It would be rude not to drink cocktails in Glasgow. There are many of bars in the city, some better than others, so here’s a list of bars I like to visit for a cocktail or few. Glasgow is blessed with beautiful historic buildings with lovely features to look at. Some venues have a story to tell, and in some you just need to sit at the bar and absorb the whole ‘Glasgow experience’.
Cocktails in Glasgow
Devil of Brooklyn
This bar is hidden in plain sight. I literally walked past it twice! You’ll find Devil of Brooklyn on the corner of Renfield Street and West George Street. There are some lovely original features inside and the atmosphere is warm and cosy but still also kinda fancy.
There were some very nice cocktails on the menu last time I visited. Their version of Rob Roy (although more like Bobby Burns), made with Benedictine, Cocchi Storico, Absinthe and your choice of whisky – they offer a few suggestions on the menu. I opted for a peated one, and it was excellent!
Gin71 Renfield Street
There are two Gin71s in Glasgow, so make sure you go to the one in Renfield Street, as the building is beautiful! It gets very busy so make sure to book ahead. As per the name, Gin71 is mainly a gin bar, but they have lovely cocktails and some other spirits available. I had a very good classic Negroni there, as well as a White Negroni.
The venue was originally thought not to be that special, but when workers started to remove plasterboard during a refurbishment, they discovered beautiful pristine tiling behind the old boring walls. The Council then had a look at the space and decided that the original tiling needed to be preserved and kept in its original glory. What a magnificent space they now have!
Their gin menu is very informative; you can read more about their garnishes, and to help you decide, the menu is divided into Scottish Gins, Floral & Fruity, Spicy Gins, Modern Classics, Savoury Gins, Citrus Gins, Aged Gins, etc. And if you can’t make up your mind you can choose a gin flight. Each includes a trio of drinks chosen carefully to showcase the differences, allowing you to compare the flavours. Their gin menu is updated regularly to keep up with the ever-expanding gin market. They have table service so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the building. Gin tastings can also be pre-booked online. The staff are very knowledgeable, and the product range is excellent.
The Gate
Not really in the city centre per se, but within walking distance and totally worth it. The Gate is described as the modern Scottish pub and a neighbourhood bar. They focus largely on Scottish brands, with over 160 whiskies and around 30 gins. Their cocktail menu consists of 12 recipes, which change every few months. They even have alcohol-free spirits and cocktails (including booze-free Negroni) on the menu.
More ideas on what to do in Glasgow, see 12 Fun Things to Do in Glasgow.
Anchor Line
I love this place and always make a point to visit for a cheeky pre-dinner Martini or a post-dinner Negroni. I also go there for a coffee during the day as it’s just so stunningly decorated. The Anchor Line instantly feels like a different era, reflecting the golden age of travel, when transatlantic ocean voyages were the way for the rich and famous to explore and travel in style.
Their drinks menu gets inspiration from the pre- and post-Prohibition-style drinks. The Anchor Line bar area has beautiful details, so make sure to look up and admire the ceiling. They do not take bookings for drinks, but they usually have enough room as long as you aren’t with a larger group.
Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, order some oysters!
The Citizen
The Citizen is right next door to Anchor Line. This used to be the building for the Glasgow Evening Citizen newspaper. Now the old offices and printing rooms have been turned into a restaurant and a cocktail bar with high ceilings and stunning details. I’m not a huge fan of their food, but for cocktails it is worth a visit.
Also, they claim to have the freshest pint of Tennent’s outside the brewery itself. They have a tank of fresh lager directly from the distillery. You can see the filling date and all.
I usually go for their Plum Negroni, which is made with plum sake.
The Absent Ear
Hidden in the Merchant City, the Absent Ear gets inspiration from the great Vincent Van Gogh. The theme is said to celebrate his artistic legacy, with a healthy splash of creativity and just a drop of his madness. This GlasGogh hidden bar was voted number 25 in the UK Top 50 bars in 2023.
The Corinthian
In terms of architecture and that ‘wow’ factor, this is a bar not to miss when you are in Glasgow. Although its cocktail range could do with a bit of improvement (most cocktails are too sweet), the building is absolutely stunning: an old bank with high ceilings, grand chandeliers and beautiful carvings on the walls. Also having a casino, it scores highly with the poseurs, but I mainly just go for a pre- or after-dinner cocktail or a glass of champagne, and to admire the building itself.
Where do you drink cocktails in Glasgow? Do you have a favourite Glasgow city centre bar?
