9 Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh You Need to Drink At

I was genuinely amazed by the cocktail bars in Edinburgh. I had no idea there were so many cool, some underground, inventive, interesting places to drink in the city. With notoriously bad weather I guess the Scots have had to become masters at creating the ideal indoor spaces.

Just add some dim lighting, a few armchairs and a bevy of tasty cocktails and Edinburgh’s cocktail bars have become the perfect place to hide out for hours.

Back in April I took a road trip from Edinburgh to Dumfries, and we really made the most of our time in the capital by sampling the cocktail menus at as many bars as possible.

A little self-guided cocktail bar tour round Edinburgh doesn’t come cheap, about a tenner a drink, but I like to see it as a tour of modern museums with refreshments at every exhibit. Totally worth it to see the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh though, right?

9 Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh

Click for the map of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh

1. Perilous Potions

With a name like Perilous Potions, this Edinburgh pop up conjures up images of Snape’s potions classes. This Harry Potter themed bar is for wizards everywhere waiting to be schooled on how to master some of the most magical cocktails. Think Confuddling Concoctions and Glacio Ardetiums served in cauldrons and test tubes with flames and smoke. Although currently taking a break from the Edinburgh scene, it’s rumoured to return sometime soon.

Perilous Potions was the brainchild of Pop Up Geek, the team behind a themed cocktail bar that changes its focus every three months. I LOVE this idea.

If you’re in the city for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo you’re going to need to either book, or get there early to get in these Edinburgh cocktail bars!

2. Voodoo Rooms

For this swanky bar located just off Princes Street, you’ll need your fanciest attire. With cabaret rooms, antique decor and gold furnishings your Converse just won’t cut it. Live music acts play most nights and while this place is known for its rums and tequilas you’ll also find an original cocktail menu as long as your tartan scarf.