The European Cocktail Club

From concoctions served in miniscule bathtubs to dry iced mojitos, Europe really knows its stuff when it comes to fruity tipples. Here’s fifteen of the best cocktail bars in Europe. 

Whisk yourself away to the whimsical cellar of this premium cocktail spot in the centre of Hamburg. Pass through the ground floor antique library and descend into a Narnia-esque forest complete with a life-size tree in the middle of the bar. Decked out in mossy walls, piled wood and twinkling fairy-lights, this bar is a sight for sore eyes and the drinks aren’t half bad either!

Flights to Hamburg 

Hidden under a restaurant at the end of the Limpertsberg area, Tailors Concept takes fine drinking to new levels. The themed bar doubles as a tailor and serves bespoke cocktails that look almost too precious to drink. Oozing the cool, classy vibes of a 1920s prohibition speakeasy, mixologists work to the rhythm of jazz pulling out all the stops to earn their place on our list of the best cocktail bars in Europe.

Flights to Luxembourg 

Known across the globe for their innovative, creative concoctions, Antwerp’s Dogma is a force to be reckoned with. Boasting a menu of interesting signatures as well as spinning old classics, this bar pushes boundaries and the end result is worth every penny. The posh-meets-industrial interiors of exposed brick and brown leathers create a relaxed atmosphere that’ll hold you captive until the early hours of the morning.

Flights to Brussels 

Housed inside a 19^th century two-storey building, this cosy café-bar is the next stop on your tour of Europe’s best cocktail bars. Flavouring their drinks with specially selected spirits, freshly squeezed juices and homemade syrups, you’re in for a night of sweet treats at Makonis.

Flights to Riga 

Complimenting an impressive collection of cocktails with gourmet hot dogs, at this bar you can satisfy your taste buds in more ways than one. Located in the heart of the atmospheric old town, Cash Only operates a no card payment policy and rolls out a new menu for every season. Start your night here or see in the sunrise, whatever the hour there’s always a party in Prague’s premier watering hole.

Flights to Prague 

Split across two levels, London’s Swift is the place to indulge your inner cocktail critic. Sitting in the heart of trendy Soho, go here for their unmissable sgroppino, a frothy prosecco based number with a scoop of lemony sorbet floating on top. One for the romantics, the basement bar is peppered with twinkling lights perfect for an idyllic first date or anniversary celebrations.  

Flights to London 

Tucked away amongst the busy streets of Amsterdam’s city centre, Door 74 is set against the backdrop of Art Deco dark woods, antique barware and tin ceilings resulting in an atmospheric ambiance emulating 1920s New York. Curating captivating drinks such as the White Zombie Doctor and 74 Cobbles, you could spend all night testing the eclectic menu – although you might struggle to remember the experience the following morning!

Flights to Amsterdam 

When in Lisbon look for the red frog and press the buzzer for a tasting experience you’re unlikely to forget. This bohemian Portuguese watering hole sits behind a closed door with no signage and serves up some of the best tipples on the continent. Be greeted with the sounds of swing, funk and jazz and relax into the contemporary vibes of the place as you make your way to the bar for the first drink of the evening.

Flights to Lisbon

Settle into one of the smart armchairs at gin connoisseur, Heads & Tails and enjoy an evening of on-site distillery in Edinburgh’s west end. Mixing cocktails using local fresh seasonal produce, the drinks here are refreshingly light and pack a punch all at the same time. Also offering food, complete the authentic Scottish experience with a plate of smoked fish at the basement bar.

Flights to Edinburgh

Formerly a confectioner’s shop, owners of this trendy cocktail bar have left centuries-old interiors untouched, resulting in an elegant, atmospheric lounge with a drinks menu to match. Order a mini bathtub filled with elixirs in every colour of the rainbow or opt for classics expertly mixed by friendly staff.

Flights to Barcelona 

Potentially one of Dublin’s best kept secrets, The Blind Pig is an underground speakeasy that’ll transport you back to the Prohibition era, one sip at a time. The snug, stone-lined space offers their take on classic cocktails in a location less than a five minute stroll from Trinity College.

Flights to Dublin 

Highlighting creative cocktails from around the world, Nottingham Forest is an eclectic mix of African Oriental and Caribbean styles. Walking in to this bar feels like taking a tour through someone’s personal museum with travel memorabilia gracing each and every wall. Here you’ll be treated to some of the most fascinating cocktails served in various chemical states with some evaporating into smoke right before your eyes.  Boasting more than 500 drinks on their eccentric menu, this is without doubt one of the best cocktail bars in Europe.  

Flights to Milan 

Home of the party in Vienna, the atmospheric rooms are the place to satisfy your cocktail cravings when visiting the city. Hosting some of the city’s best DJs at the weekends, dance the night away with a classy cocktail in your hand. Decked out in raw Viennese style the bar’s interiors reflect the fun vibes that carry on until the early hours.

Flights to Vienna 

Doubling up as a barber shop and cocktail bar, at Hotsy Totsy you can get groomed whilst sipping on expertly mixed mojitos and martinis. Serving only bespoke drinks, you won’t find a menu on the counter as the talented mixologists aim to tailor the experience to your liking. Have a laugh at the playful paintings that adorn the walls and sink into the  laidback vibes of the speakeasy atmosphere.

Flights to Budapest

As French as they come, this local favourite focuses on classic concoctions with a modern twist. Named after the boxer, Arthur Cravan, the antique bar replicated the old-age charm of the neighbourhood with wooden chairs, original signage and porcelain tiled façade. Priced at €12 each, sip on all your favourites as you mingle with the locals and enjoy the surroundings of one of Europe’s best cocktail bars.

Flights to Paris

Booking a boozy trip away soon? Be sure to tag us in your photos of the best cocktail bars in Paris using the hashtag #ryanairstories, for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s social media channels

- Lucy Norris