Scotsman - 10 Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh

(55 Thistle St, EH2 1DY, 0131 225 3275)
Far from being showy, Bon Vivant is the ideal bar for a relaxed late night cocktail. The interior is awash with candlelight, reflecting off soft wood panels. The bistro is charming too, and you can order some sophisticated nibbles from the bar. The list of cocktails is never the same for long, and make sure to check out the specials. If you are lucky, the Hennessy Smash may be up for grabs – comprising cognac and strawberry in a clunky half-pint tankard. The staff also conduct blind wine tastings to make sure they have the best boutique wines on offer.

(3A Merchant St, EH1 2QD, 0131 466 8550)
This bistro-slash-cocktail joint is a popular student haunt, and no wonder. The basement bar's décor is at once both homey and trendy, with low lighting, well-loved armchairs and funky vintage clocks. The cocktails are made with ingredients from small, local producers, ensuring that you get a true taste of Edinburgh. Why not try the delectable RDJ, made from Wray & Nephew overproof rum, yellow chartreuse, elderflower gin, citrus and sugar?

(52 West Port, EH1 2LD, 0131 228 4543)
At the mouth of the historic Grassmarket, Dragonfly is a friendly, colourful bar with a skilled team of bartenders. If you get a chance, make sure to order the theatrical masterpiece which is the Zombie – made of half a passion fruit and rum, which is set on fire before your eyes. The Burnt Island Ice Tea is also worth your time, if you can handle its formidable strength. There are also a number of top-notch local DJs who bring the bar to life at weekends.

(39A Queen St, EH2 3NH, 0131 226 3976)
Part of a popular trio of bars, including Bramble and Last Word, this black-and-white bar has a stripped-back simplicity, but not when it comes to the cocktails.
The menu changes every three months, and has an admirably experimental approach to mixology. The staff make some of their own spirits and cordials, ensuring a unique flavour. Espresso lovers will be delighted with their Coffee Cask, containing coffee liqueur, peated whisky, carob molasses and sweet beet vinegar.

(1 George IV Bridge, EH1 1AD, 0131 220 6666)
The short-lived Hotel Missoni, which played host to Kings of Leon when they were on tour, is now the G&V, a five-star hotel within spitting distance of some of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks.
The cocktails are made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, such as zingy rhubarb and elderflower. The glitzy Italian design, with its vibrant colours and statement light fittings, is sure to make you feel like a million dollars.

(16A Queen St, EH2 1JE, 0131 226 6343)
If you want a cocktail with substance, Bramble is the place for you. Edinburgh's most glamorous people can be found in this bar, which is nestled underneath an unobtrusive clothes alteration shop on Queen Street. The trendy distressed look and intimate atmosphere make it an ideal date location.
However, if you prefer a livelier vibe, the weekend DJs draw a big crowd, so make sure to nab a table early. And the mixologists are definitely doing something right, because Bartender magazine named Bramble as one of the top 20 bars in the world.

(125 George St, EH2 4JN, 0131 225 5005)
The i-on magazine's Food and Drink Awards named Tigerlily as the best cocktail bar, and not without ample cause. This hip venue has over 100 cocktail recipes on its constantly changing list, and each of them reflect the personalities of the talented staff.
Looking over the neon-pink menu, the Morningside 33 might catch your eye: a heady mix of Minus 33 gin, Solerno blood orange liqueur, lemon, sugar, hibiscus and prosecco.
For an exclusive experience, you can even hire the private services of a mixologist for the evening, who will produce exotic concoctions from their After Dinner trolley.

(52 West Port, EH1 2LD, 0131 228 4543)
Yet another basement bar, but this one has something extra-special about it. Tucked below the Rutland Hotel, Heads and Tales has its own gin micro-distillery, which you can see for yourself on one of the bar's daytime distillery tours. Make sure to say hi to the charmingly named gin stills, Flora and Caledonia.
If you fancy being creative with gin, you can join one of their master-classes and design your own gin cocktail.
For people who aren't a fan of gin, don't fret, there are other types of cocktail on offer.

(1A Chambers St, EH1 1HR, 0131 220 4298)
If a cocktail on its own isn't enough, and you need some extra ambience, the Jazz Bar has that in spades. A diverse programme of jazz, blues, soul and funk will keep you well entertained, and the wide selection of drinks on offer will keep you refreshed.
This basement haunt has a dedicated following of Edinburgh residents, from fresh-faced students to venerable jazz aficionados. However, when it's busy, you may need to do some jostling to get at one of the little tables.

(14 George St, New Town, EH2 2PF, 0131 624 8624)
The Dome is certainly a class act. From the moment you walk in, you'll be stunned by the glittering Swarovski crystal chandeliers and the grand scale of the place. James Craig built the Dome in 1775, and it has maintained its Georgian glamour.
The Front Bar has ceiling high mirrors and an imposing style. Alternatively, the Club Room has delicious Scottish fare and an Art Deco-inspired sophistication. Although the cocktails aren't cheap, they are of the highest quality. Make sure to drop in at Christmas time, because The Dome takes Yuletide decoration to a whole new level.