Nottingham is not short of a bar or two if you are looking for somewhere to sip a few cocktails on a Friday night. However, as creatures of habit, we can often return to the same old spots week in, week out.
So if you are stuck on a Saturday night or wondering where to wander after a nice meal mid-week, we have you covered with seven of our favourites from the many on offer. There is something for everyone on the list from beer-infused tipples to gin-tastic glasses in some of the city's most beautiful bars.
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A Grasshopper or two at Tilt
Tilt, Pelham Street
Start the evening as you mean to continue with a decently done cocktail or two. While Tilt isn't one of the cheaper options out there, it really does make 'em the way they should be made - shaken not stirred.
The intimate atmosphere of Tilt makes it a perfect first date venue where you can get to know each other away from the hustle and bustle of city centre happy hours. That said, Tilt does do a happy hour from 5pm to 7pm where all cocktails are £4.50.
Our tipple of choice? It's worth trying the Grasshopper No. 2 which combines Menthe Verte, Crème de Cacao, Ojo de Tigre, Montenegro and absinthe.
Chicken and cocktails
Mollis, Derby Road
Mollis is the newest restaurant from Michelin star chef, Alex Bond, so it was always going to have a creative menu and that includes the cocktail list.
The cocktails have some tasty but unusual ingredients to try including one that combines eucalyptus gin, Empirical Helena, fermented pear consommé, woodruff vinegar, Alchemilla aquavit and soda water. Other options include one with tomato vodka, lovage vermouth, strawberry consomme and chamomile vinegar and another with chamomile tequila, white grapefruit triple sec, amontillado sherry, acid blend, and agave nectar.
It would be a shame not to sample the fried chicken while you are there as it claims to be the best you've ever had.
New York-inspired cocktails
Blind Rabbit, Weekday Cross
The tropical Sunrise at the Blind Rabbit is a little slice of summer thanks to its fruity ingredients such as Limoncello, orange juice, lemon and orange sherbert. Oh, and it comes with a syringe of grenadine that you can 'inject' into your drink for a bit of extra entertainment.
While it's not quite the summery setting that the drink demands, you can argue it's one of your five-a-day thanks to the vitamin C content. If citrus flavours aren't your thing, then order the Cherry Chapstick inspired by Katy Perry which comes with plenty of Haribo on the side.
Pineapple Spritz in a church - technically
400 Rabbits, Hurts Yard
Our second rabbit-related bar to make the list but this one really is worth a stop if you are in the area as there isn't anything the team don't know about tequila. Oh, and did we mention it's actually a church too?
The bar - one of Nottingham's most popular - became a church during the lockdown. The best on the menu, at least according to us, has to be the Anas Spritz which is a twist on the original but contains roasted pineapple and Riesling Vermouth.
Anarchy in a cocktail glass
Pizza Punks, Lace Market
Pizza Punks is one of the newest restaurants to open in the city centre and has already gained a loyal following among food fans. While going out of cocktails can be fun, it's even better when it gives you the excuse to grab a hot slice of pizza while you're at it.
The cocktails all have 'on brand' names including the Dead Punk's Society. This is a mix of Bacardi, Bacardi Spice, pineapple, passion fruit, lime and grenadine along with something vaguely labelled 'fire'. if you are as intrigued as we are then that's a great first order
It's worth giving the social media a quick glance and planning accordingly as the restaurant runs a lot of deals on pizza, drinks and cocktails. You might find it worth delaying or going an hour early for a cheeky two for the price of one deal.
Summer-inspired sipping
Penny Lane, Lace Market
We love a good novelty cocktail that comes complete with a freebie like a calippo lolly. Penny Lane in the Lace Market has us covered in that respect thanks to their seaside-inspired collection of summery drinks.
If you are less of a fruity cocktail person and prefer something more dessert based then a Central Perk could be for you. It's a mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and cold brew coffee. It also comes with whipped cream and caramel on top as all cocktails should.
Other add-ons include postcards, inflatables and seaside rock which should give you a bit of a lift during the winter months.
A hidden gem
Everyday People, Lace Market
Everyday People is a hidden gem in the city centre. The restaurant is tucked away on Byard Lane and known for its noodles although it does an amazing cocktail or two.
The rice milk pina colada is perfect for any vegans or dairy-intolerant folk looking for a classic cocktail on a night out along with an excuse to grab some great grub.
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