Today there are two great reasons to grab a cocktail.
Saturday, May 13 is World Cocktail Day, due the word cocktail first defined in the Oxford Dictionary on this day in 1806. Furthermore, on the day of the Eurovision Grand Final, many of Liverpool's bars have Eurovision-themed cocktails for the song contest.
From bubbling and smoking masterpieces to simple and strong concoctions, there’s a cocktail for everyone. Liverpool’s bars, watering holes and restaurants have certainly upped the game when it comes to mixology and cocktail lists are looking bigger than ever. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just fancy treating yourself to a little tipple, here are the best places in Liverpool to get a cocktail.
READ MORE: Order your 48-page Eurovision souvenir guide from our online shop
The Alchemist
If you're looking for something whimsical then head to The Alchemist where the drinks come bubbling in dry ice and the menu looks like the periodic table. It has more than 50 cocktails to choose from, including the Rhubarb and Custard Sour featuring Chase rhubarb vodka, Licor 43 and egg white.
5 Brunswick Sreet, Liverpool L2 0UU
Red Door
Just a short walk from the Bombed Out Church, behind a big Red Door you'll find a venue with not just cocktails but live music, a roof top bar and even a study. If you're looking to try out a new tipple, their cocktails include the Old Fashioned, Pina Coladas and the brand new Black Forest cocktail.
21-23 Berry Street, Liverpool L1 9DF
Be At One
Boasting more than 150 fabulous concoctions on their extensive drinks menu, Seel Street’s Be At One is a heaven for cocktail-lovers. Be At One covers all bases with smoky, spicy, creamy and fruity flavours.
Look out for the Better Call Sol, a mix of vodka, beer and fruit juice that will have you thinking it's summer again. There's also Crunch Time, a chocoholic's dream made from Mozart dark chocolate liqueur.
13-21 Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4AU
Revolution
Revolution is the perfect place to enjoy drinks with friends set on the stunning Albert Dock boasting a view that is hard to beat. There's a wide range of cocktails from Jingle Juice made with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin to Sugarplum Punch, made with Ketel One.
Anchor Courtyard, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AE
Carpathia Champagne Bar and Restaurant
Enjoy a cocktail or two in Liverpool’s fabulous rooftop restaurant that offers amazing views of the city’s renowned Albert Dock and the stunning Three Graces. Cocktails include the New York Sour, made with Jack Daniels, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and red wine and the Espresso Martini, made with Smirnoff vodka, Kahula, vanilla syrup and an espresso shot.
30 James Street, Liverpool L2 0NJ
Cosy Club
The Cosy Club in Liverpool ONE offers an extensive cocktails menu. It features winter warmers such as the Spiced Pineapple and Pear Daiquiri made from Ron Barcelo rum and the Rhubarb and Ginger Bramble, made with Tanqueray gin.
37c Paradise Street, Liverpool L1 3EU
Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood is part of the New York-inspired East Coast Concepts company and is a place where you can grab brunch, coffee and a quick snack, afternoon tea or dinner. But it also does amazing cocktails like the Sugar Lips, made from Bacardi Rum, and the Fairytale of New York, made from Bacardi 8, Mozart dark chocolate liqueur, chambord, chocolate and missed berries. With the bright yellow and pink decor you can't help feeling like you could be sitting in a trendy bar and diner in the Big Apple.
62 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 7LQ
Gusto
If you're looking for a tipple with a view then you can't go wrong with Gusto at Albert Dock - the refreshed interior features a stylish new bar area boasting a striking olive tree which drapes across the ceiling.
The restaurant has an extensive cocktail menu from the Strawberry and Kiwi Sling to the Rhubarb Sour. Alternatively, there is a Ukrainian themed cocktail, with £1 from every drink going towards the Ukraine Appeal.
Edward Pavillion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AF
Castle Street Townhouse
In the heart of the city's thriving Commercial District, Castle St Townhouse serves up classic and signature cocktails all-day and all-night. There is a wide range of flavours whether your preference is for fruity, sweet, or sour flavours - there is something to please everyone.
