Where to sip on the best cocktails in Glasgow

If you’re in the mood for Mexican cocktails, Topolabamba is the place to head in town. This Mexican restaurant and bar is already famous for its fabulous tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas. However what we love the most is their drinks, you’re definitely in for an authentic Mexican experience. It’s got different varieties of margaritas with cool flavours like pineapple, passionfruit and watermelon that will make you want to dance on the bar (the power of margaritas, eh?). Wait no more and book your table! And you know what they say, “drinking tequila is more about the journey than the destination”.

Specialising in “refined and classical” cocktails and drinks, the Finnieston bar & restaurant is trendy and wonderfully atmospheric. The location is perfect for those wanting a night out – the Finnieston area of Glasgow recognised as one of the most up-and-coming areas of the city. Drawing their influence from Italian drinking culture, all the cocktails are designed to be aperitifs of a “short and zesty character”. This doesn’t mean that the cocktail list isn’t extensive – it covers most tastes, and changes regularly according to which ingredients are in season. Sit back, relax and soak up the buzzy surroundings!

117 years ago, this spot used to be an Ice Factory. Today, it’s one the top spot for the best cocktails in Glasgow. The team of skilled bartenders are eager to make your any of your favourite classics, but you should check out the cocktail menu because these guys have got pretty amazing signatures. Inspired by recipes coming from all around the world, the cocktails will 100% awaken your taste buds. There are also amazing wines and beers if your friends are not big cocktail fans (how dare they!), as well as some pretty great bar food.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Gin 71 is the perfect bar to try out a new cocktail. Though usual suspects are available, the cocktail menu is largely focused on unusual flavours and combinations – you can even “create your own” Negroni, Gin Smash or ‘Ginlini’ if you’re so inclined! The venue also offers gin tasting events, perfect for larger parties wanting to celebrate. All the staff are knowledgeable and more than happy to point out recommendations and pairings with food. Prices are relatively low, and the atmosphere is vibrant – the perfect destination for post-work drinks, celebrations and everything in between.

The Anchor line showcases the best of Scottish produce with influences from both sides of the Atlantic. So if you feel like having a good drink to accompany your fresh oysters, lobster or scallops, check out the extensive cocktail list, with classics lying alongside its own signature twists. Feeling inspired? At the Anchor line, the team lets you design your own drink. Choose your base spirit, style, garnish, and let the magic happen. And don’t panic, if you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing, the expert bartender will point you in the right direction!

Located in Glasgow’s animated West End, this award-winning Bar & Grill prepares some pretty awesome cocktails. It has a wide range based on a great selection of bourbon, vodka, tequila, whisky, rum, gin, and champagne. Pick one of the deliciously-made classics or dare to try the signatures, at The Butchershop you’re definitely in for a new experience. The drinks menu literally is 10 pages long, and you should definitely check it out!

If atmosphere is what you’re looking for, then it doesn’t come more heavily in abundance than at Cup’s cosy bar. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s stylish Merchant City, Cup offers some pretty amazing cocktails. From its own creations and sparkling cocktails to the Ginlinis and sharing cocktails, there’s one for everyone’s taste. The drinks menu also contains lots and lots of different liquors coming from all around the world.

The Chip (as it’s colloquially known) is a West End institution, and has been serving locals and tourists alike for years. The food is second to none, and the service is impeccable. The focus of both the decor and the stock is whisky. The bellows hanging from the rafters used to be housed in the Drambuie headquarters! Above the gantry is an old dipping dog, a jar used to draw samples of whisky from the heart of the still. The team can whip up literally any cocktail you like – you name it, they’ve got it – but we’d recommend a whisky cocktail to warm your cockles and sample the best Scotland has to offer.