An Edinburgh Local's Guide to the Best Cocktails in Edinburgh
Share
🍸 A Local’s Guide to the Best Cocktails in Edinburgh
As a born and bread Edinburgh local, here is my absolute favourite spots for the best cocktails in town.
Edinburgh’s cocktail scene is world-class — from hidden speakeasies to bold experimental bars, the city is packed with places shaking, stirring, and smoking the most exciting drinks in Scotland. If you're chasing craft, theatre, and unforgettable flavours, here's where locals go for the very best cocktails in the capital:
1. Panda & Sons
Queen Street (Hidden Entrance)
Part bar, part illusion — Panda & Sons is a speakeasy disguised as an old-school barbershop, and the cocktails are pure artistry. Expect creative techniques, clever presentation and a menu that reads like a scientist’s notebook. If you love boundary-pushing flavour and playful design, this is your first stop.
2. Bramble Bar
Queen Street (Basement Bar)
Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, Bramble is intimate, moody and effortlessly cool. Low lights, slick DJs and a rotating seasonal menu give it an under-the-radar magic. A true bartender’s bar — grab a seat, trust the team, and let them mix you something special.
3. Evergreen Bar & Kitchen
1A Alva Street — West End
Where Edinburgh meets Soho energy — Evergreen blends botanical elegance with moody lighting, curated spirits and refined twists on classics. From elevated martinis to vibrant spritzes and signature serves with modern techniques, drinks here are made with finesse and designed to impress. Perfect for date nights, late-night cocktails and stylish weekend sipping.
4. Heads & Tales
Rutland Place
A celebration of gin and creativity, Heads & Tales sits beneath the Rutland Hotel with exposed brick, copper details and a distillery feel. Their gin-led cocktail list gives classic serves fresh life — think botanicals, bold flavours and theatrical presentation without gimmicks.
5. The Alchemist
George Street
Dramatic, playful and built for a night out — The Alchemist is theatre in a glass. Expect smoking flasks, colour-changing potions and molecular-inspired cocktails served with flair. Perfect for groups, celebrations and starting the night with something unexpected.
✨ Local Tip
Start underground with speakeasy vibes, then work your way West for a luxe finish:
Panda & Sons ➜ Bramble ➜ Heads & Tales ➜ Evergreen
For cocktail lovers, this is Edinburgh at its finest.