Cocktails include the Pornstar Martini, made with Absolut vanila, passoa, passionfruit puree, pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup and a shot of prosecco and the Starwberry Daiquiri, made with Bacardi, Fraise Des Bois, strawberry syrup and fresh lime juice.
Castle Street, Liverpool L2 7LQ
Alma de Cuba
Enjoy a cocktail at Alma De Cuba in stunning surroundings. The Seel Street venue was previously a church and still proudly displays the showstopping altar. There's a variety of cocktails to choose.
There is the the Watermelon Martini, made with Finlandia Vodka, watermelon liqueur, watermelon juice and lemon juice. It also serves a French Martini, made with Stolinchnaya vanilla vodka, chambord back raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice.
St Peters Church, Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4BH
The Pen Factory
Nestled on Hope Street between Liverpool's two cathedrals, The Pen Factory has a wide and constantly changing cocktail menu. Make sure you check out their new Pink Gin-ger Spritz if you visit.
13 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BQ
Viva Brazil
You might not be in the mood to eat but Viva Brazil on Castle Street have plenty of delicious cocktails to choose from instead. From traditional Brazilian beverages including the Caipirinha to cocktail classics such as the Raspberry Mojito, the Kiwi Daiquiri and the Classic Margarita there is an extensive range of cocktails to choose from whatever the occasion.
36 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 0NR
Frederiks
Hope Street’s popular neighbourhood bar and kitchen Frederiks offer a comprehensive menu of classic and contemporary cocktails including the award winning Four Miles in Stilettos. Furthermore, it has been a popular spot this week for Rita Ora and Takia Waititi.
32 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BX
Modo
Concert Square's longest running bar and club Modo has offered two for one cocktails for more than 20 years. With the giant all-weather heated canopy outside the venue, customers can now enjoy a range of cocktails, frozen daiquiris and sharing pitchers from, while partying late into the night.
2 Concert Square, Liverpool, L1 4NR
The Peacock
A veteran of Seel Street, The Peacock is a Liverpool institution. It is the only bar with an outdoor seating area on St Peter's Square, perfect for people watching this busy pay day weekend in the sun. Cocktails include The Montego Slay, the Southside Royal and the Mexican Sloe Dance.
49-51 Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4AZ
Brooklyn Mixer
78 Seel Street is home to one of Liverpool's coolest bars, Brooklyn Mixer. An original on the Liverpool bar scene, its cocktail menu reflects its individuality.
Opt for their famous Chase the Rainbow featuring marmalade and raspberry vodka, Hendrick's, passoa and strawberry jam. Alternatively, the namesake Brooklyn Mule with golden rum with passionfruit syrup, lime juice topped with fizzing ginger beer.
78 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BH
The Quarter
The Quarter may specialise in Italian food, but it's also a great destination for amazing cocktails. Located in the gorgeous Georgian Quarter, be sure to check out its Tropical Rum Punch or the Thyme Margarita.
The Quarter, 7 Falkner Street, Liverpool L8 7PU
Revolución de Cuba
This is another great place for cocktails on the Albert Dock with plenty of seating out on the terrace. If you're feeling fruity try a classic, cool and subtle Strawberry Passion Margarita with El Jimador tequilla, Cointreau, lime, strawberry, passion fruit and sugar. You could even try a Zombie cocktail with secret Zombie mix with tropical juices, sugar and lime - and fire.
22 Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AF
Jam
All cocktails at Jam are handmade to order by their mixologist. Some of the classic cocktails they serve include the Porn Star Martini, while signature cocktails include the Strawberry Jam and Cream cocktail includes raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur, strawberries, cranberry and cream float.
7-11 Sir Thomas Street, Liverpool L1 6BW
Maray
With two locations in the city, Maray has an excellent cocktail list to go with its Middle Eastern food. A highlight is the Moloko, which contains Havana Especial rum.
