London's must-try cocktails

Fancy a tipple in the big city? Then you’re in the right place. Dish Cult can fix you up with some of the best cocktail spots in London. We’ve collected some of our favourite cocktail spots across the capital, from perfected classics and dirty martinis to immersive DIY cocktail experiences. So, just sip back, read and relax.

Morty and Bob’s is a brunch and coffee shop by day and a fantastic dinner and cocktails venue by night. The restaurant made its name with “London’s best grilled sandwich”, but has now evolved and provides some top-quality cocktails. 

 You can get plenty of the classics here like an Aperol Spritz, Negroni or an Espresso Martini, but if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, then you could try some of the menu’s more obscure picks, including: 

  • The Notorious F.I.G: Bulleit Bourbon, Campari, Fig Liquor, Lemon, Bitters.
  • Vespa Martini: Little Bird Gin, Black Cow Vodka, Noilly Prat, Lemon Twist.
  • 2020 Fission: Fresh Apple, Seedlip Spice 94, Ginger, Chilli, Ginger Ale

Some pretty fruity cocktails are available here, although the Vespa Martini stands out as a stronger drink. If that sounds like your thing, you should consider scooting on over to give one a try! 

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Swans Bar gives you a taste of locations far and wide with its travel series menu. However, before diving into some, it’s worth discussing the bar itself. Swans Bar describes itself as “a bastion of elegance, offering the ideal setting for meetings over cocktails, fine wine, or coffee”, so you may want to at least dust off the ‘ol smart casual get-up before stopping by. 

Once you’ve dressed for the occasion, you will not be disappointed with the selection: 

  • Ibiza Bohemia: Campari, Parafante Fig Leaf Vert Fuji-Yama, Mediterranean Lemon.
  • Havana Blues: Eminente Reserva Rum, St. Germain, Cinnamon Honey, Citrus.
  • Gstaad Glam: Hennessy VS, Banana du Bresil, Sugarcane Honey, Darjeeling, Cocoa, Clarified Coconut Milk

How deliciously tropical… swan over as soon as possible.

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Tavolino is an Italian restaurant perfectly situated by London Bridge, giving beautiful scenic views for you to enjoy while you enjoy cocktails. The Bar Aperitivo is at your service with a cocktail menu full of fruity options such as: 

  • Raspberry Mule: Ketel One Vodka, Raspberries, Lemon, Honey, 11 Ginger Beer.
  • Strawberry and Lychee Spritz: Ketel One Vodka, Lemonade, 11 Strawberry and Lychee Purée.
  • Mediterranean Tonic: Seven Hills Gin, Orange Marmalade, Orange Bitters, 10 Mediterranean Tonic.

If you love a fruity cocktail, we reckon the above options have already enticed you! Have a friend that doesn’t drink? Then you can still bring them along to try a Grisma or Apple Fizz, Tavolino’s non-alcoholic cocktails.

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31below is a laid-back neighbourhood café in Marylebone, which is great for a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch, but that’s not what you’re here for today. 

From 6pm the establishment becomes a buzzing basement bar. The menu is split into classic cocktails, Negroni cocktails and signature cocktails, so all angles are covered. Here are some of our top picks from the unique signature cocktails:

  • The Smoking Monkey: Monkey Shoulder whiskey, cherry bourbon, bitters.
  • Nut Sour: Frangelico, Chairman’s Reserve Spiced, egg white, lemon, bitters.
  • Clover Tea Club: Beefeater 24 gin, Earl Grey tea, raspberry syrup, lemon juice.

Earl grey tea and fruit in the same cocktail? Bold! You should give one a try.

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Some of the greatest interpretations of the Tiki and exotic movement’s drink style anywhere in the world can be found at Trailer Happiness. From its own exotic interpretations of popular classics (Hurricane Bianca, the Trailer Colada and the infamous Zombie) to recipes of fully fledged Tiki favourites (the Daquiri, Rum Runners or Hell in the Pacific), and a host of Trailer originals. The tunes are great, too – “Harder They Come” meets “California Psychedelica” and West London Ska and Dub Lounge Beats, mixed up with the best rich and exotic funk and swinging beats from the ‘in crowd’ and beat generation that can be dug out, alongside rockin’ blues and independent hip hop.

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Neighbourhood bars don’t really seem to be a thing in Central London, which kinda sucks. Anyway, that’s what the team behind Murder Inc. thought, so they set out to fix that. Murder Inc. is just off Oxford Street, a cosy little basement cocktail spot that you’ll never quite be able to figure out – is it a classy joint? A self-aware dive? Honestly, it doesn’t matter because one thing’s certain: the cocktails here are amazing! They’re categorised to reflect the mood of the day – from Morning Minglers to Late Night Tipplers. Our favourite – for quirky reasons – is the Blue Legume which is an unusual mix of bourbon, caramelised banana and… monkey nuts!
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Oliveira Kitchen
cuisinesBistro, Vegetarian

Oliveira Kitchen is a small family-owned business, with an ethos to bring sustainability to its forefront, from the product provenance to the cooking systems. Its higher marks are on provenance of the ingredients and the chef’s approach to a natural vegetarian cuisine without use of processed food or meat alternatives. Expect high end cooking and well thought out plate compositions.

An aesthetic spot tucked away in Shoreditch and filled with plush pink seats and flourishing greenery, Oliveira Kitchen is the perfect place to pop in and sip on a cocktail. On the menu you’ll find an extensive list of the classics including all kinds of martinis, daiquiris, tequila sunrises, and aperol spritz to name a few. They also offer up wine spritzers for something a little different and a wide-range of alcohol-free cocktails for those who aren’t drinking but don’t want to miss out.

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Stop in for some home-cooked food at the original Mai Thai Deli in Wimbledon town centre or at the team’s newer eatery based in the Ram Quarter in Wandsworth. Family-owned for over three decades, Mai Thai Deli offers authentic Thai dishes, exotic cocktails, organic wine and specialty coffees. 

Besides serving up some of south London’s best Thai food, Mai Thai Deli also perfects the cocktail classics. A refreshing Pimm’s, aperol spritz, or gin and tonic are our top picks for the hotter days. Otherwise, Mai Thai Deli have added their own twist to other classics, such as the Mai Thai Rita with tequila, triple sec, and blue curacao, or the Mekhong River Mojito and the Lychee Amphawa. Delicious food and a tasty cocktail, what more could you need?

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Located in The Prince Akatoki – the 5 star luxury hotel in the heart of London – The Malt Lounge has been built with carefully selected Japanese elements that can be seen throughout. Offering a selection of rare Japanese and international whiskies, a variety of Japanese homegrown sakes, and crafted signature cocktails, this is a hidden gem in London. The menus are designed to tell you a story through the combination of flavours, textures and presentation, and each cocktail has been named after a region of Japan. Our favourite cocktail is the Okinawa; Okinawa is well known for its subtropical climate in Japan, and its weather makes it possible to find ingredients such as cane sugar, shikuwasa and kokuto sugar. This unique cocktail is made with Kiyomi Japanese rum, Mild Mizuho 5 years Ryukyu Awamori, Kokuto sugar, Shikuwasa Curacao and lime juice. Not one to miss!

Never overlook The Cocktail Trading Co. when it comes to cocktails in the capital because this is its bread and butter. Cocktail bars in London really can be somewhere between expensive hobby and outright chore, and that’s just not this place’s vibe. Everyone who works here actually enjoys their job (you can tell by their smiley faces and friendliness), and because of this everyone gets to feel welcome and have a laugh. Expect very quirky takes on classics like the ATP Negroni and Nahhhgarita!

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