Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh to Visit All Year Round

Edinburgh is a city that knows how to put on a show. Home to iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile, it offers even more in August, when the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes over the city. The Fringe – the world’s largest performing arts festival, which began in 1947 as an unofficial offshoot of the equally iconic Edinburgh International Festival – fills the Scottish capital with performers and visitors looking for somewhere to raise a glass between shows. If you’re searching for the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh, it’s your lucky day, because we’ve done the work for you. Here’s our handy list of Edinburgh’s best bars, with something for just about everyone in Auld Reekie.

Hey Palu

• Location: 49 Bread Street, Edinburgh   
• Vibe: If casual Italian aperitivo-style drinking with a modern twist is your thing, then Hey Palu (opens in new window) is the bar for you. Not only is it one of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh, but it also specialises in Amaro (Italian bitters) and vermouth. Hey Palu offers a vast range of amaro from all over Italy, and they feature in many cocktails. Expect classics like the ever-popular Negroni as well as their fruity take on the classic with a wild strawberry twist. They also have a selection of signature drinks like the rum-based Banana Jungle Bird and a zesty Yuzu Margarita. If you’re as passionate about amaro as they are, then opt for the tasting flight on their menu, and savour the lingering bitterness.   
• Must-try cocktail: Wild Strawberry Negroni – Scottish gin, bitter Bianco, wild strawberry and dry vermouth.   

The Register Club

• Location: 4th floor, Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, 42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh  
• Vibe: Situated in the historic Royal Bank of Scotland’s former headquarters, The Register Club (opens in new window) is a contemporary cocktail bar with old-school 1920s charm. Take a seat in the cosy cocktail lounge and choose from a tasty range of signature drinks like The Passion—a passionfruit and mandarin-based drink spiked with gin, sherry, amaro, Earl Grey and honey. The cocktails are expertly crafted by their in-house mixologist, and they also offer breakfast and an afternoon tea menu. The Register Club is a welcome break from the chaos of the street, and it’s one of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh’s city centre.   
• Must-try cocktail: The Kick – espresso and stout syrup, amaro, rum and spice.   

Panda & Sons

• Location: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh  
• Vibe: Many of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh are also some of the most acclaimed in the world. But Panda & Sons (opens in new window) was actually officially named THE world’s best bar in 2025. It’s a tucked-away speakeasy-style bar with barbershop influences. On the surface, it looks quirky, but look a little deeper, and you’ll find a globally recognised award-winning bar. They serve an incredible selection of cocktails that feature cutting-edge techniques like clarification, fat washing, and ultrasonic infusions. Expect classic cocktails, classics with a twist like Margaritas with jalapeño cordial, and a vast range of their own intriguing creations.   
• Must-try cocktail: Red Panda – gin, lemon, tomato, sriracha, kaffir lime leaf, cucumber, Guinness foam, and Worcestershire sauce.   

Uno Mas

• Location: 4 Picardy Place, Edinburgh  
• Vibe: Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars often feature music, and none do it better than Uno Mas (opens in new window). With jam sessions on Wednesdays, live music on Thursdays and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, Uno Mas has something for everyone. In Spanish, uno mas means ‘one more’, and this bar’s got a great cocktail menu to help you do just that. Expect all the classics like the Old Fashioned and Martini, as well as an interesting selection of house drinks. The Funky Town features bourbon, fino sherry, banana, and coconut and it’s always a smash hit.   
• Must-try cocktail: L.E.S – bourbon, vermouth, amaro and blackberry.   

Nauticus Bar

• Location: 142 Duke Street, Edinburgh  
• Vibe: Found in Edinburgh’s hip port area, Leith, Nauticus Bar (opens in new window) is a nod to Scottish heritage and the city’s shipping history. The menu features almost exclusively Scottish products, with a just sprinkling of imports here and there. The space is comfortable and unassuming, but behind the bar, they’re working Scottish cocktail wizardry. The menu is a historical journey through the ages with stops in historical timelines, including the spice route era, gin era, wine trading era and the whiskey boom. With world-class cocktails served in a beautiful and cosy setting, it’s not surprising that Nauticus is among the best bars in the city.   
• Must-try cocktail: Porridge Colada – coconut-washed whisky, local honey, homemade oat milk and pineapple.

Bramble

• Location: 16a Queen Street, Edinburgh
• Vibe: Hidden beneath Queen Street, Bramble (opens in new window) is the legendary basement bar that helped put Edinburgh’s cocktail scene on the global map. Low-lit and understated, Bramble lets its bare brick walls, leather armchairs and cocktail menus bound in old books create a cosy, unpretentious space, full of private nooks and crannies. The bartenders are among the best in the business and are always happy to guide you through the menu or recommend something tailored to your taste.
• Must-try cocktail: Go for the Copita, a current menu favourite made with tequila, turmeric, mandarin, ginger and cinnamon that perfectly showcases Bramble’s creative spirit. Or simply tell the team what you like and let them work their magic – it’s one of the reasons Bramble has earned its locals-love-it reputation and remains one of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh.

The Last Word Saloon

• Location: 44 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh
• Vibe: Founded by the team behind Bramble, The Last Word Saloon (opens in new window) is a destination for creative cocktails and whisky in the heart of Stockbridge. It’s designed as a place to relax away from the bustle of Edinburgh’s city centre, with a warm, welcoming team, a constantly evolving cocktail list and more than 100 whiskies to explore. The village-like setting makes the short walk well worth it if you’re looking for cocktail bars in Edinburgh beyond the usual city-centre favourites.
• Must-try cocktail: Try the Little Jack, made with Woven whisky, whisky amaro, pickled plum and soda. The menu describes it as “fizzy with a hint of savoury fruit”, making it a perfect choice if you’re in the mood for something a little different.