91 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4HF/Unit 4, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
Berry and Rye
If you’re a whiskey lover you’re sure to love Berry and Rye. Tucked away on Berry Street, there is no sign above the door and no indication that the bar even exists, so this secret bar is seriously exclusive.
The premium cocktails include Dark Side which contains Pierre Ferrand Cognac, house chocolate bitters, tarragon, Lazzeroni Dry Marsala and house orange bitters. Other cocktails include the Shetland Sea which contains Ardbeg Uigeadail, Oloroso sherry, maple syrup and salt.
48 Berry Street, Liverpool L1 4JQ
Bakchich
Placed at the heart of Bold Street, Bakchich brings a great selection of fruit and yoghurt cocktails as well as a fusion of Scouse and Arabic food. Just be aware that they will be alcohol free.
Bakchich, 54 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4EA
Stanley's at Titanic
In keeping with the maritime setting of the Titanic hotel, the bar has primarily rum based special cocktails. The cocktail menu includes the mai tai which is created with Jamaica Myers rum, cointreau lime, orgeat, orange and pineapple.
Another popular cocktail on the menu is the Rum Runner which is created with rum from Venezuela Pampero Blanco, Pampero especial, pineapple, orange grenadine and creme de mure.
Stanley Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool L3 0AN
Malmaison
The Malmaison might be the perfect place for you to enjoy a cocktail or two if you like a more relaxed vibe. If you don’t fancy being in a loud bar or nightclub, then you can relax and unwind with a cocktail in hand at the Malmaison.
According to the Malmaison website the mixologists ‘can whip you up a taste sensation.’ They offer classic cocktails alongside seasonal creations.
7 William Jessop Way, Liverpool L3 1QZ
Pima Bar at Hilton
In the Hilton’s lobby, PIMA Bar is the perfect location for post-shopping cocktails or afternoon tea. In the evening, it transforms to a premium bar with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. PIMA bar even offers guests the chance to take part in the 90-minute cocktail master class.
3 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool L1 8LW
Smuggler's Cove
Smuggler’s Cove is perfect for those who fancy sipping cocktails on the Albert Dock. Whether you want a drink with your food, or you just want to enjoy the view and the drinks, there’s something for everyone. The cocktail menu includes everything from foams and flames to daiquiris.
Britannia Pavillion Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
Panoramic 34
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion then Panoramic 34 is the best place for you. Not only does it boast stunning panoramic views of Liverpool and beyond but it also has an impressive cocktail menu. Panoramic 34 suggest you book a reservation, even if you’re just going for drinks in the cocktail lounge.
34th Floor, West Tower, Brook Street, Liverpool L3 9PJ
NYL
The NYL bar in Aloft hotel has a number of booths and tables available for cocktails. Or, you can head to the VIP Mezzanine Bar, the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.
There are plenty of cocktails on offer including Liverpool themed drinks such as The Sgt Pepper or the Zelenskyy special in Ukrainian colours.
1 N John Street, Liverpool L2 5QW
Buyers Club
Despite its secluded location, Buyers Club is well worth a visit for its food and cocktails. As well as the classics of a Negroni and a Mojito, there is also the Cowboy Tommy containing tequila, agave, lime juice & chilli and The Ramble with beefeater gin, raspberry liqueur, sugar & lime juice.
24 Hardman Street, Liverpool L1 9AX
The Underground Gin Society
The perfect retreat for gin lovers has a huge range of cocktails on the menu - and even some masterclasses too.
With everything from classic cocktails to molecular masterpieces, The Underground Gin Society has got everything gin enthusiasts need.
48A Castle Street, Liverpool L2 7LQ
Jenny's Bar
This disco drinking den hidden away in the heart of the commercial district always has disco and cocktails on the menu. The menu features classics such as the Espresso Martini and even American-inspired Devil in the White City.
Old Ropery, Fenwick St, Liverpool L2 7NT
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