
But let’s get to the (really) good stuff. Some of the cocktails you can indulge in include:
- ‘Choose Your Own’ Daiquiri – Bacardi rum, lime juice, syrups, liqueurs (depending on chosen flavour).
- ‘Chili Watermelon’ Margarita – El Sueno watermelon tequila, chili, agave, lime).
- ‘Peach For The Sky’ – Grey Goose peach and rosemary, peach Schnapps, apricot, pineapple, apple juice.
- ‘Pop My Cherry Cola’ – Eristoff, Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi Carta Blanca, cherry brandy, Amaretto, lime juice, gomme, and cherry bitters.
- ‘Candy Shop Fizz’ – Raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice, prosecco.
5. 21 Crimes
The elusive-sounding 21 Crimes on Union Street is another basement bar that serves up some of the most tongue-tingling beverages on the East Coast!
The interior of this bar will make you feel like you’re sippin’ fizz in a secret roaring twenties gin joint, and the backstory of the bar will certainly make you want to sit down with a brew to hear a tale or two.
This mysterious and atmospheric venue also offers cocktail-making masterclasses for those looking to indulge in a spot of mixology. As for the cocktails, well, you’ll just have to visit and find out for yourself….
6. Ninety-Nine Bar & Kitchen
Next up on our list is Ninety-Nine right in the heart of the city. Those looking for a few delicious drinks as some tasty eats in a relaxed environment will love everything up for grabs at this fab little bar.
The impressive menu serves up lots of tasty treats, including Korean street food and kimchi french fries! And some of the drinks you can enjoy include gin, whisky, rum, and vodka-based cocktails (menu available upon visiting).
7. Soul
Another conveniently located little spot is the Soul Bar right in the heart of the city. If you love contemporary glamour with a side order of bohemian kookiness, you will lap up everything this fabulous cocktail bar has to offer – literally!
Before we get to the tipples, we need to take a minute to gush over how incredible this venue is. Located within the walls of the Langstane Kirk, a former church, this bar boasts oversized lightbulb chandeliers, a mezzanine, a seriously chic beer garden, and stained glass windows. Oh, and the food menu is just drool-worthy too.
Just some of the swigalicious beverages on offer include the traditional cocktail fodder (Negroni, Long Island Iced Tea, Daiquiris, etc.), but if you head to Soul around the Christmas period, you can enjoy their festive-themed tipples, including:
- ‘The Grinch’ – Pear drop gin, green melon, pineapple.
- ‘Berry Martini Fizz’ – Chase raspberry and basil gin, framboise, cranberry, prosecco.
- ‘Clausmopolitan’ – Ciroc pomegranate vodka, triple sec, cranberry, Coco Reál, raspberry.
8. Dusk
Dusk Bar is the mixology maestro of Aberdeen’s West End and offers an intimate and stylish eating and drinking environment, with a cocktail menu that features the classics, as well as a few maverick and unusual choices.
The interior of this bar is super romantic and classy, making for the perfect date night location. Some of the tipples being shaken as we speak include:
- ‘Cocomo’ – Fresh lime juice, homemade sugar syrup, Bacardi coconut rum.
- ‘Jungle Bird’ – Deadman’s Finger pineapple rum, Campari, pineapple juice, fresh citrus, sugar.
- ‘Mango’s To The Bar’ – Absolut vanilla vodka, triple sec, homemade pineapple syrup, mango juice.
- ‘White Choc ‘n’ Raspberry Fizz’ – Beefeater gin, homemade raspberry syrup, Cacao Blanc, fresh lemon juice, and a bottle of Schwepps soda on the side.
9. Grape & Grain
Sticking with the West End for a mo, Grape & Grain is a fab spot for a bite to eat, as well as fine wine, beers, spirits, and yes – cocktails. If cocktails aren’t your thing, why not treat yourself to one of their flights (wine, gin, rum, whisky, and vodka options available)?
Ideal for parties or intimate gatherings alike, G&G (as it’s known) has an impressive drinks menu, as well as food options, which include slates, nibbles, small plates, and desserts. As for the cocktail choices? Here are just some of the options:
- Kir Royale – Blackcurrant liqueur, prosecco.
- Spiced Pear Spritz – Prosecco, pear vodka, spiced syrup.
- French Martini – Vodka, raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice.
- Dark Matter Manhatten – Dark Matter spiced rum, vermouth, bitters.
- Gin & Raspberry Spritz – Edinburgh rhubarb and ginger gin, raspberry, soda water.
10. The Sandman Hotel
Last but by no means least is the fancy Sandman Hotel on St Andrew Street. Those looking to combine a few cocktails with a bit of pampering and a romantic night can indulge in the suites and spa the Sandman has to offer.
This historical building used to be a part of Scotland’s most famous university, St Andrew’s campus, but is now a plush hotel that offers spa facilities including an Infra-Red sauna, beauty treatment rooms, a fitness suite, bespoke mani-pedi room, and a relaxation area.
The in-house restaurant, Chop Grill & Bar, has a selection of well-crafted cocktails, as well as lots of tasty treats (menu provided upon visiting).
Final Thoughts
Aberdeen is a foodie and tipple haven, so the only problem when visiting will be finding time to squeeze all of your desired hotspots in!
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