I love a good cocktail when I travel and it is even better when the cocktail is paired with a memorable experience– like at a Speakeasy, Gin Bar (my favorite spirit!), or a venue that has a fun theme or great views– along with its great concoctions. This list is a work in progress and will be updated after each trip with any new discoveries– so make sure you check back! Any ones you recommend? Drop it in the comments below! I love finding new places to mingle with spirits… 🍸🍹👻

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Alphabetical by Country & City: (* indicates Speakeasy, + indicates Gin Bar)

Belgium– Brussels:

Green Man Cocktail Bar – Looking for a fun bar with an extensive cocktail menu not far from the Grand Place— then this is the place. While the bar is small with limited seating, it’s high ceilings and colorful lights make the place feel large than it is! And the brightness does not stop on the walls, each drink comes with a fun and often colorful glass. I started with the Oh My Fog, which came in an owl mug and was a concoction of White Rum, Pisco, Gin, Safari, Orgeat syrup, Lemon juice, with Mango & Passion fruit juice. My favorite of the night! My friend had the Tokio’s Dream- ROKU premium gin, Umeshu plumes liqueur, Yuzu, Geisha tea flower, Honey syrup with Elderflower & peach tonic water– served in a ‘vase’. Get there early or be prepared to wait a bit for a table to open, they do not do reservations unless you are booking a large party. The staff is very friendly, and it is worth the wait.

La Pharmacie Anglaise – While not a true speakeasy. it does give off that vibe. The decor is fun, perhaps the best way to describe it is a bit of an upscale steampunk theme, such a great setting for cocktails. Make sure to say ‘hi” to the bar’s greeter– a big bear wearing what looks like a Bavarian hat. The seating is small and intimate, so go early or make reservations. I ordered two of their ‘House Cocktail Creations’ and my favorite was the Vertige-– Hendrick’s Gin, Infused Dandelion and Quinine, Pear, and a Hendrick’s Absinthe Spray. So good! My friend ordered the First Try– Drunken Horse Gin Infused with Timut Pepper, Grapefruit, Citrus Vinegar, topped with a Meringue, she enjoyed it as well! La Pharmacie Anglaise is located a few doors down from the Musical Instrument Museum, which I also highly recommend.

Czech Republic – Prague:

The Glass Bar – Atop one of Prague’s most famous buildings– the Dancing House AKA Fred and Ginger — is the Glass Bar and while seating is limited, the view of Prague Castle is spectacular. (Don’t let my horrible picture fool you!) While the cocktail menu appears to offer only traditional cocktails, they are done well. It is the perfect spot for an mid-morning mimosa, afternoon espresso martini, or an after-dinner gin & tonic… or margarita.

Denmark- Copenhagen:

+ The Bird and Churchkey– Copenhagen’s only gin and beer bar, with over 100 different gins in their collection and 40+ draft and bottled beers, it is the perfect place to end your day. I stopped in for one and had two– couldn’t resist their signature Mr. Henrik Hammer (geranium, The Bird Indian tonic, and grapefruit G&T) and ended with a Koskue Me? (Koskue, 1724 tonic, & cumquats G&T). It was a quiet weeknight when I visited but there was steady flow of people coming and going, stopping in for a quick drink before calling it a day. they had a great list of G&T options and only wish I was visitng longer so I could go back and try a few more.

* Curfew – A library disguised as a speakeasy; I mean a speakeasy disguised as a library– books and cocktails equal greatness. Curfew’s cocktail menu changes with the season so you never know what you will find but I assure you, you will not be disappointed. The bar really gives off a 1920’s Prohibition vibe, with its jazz and swing music, along with its vintage inspired furniture and glassware. I had a Twisted Mai Tai with rum, orange curacao, and fresh apricot– so yummy!

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Ireland – Dublin:

* Blind Pig – A small, underground speakeasy that is off the beaten path but not too far off. I recommend drinks over dinner, or pair your cocktail with dessert instead. The Blind Pig is a traditional speakeasy, meaning you need a password and location which will be given when you make your reservation– which is required. The list of cocktails is fun and varied so anyone should be able to find something to their liking. As I mentioned, it is small (maybe intimate is a better word) so seating is limited… and it is even further limited as it is an over-23’s venue. The Blind Pig also offers a cocktail class once a month, make sure you check out the available dates on their website if you are interested.

