Guide to Glasgow Cocktail Bars

Guide to Glasgow Cocktail Bars
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Glasgow has long been regarded as one of the most lively and cosmopolitan cities in the UK. The city has everything you could ask for, from stylish shopping complexes, art galleries, amazing Victorian architecture, and fabulous restaurants catering for all tastes. Furthermore, with a little digging, you will also find that Glasgow cocktail bars are currently serving up some of the most amazing cocktails north of London and are slowly but surely becoming the real star of the legendary Glasgow nightlife.

The West End

Boolys Mardys Glasgow

The West End of Glasgow has long been synonymous with nightlife and partying, with a huge variety of  popular Glasgow bars, clubs and restaurants. There are also several Glasgow cocktail bars out this way of the city which we would highly recommend. First up is Booly Mardys, which is referred to as “a bartender’s bar” and it is true to say that they take their cocktails very seriously. The bar is ideally situated in the heart of the bustling and eclectic West End and attracts a diverse, friendly crowd. The bar is named after its signature cocktail, a twist on the classic Bloody Mary, and indeed you won`t find a better version of this classic cocktail anywhere in any of the other Glasgow bars. Also try one of their other classics such as the Southside or the Alaska Cocktail, plus they do a mean Raspberry Mojito!

Across the road from Booly Mardys, the Hilton Hotel hosts the popular BoBar. Of all the Glasgow cocktail bars, this is where you are most likely to bump into the local premier football stars. They cover all the classic cocktails and with a highly trained bar team in charge, they do so competently, with their Mojito being one of the best in the city. If you find your self at BoBar make sure you sample their signature cocktail, the fabulously titled Unusual Suspects, which is a great mix of ~ Hendricks Gin, Elderflower and Cucumber.

vodkawodka Glasgow

Moving over  towards the busy Ashton Lane area, you will find Vodka Wodka bar. This is one of Glasgow’s oldest cocktail bars and has kept up a first-class reputation for over 10 years as a mainstay of Glasgow nightlife. As its name suggests, Vodka Wodka has a huge variety of vodka brands (over 100) and a very appealing cocktail menu, ranging from the classics, such as the Cuba Libre to the more exotic, such as the The Mint & Blueberry Caprioska.

The City Centre

Metropolitan Bar Glasgow

Heading into the centre of Glasgow a good first stop-off is Merchant City, which is always a lively area full of quality Glasgow bars, with a mixture of students, clubbers, business folk and tourists. For cocktail lovers, the jewel in the crown here has to be the Metropolitan Bar. The bar has a stylish, cosmopolitan crowd, who obviously love their cocktails, given that fact that every second drink in hand appears to be one. The Metropolitan has a great variety of seating options, with the Courtyard being particular popular. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the bar staff are more than happy to make any cocktail that doesn’t feature on the menu (although their cocktail menu is very comprehensive so most options are covered). If you visit the bar, make sure you try their Mint Julep cocktail, as its one of the best concoctions you will find in the city.

Moving to the heart of the city, over in West George Street, you will find Blue Dog cocktail bar. Blue Dog is probably the most established of all Glasgow cocktail bars and it’s undoubtedly one of the best. The Blue Dog bar staff are well trained in the arts of mixology and are happy to talk you through the creation of your cocktail. The cocktail menu is long and comprehensive and the general vibe is laid-back cool with the odd live jazz band popping up to take you back to another era.

Blythswood Square, Glasgow

About 10 minutes up the road is the bar that many consider is currently serving the best cocktails of any of the many impressive Glasgow bars. Blythswood Square is an award winning five star hotel in Glasgow’s city centre. The cocktail bar at Blythswood Square has one of the most impressive cocktail menus in the whole of the UK and is an absolute essential destination for anyone serious about their cocktails. At the helm of this fantastic bar, plus the creator of the aforementioned exquisite cocktail menu is Mal Spence, who is universally considered a legend in the world of mixology. A fabulous setting and friendly, knowledgeable staff to boot make this one of the best cocktail establishments you are ever likely to visit.

 

Finnieston

Finnieston, Glasgow

If you fancy trying some Glasgow bars out of the city centre a bit, then a good choice is the Finnieston area. This has become the new go-to destination for food and drink lovers and now hosts some of the best bars and restaurants in Glasgow.Sitting at the heart of the area is The Finnieston Barwhich is one of those rare gems where cocktails and food are both superb. The bar draws its influence from Italian drinking culture and designs its cocktails to be aperitifs of a short and zesty character to tantalize the taste buds before a meal or as a refresher between courses. One tip, if you do make your way to the bar, make sure you try their signature cocktail, The Finnieston Club Cocktail ~  a fantastic concoction of Caorunn Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, house made Strawberry Sherbet, house made Grenadine, and Lime Juice.

So, in conclusion, the next time you are in Glasgow, among all the shopping, art viewing, sporting events and eating, make sure you put at least a few of these great Glasgow cocktail bars in your diary and we guarantee you will not be disappointed.

 damien

Written by damien

Posted: October 11, 2012