Celebrate the end of Dry January in Glasgow

Head underground to this sassy, intimate drinking den in a hidden location, to debut your drinking in 2023. You’ll only gain access to the theatrically decorated Vincent Van Gogh-inspired speakeasy with a password, which will be sent to you (along with instructions to find the place) following your booking. The Absent Ear is a must for cocktail connoisseurs; it was named among the top 50 bars in the world soon after opening, and more recently, the team’s Liam Grogan received the coveted accolade of SLTN Mixologist of the Year. The libations here are creative, unconventional and crafted using high-quality liquor — with plenty of it. In addition to a regularly changing main menu (presented on an artist’s palette), patrons can order from the Try and Test list to sample the team’s latest experimental offerings. Expect the unexpected and do ask your server for a recommendation based on your tastes.

Feeling a bit strapped for cash after the festive period? Phillies of Shawlands’ bin-end bargains are here for you. You’ll find some superb offers running right through the Southside venue’s extensive wine list. We’ve spotted prices as low as £6 for a bottle, going up to over £80 for those wanting to splurge. And it’s ideal for those wishing to go off the beaten track as far as their wine selection goes. You’ll find varieties from Japan, Lebanon, Croatia, Slovenia, Georgia, Turkey, Romania, Greece and — closer to home — the “Garden of England”, Kent, as well as more conventional options. If you’ve not had a drink in a while you’ll likely need some scran to soak up the booze; here you can tuck into Japanese small plates, vegan or chicken burgers, tempeh salad and more. On your way out you’ll pass through Phillie’s own grog shop, Curious Liquids, where you can pick up some alt bottles to take home. 

We’re spoilt for choice in Glasgow when it comes to whisky; from traditional to contemporary venues, there’s so many places to enjoy a dram or five. And for your first nip of Scotch after a period of abstinence, why not go to the Scottish Malt Whisky Society where you’ll be surrounded by fans of the nation’s signature drink? This one on Bath Street is the newest Members’ Room in Scotland. Classic Chesterfield sofas and colourful accent armchairs provide a comfy resting place to coorie in for a few hours and admire the showcase collection. Or hop on a leather bar seat and watch the whisky specialists at work. The SMWS is dog-friendly too, so bring your best friend (furry or human) and immerse in the world of whisky for an afternoon or evening.

Begin a new year of imbibement at beGin; it’s just around the corner from the Botanics, where the hospitality hotspots of Bryres and Great Western Roads meet. There’s an entire menu dedicated just to this spirit, containing over 100 varieties compiled into categories of Scottish, classic, citrus, fruity, aromatic, spiced and weird. Stay close to home with a gin distilled in the city, or venture further afield in your selection; Australian, Indian, Dutch, Swedish and South African varieties all feature, alongside 16 tonics. Overwhelmed by the choice? Order a perfect serve, give the bartender free reign, or opt for a flight to tantalise your palate with many different gins — designed for two, the latter is ideal for a date night.

But tasting flights aren’t just for spirits. At The 78 you can order a wooden paddle of beer to widen your craft beer horizons. And as there are vegan, gluten-free and low alcohol brews available, it’s inclusive of all drinkers. Williams Brothers and Drygate, both big local names, are on tap, making this a great way to drink local. The cosy little venue, recognisable by its bold monochrome exterior, is just off Finnieston’s strip. On Sundays you can listen to live jazz and on Wednesdays there’s a weekly quiz to complement your pint. The 78 is part trad boozer, part chic city bar and part hipster haunt, with wooden floors and tables, vintage bar stools, exposed original stone walls and trailing plants — you’ll love it.