Dublin is full of amazing cocktail bars but not all are equal so we’ve compiled a list of the absolute best cocktail bars in the city. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing Margarita or a spicy Bloody Mary you can’t go wrong with these ten amazing cocktail spots in the city where each drink delivers delicious and invigorating flavours.
1. Zozimus Bar
đź“ŤCentenary House, Anne’s Ln, Anne St S, Dublin, D02 AK30
Zozimus Bar definitely has some of the best cocktails in Dublin. They’re not the cheapest place in the list but you will always find something incredible here to drink alongside friendly service and tasty food. The garlic dough balls are indulgent and delicious and the Watermelon Cooler is the perfect summer drink. In the winter, try a warming Old Fashioned cocktail and you won’t regret it.
2. Peruke & Periwig
đź“Ť31 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 DR58
Stepping into Peruke & Periwig is like going back in time, with shelves and shelves of books and gorgeous old wood panelling lining the walls. It’s in a stunning Georgian townhouse and the cocktails are inspired by music. So, you’ll find a Smell Like Teen Spirits, with vodka, caramel and fruity flavours, alongside more Trad inspired cocktails like Nothing Comparis To You, with gin and Aperol.
3. Drop Dead Twice
đź“Ť18/19 Francis St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 EK06
Craving a cocktail? Drop Dead Twice will satiate any palette with expertly crafted cocktails, including classics like Pornstar Martinis and Margaritas, next to more modern concoctions like the delicious Pineapple Smash. You can even have jars of these delicious cocktails delivered to anywhere in Dublin county.
4. NoLIta
đź“Ť64 South Great George’s Street, Dublin
The eye-catching NoLIta combines speakeasy-style deco in rich red tones with lovely floral vibes. Sleek leather booths and dark wood paneling make this place feel extra luxurious, but these darker tones are balanced out by the natural light that floods in through the front doors. It’s one of the best cocktail places in Dublin, alongside serving delicious pizza.
All of the cocktails have names that revolve around the speakeasy style, like the Sicilian Necktie (Caribbean rum and Italian Amaro) and the Marella’s Mob (Bulliet Rye, Brandy, Chambord, Disaronno and ginger). Gruesomly named but tasty all the same.
5. The Blind Pig
đź“Ť18 Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 NP97
No pigs were harmed in the naming of this bar. It’s another speakeasy bar, in an old wine cellar, which give it a super cosy atmosphere. When it comes to Dublin cocktail bars, The Blind Pig is one of the best and from Wednesdays until Sundays you can watch live music whilst you sip on whatever takes your fancy. The ‘Storm A Brewin’ cocktail is incredibly warming, with rum, coffee, beer and plenty of aromatics and there is something here to suit anybody’s tastes.
6. The Lucky Duck
đź“Ť43 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 KP08
This super-chic cocktail bar serves incredible Indian tapas alongside delicious cocktails with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Lucky Duck has comfy chairs on which you can enjoy tasty cocktails like the Fiddlesticks, containing elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth, lemon and prosecco – such refreshing flavours. You can also try something spicier and darker like the They Sound Like Fighting Words, with Bulliet Bourbon and stout syrup.
7. Lemon & Duke
đź“ŤRoyal Hibernian Way, 1 Duke Ln, Upper, Dublin, D02 YK71
At Lemon & Duke cocktails literally grow on trees. That’s right, you can order a whole tree of cocktails! If you’re looking for something smaller then ask the staff for the cocktail of the week which costs €10 or peruse the massive cocktail menu. There’s a huge selection of whiskeys on offer here so it’s the perfect place to try and new whiskey in a cocktail, such as the Manhattan which contains delicious Woodford Reserve.
8. Bow Lane
đź“Ť17 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 XF38
If you love steak, drag and cocktails then Bow Lane was meant for you. The food is terrific and the super juicy meat makes the perfect accompaniment to one of their delicious cocktails. Every weekend they have a bottomless boozy brunch and there’s even a bottomless supper club, which is the perfect excuse to go a bit wild with the cocktails.
You can expect wittily named drinks like Let The Fun Be Gin, with strawberry, mint and sugar of the Bow Lane Zombie, with rum, almond, pineapple and orange. So tempting!
9. Cafe En Seine
đź“Ť40 Dawson St, Dublin
Cafe en Seine opened in 1993, which will seem like a long time ago to Gen Z but not to me. It looks as though it’s been there much longer, with stunning high ceilings and an art deco feel throughout the place. Beautiful and delicious food is served alongside stunning cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Margarita. There are also some more modern creations to taste like the Bees Knees with Tanqueray and wildflower honey.
10. 9 Below
9 Below is another, romantic little speakeasy, with low lighting and cocktails to die for. It makes for the perfect date night with cocktails named after pop culture figures, popular TV shows and films. The American Beauty is one to try, containing vodka, berry cordial, pineapple, lemon and vanilla. Then again, they’re all worth trying and each month they add a cocktail to the menu, so be sure to ask what the cocktail of the month is!
So there you have it. Any of these ten amazing cocktail spots will make you something incredible to drink, whether you want something refreshing in the summer months or warming in the winter. Check them out and you won’t be disappointed.
11. Jackie’s Bar
Were you one of those kids that loved the taste of Calpol? Well, you’re in luck because the ’90s-themed Jackie’s Bar in Dublin serves a (definitely) alcoholic version!
Other cocktails include the very Irish ‘Flat 7 Up Bunch’ and ‘Long Island Barry’s Tea’. They even serve vegan pizza, which is always a bonus.
This place is one of Dublin’s most laid-back cocktail bars. So, if you’re looking for ’90s tunes and delicious cocktails, head to Jackie’s Bar.
12. Bar 1661
đź“Ť1-5 Green St, Rotunda, D07 YT6H
Bar 1661 was awarded the title of Ireland’s Best Cocktail Bar back in 2019, and since then they’ve only become more creative and skilled. You’re guaranteed a delicious cocktail made by an expert mixologist.
Their cocktails are made from delicious Irish spirits and other Irish ingredients. Also, often rooted in and inspired by Irish history. So, if you want an authentic Irish cocktail bar, you’ve got it at 1661. It’s definitely on of the best cocktail bars all round in the city.