+ Gin Palace – If you love gin then you’ll love flipping through the pages and pages of their gin menu to pick the right combination for your tasting tray– each gin & tonic comes with a unique garnish, specifically selected to complement the botanicals used in the distillation. Gin flights are in groups of three and it is so hard to choose from their extensive selection, so sharing with a friend or staying for a second tasting is highly recommended.  Not into sampling a few at a time, you can order a single gin & tonic if you prefer (but why would you want to do that?) The Gin Palace it easy to find, just cross the Ha’penny Bridge over the River Liffey from Temple Bar and head up two blocks. It is right on the corner; you can’t miss it!  It is the perfect way to spend an evening in Dublin.

* Vintage Cocktail Club – Such a fun, hidden speakeasy in the heart of the Temple Bar district, but with less of the hustle and bustle. Reservations are highly recommended and restricted to those over 23 years of age (yes, 23). The cocktail list is extensive, something for everyone– gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, etc.– however if nothing strikes your fancy the bartender is able to whip something up based on your tastes. Very handy! Like any good speakeasy the place is hidden down an alley with only ‘VCC’ in vinyl letters adorning the green door. Good luck and enjoy!

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Scotland- Edinburgh:

+ 56 North – My friend and I stopped in to do a tasting of gin from their on-site distillery- South Loch Gin and ended up staying most of the afternoon, sampling a few other gins from their 12-page spirits menu (ok not all 12 pages are gin, but most!) I have to say, not only was the gin amazing but so was the staff! The bartender pouring the drinks came over to our table and chatted with us to find out what type of gins we like and made recommendations based on our preferences. He did a great job helping us to select new gins to try. Hungry? I recommend the Truffle and Parmesan Fries under their Bar Bites menu! 56 North is open until 1am so you can visit day or night.

+ Jolly Botanist – is the place for you if you like gin and tonic! The menu is pages upon pages of various types of gin (many Scottish but they have gin from all over the world!), a description of the botanicals used in the making, a recommended tonic water (they are not all the same!) and the perfect garnish. Who needs a plain old lime when you can have a sprig or rosemary, cinnamon stick, or grapefruit and basil instead? Great gin menu and in the summer the floor to ceiling windows can be opened to allow the summer breeze to blow through… Great little place if you love gin like I do!

Juniper – In addition to great cocktails, Juniper has great views of Princes Street and the Balmoral Hotel– so pull up a seat and enjoy everything it has to offer. Whether you like gin, whisky (with or without the ‘e’), or just like a good cocktail, Juniper has you covered. I opted to do something other than gin and tried the Monkey Jam Sour… Monkey Shoulder whisky, lemon, strawberry jam, and bitters. Yum! It is the perfect place to stop and rest while exploring the city–however the seats are a bit too comfy so you may not want to get up!

* Panda and Sons – is a hidden gem that must be seen and experienced! The bar is a fusion of a Prohibition Speakeasy and a vintage barbershop– eclectic but fun! At the bottom of the stairs, you enter through a makeshift bookcase to find vintage barber chairs and velvet couches, barbershop quartet music in the bathrooms and a staff that dresses the part. My favorite drink was the Tiki Takeaway– Rum, lime juice, and soy sauce (yes!) in a takeout container and cucumber garnish made to look like noodles. Another favorite was the Harry Belafonte (at left). A fun stop for a nightcap after dinner one night! Hands down this is one of my favorite places to grab a cocktail!

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Switzerland – Zurich:

+ Bar Dante – I am sure by now you have realized I like gin, so if you are like me– go here! Over 80 varieties! Bar Dante is not far from the train station/Langstrasse, just set back a bit from the river– it is cozy and welcoming, with decorations reminiscent of an English Library. Evenings can be packed so get there early and enjoy a leisurely drink while listening to soft jazz music. Lots of gins, great tonic and fun garnishes! Hard to pick just one… it is a win-win…win.

Jules Verne Panoramabar – Come in for a drink and stay for the view! The bar is situated in a former observatory, so it offers stunning views of Old Town, Lake Zurich, and I am told the Alps (They were in covered in clouds the whole time I was there– very rainy week). Day or night, either will be perfect for a casual drink but I would visit late afternoon to avoid the crowds. They offer mostly cocktails, whisky, and wine but they do have a few beers on the menu. I went with the Gin Fizz, of course!

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I would love to hear if you have any recommendations to add to my list for future travel– leave a reply below! I always up for a speakeasy or gin bar when I travel!

Time Travel & Spirits: Travel Advice from a History Buff who likes to Imbibe while Discovering the Past…

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