11 Nov 2024
A hidden gem of a cocktail bar with a cool American/British rock ‘n’ roll vibe, The Liquor Store is a must for anyone searching for the best cocktail bars in Manchester city centre. Quirky yet inherently stylish, The Liquor Store celebrates Manchester’s finest exports with a wall adorned with images from Liam and Noel, to Les Dawson and you can be sure there are a host of music-inspired cocktails. You can choose anything from the “St Hendrick’s Elderly Rose” to the “Manchester Mule”. Take our word for it, this place needs to be on your list.
A friendly, independent neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of the Northern Quarter, TNQ Restaurant & Bar is not only known for delivering a modern British menu but for creating some lip-smacking cocktails. If you’re in the area make sure you pop in and try their range of cocktails, including our personal favourite the “Right Royal Panch Up” (£7), made with Galanti Prosecco, Sipsmith London Cup, Curacao orange, cranberry juice, lemon and lime.
Make your way to the heart of Peter Street and you will find Albert’s Schloss, a bohemian bar fit for debauchery. Featuring all the comforts of a German manor house, from roaring fires to Bavarian beers, this palatial venue also serves up a delightful cocktail menu. Make mine a martini – enjoy creative spins on classic martinis such as the Pornstar & the espresso martini which are sure to stir things up in the quest for the best cocktail bars in Manchester. Or why not go for our personal favourite the “Purple Reign” made complete with Dom Benedictine, lemon and pineapple. So let’s raise a glass and make it reign.
Named after the Spanish for “black cat”, El Gato Negro tapas is one of the top-rated restaurants in Manchester. Famed for their authentic tapas, they also have a cocktail list that’s delicious enough to make you purr. Their house cocktails are all crafted by expert mixologists, including favourites like the Beet El Juice which includes beetroot, basil, and walnut bitters, and the Lemon Sherbet which tastes delightfully like the retro sweet. If you’re not a boozer, they also do House Tonics (fancy, homemade fizzy drinks to you and I) made from herbs, fruits, botanics, and upmarket tonics. We’d highly recommend the food too, it’s been said they do some of the finest tapas outside of Spain. And you’ll probably want something to soak up all that booze…..
Manchester isn’t known as being one of the UK’s hippest cities for nothing, and it’s venues like Love Thy Neighbour that keep this rep going. (Along with the amazing music and style scenes, obviously.) Describing themselves as “a cafe, organic eatery, and cocktail bar all rolled into one pretty pink package,” this is one place it’s worth heading out to Chorlton for. Serving up healthy smoothies and treats like peanut butter hot chocolate through the day, Love Thy Neighbour comes alive at night. With neon lights and tattoos on the walls, people flock here for the cocktails; botanical concoctions with high-end spirits and gorgeous garnishes. If their cocktails leave you peckish for some food, step away from the chips and cheese as there’s an amazing food menu filled with tasty bites too.
Commonly known for it’s stellar Thai cuisine, Chaophraya also packs a mean punch when it comes to their cocktail list. Crafted by skilled bartenders with each drink designed to match your mood or special occasion, Chaophraya can hold it’s own when it comes to topping lists of the best cocktail bars in Manchester.
Why not opt for a signature Mai Thai (£8.50) a rum based treat or try the Siam Smile (£8.50) made with Absolut vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, passion fruit & prosecco. Don’t forget, Chaophraya also offer one of the best cocktail masterclasses in town. Grab your mates and learn the art of cocktail making and try your hand at making some delectable drinks yourself.