What to Order at the 25 Coolest Bars in the World
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Whether traveling to a new destination or exploring your city, grabbing an inventive cocktail in an exclusive bar is an exceptional way to pass the time. Craft cocktails, award-winning spirits and fine wines are all improved when paired with great ambiance.
From rooftops across the busiest cities to the shores of beautiful beaches, here are 25 of the coolest bars in the world and what to order at each.
25. Nimb Bar
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Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
When you find yourself in Copenhagen, you'll want to head to Nimb Bar. The experience mixes Moorish architecture, luxury and fairytales for a unique experience located inside the historic ballroom of the uber-luxe Nimb Hotel.
More famously, the hotel and bar are within the iconic Moorish palace that opened in 1909. The palace is part of Tivoli Gardens, the world's second-oldest amusement park.
What to Order
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Once inside the bar, you'll notice that the menu is a fairytale book, where each recipe is carefully crafted and inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales, including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Snow Queen." Additional beverages inspired by Tivoli Gardens grace the menu as well.
We recommend trying "The Snow Queen," which features vodka infused with Sichuan peppercorns, Chambord black raspberry liqueur, lemongrass and eucalyptus syrup, blackcurrant jam, Jamaican rum and a bit of lime juice.
24. Grotto Bar
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Location: Maui, Hawaii
When you need a break from enjoying the sun, sand and surf on one of Hawaii's best islands, head to the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.
It is there you will find the Grotto Bar, which is located between waterfalls in a rustic cave setting.
What to Order
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Swim up to the poolside bar for some drinks and light snacks before continuing your pool day. While the Grotto Bar offers frozen and traditional cocktails, experts at the resort recommended the Skinny Rita to us.
They were even kind enough to share the recipe in case you'd like to try it at home before your next vacation to Maui.
Skinny Rita
- 2 ounces of tequila
- 1.5 ounces of Lime Juice
- 1 teaspoon of Agave Nectar
- 1 ounce of Coconut Water
- 1 lemon wedge for garnish
- Kosher salt or coarsely ground sea salt for the rim
Add all elements with ice, shake and strain twice.
23. SacBé Beach Shack
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Location: Cancun, Mexico
Enjoy the beach breeze at the waterfront SacBé Beach Shack located inside Marriott Cancun Resort.
The bar makes this list because of its influence from the ancient Mayan culture and Tulum's bohemian atmosphere.
What to Order
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The suspended bar stools, eclectic hand-painted art, sand floors and rustic lifeguard stand all lend to the "free-spirited energy" the bar aims to provide, a SacBé spokesperson says.
Slip into one of the beach shack's hammocks, and order some Mexican street food and a craft cocktail. We suggest the Beach Therapy, a delicious passion fruit frappe drink.
22. Settimo
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Location: Rome, Italy
When in Rome, head to the rooftop terrace bar Settimo, located inside the five-star hotel Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. The bar is the perfect location to watch the sunset over Rome, with views of the Villa Borghese gardens, Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica.
Now remember: Coffee is life in Italy. "The typical Italian day is defined by coffee rituals: a cappuccino with breakfast, a caffè macchiato as an afternoon pick-me-up and espresso after dinner," says Settimo spokesperson Megan Taylor.
What to Order
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Settimo pays homage to the staple with the Caffè Borghese cocktail, which mixes Borghetti coffee liqueur, vodka and espresso. It's the perfect beverage for after work, dinner or a day of sightseeing.
And if you're in the mood for a snack with your cocktail, order something from Executive Chef Giuseppe D'Alessio, who provides contemporary Roman dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
21. Stilts Backpackers
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Location: Swahili Coast, Kenya
Hit the Diani Beach on the Swahili Coast in Kenya, and then visit the nearby bar at the Stilts Backpackers camp. Stay on the 8-acre wildlife sanctuary in one of the treehouses or cottages, or swing by the bar just for happy hour. Either way, you'll see the main attraction: the daily visit from the local bushbabies, aka galagos.
"Every day around sunset, the bar gets mobbed by resident bushbabies that you can hand-feed," says Chris Moriarty, who runs Moraway Adventures, an eco-adventure travel company. "Bushbabies are a small furry primate that bears an uncanny resemblance to a Furby."
What to Order
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Stilts offers all the famous beachside cocktails you'd expect, including mojitos and frozen drinks.
But Moriarty recommends an ice-cold Tusker Lager.
20. The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge
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Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Mix music and craft cocktails at one of Louisiana's popular bars: The Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge in New Orleans.
"The bar looks like a carousel, and the seats actually rotate around continuously," says Eva Keller, who runs the travel site Discovering Hidden Gems. "It's a super neat experience and sometimes hard to get into."
What to Order
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Head to Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, and you'll find the carousel.
The bar’s signature drink is Vieux Carre, which Keller recommends.
19. Bar Jack
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Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Sip your favorite drink at a table overlooking the turquoise waters of the Cayman Islands. Bar Jack, named after the silvery reef fish found offshore, is part of The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and is located on the most expansive stretch of Seven Mile Beach.
In addition to serving drinks in the gorgeous water, the bar is known for its epic sunsets.
What to Order
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"They have the best pina colada I've ever had in my life," says Erin McCune, an avid traveler and CEO of Easeenet. "[It] tastes like vanilla soft serve and pina colada with a swirl of three types of rum."
18. Cloud 9
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Location: Fiji
What's better than a cold drink in the middle of the ocean? A wood-fired pizza to go with your cold beverage. Cloud 9 sits above the Roro Reef in the Mamanuca archipelago off the west coast of Fiji.
When you're done snorkeling the pristine waters, enjoy the endless ocean views with a craft cocktail or local beer like Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter.
What to Order
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"Obviously having a fully stocked bar was very important," Cloud 9 cofounder Bar'el Wachtel told CNN. "We wanted to have the raddest lounge bar in the world — a meeting place in the middle of the ocean."
Try the captain's margaritas when on Cloud 9.
17. Georges Pompidou Centre Bar
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Location: Paris, France
View the National Museum of Modern Art, and then head to the top floor of the Georges Pompidou Centre to enjoy a drink amidst the Paris skyline.
"The waiters at Georges are happy to recommend a French wine after you share what you like, and you can order a glass, half-bottle or bottle," says Catherine Ryan Gregory, who runs the travel site To & Fro Fam. "Having a drink at sunset at this rooftop bar is the one thing I recommend to everyone visiting Paris."
What to Order
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Grab a glass of the famous French champagne Veuve Clicquot in this rooftop bar that provides views of the capital and the lights of Paris.
16. J-Bar
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Location: Aspen, Colorado
The iconic Hotel Jerome has been a social hub of this Colorado mountain town ever since opening in 1889 at the height of the city's silver mining boom, long before Hollywood's elite made their way to the mountains.
If you want that Old West vibe, the hotel's J-Bar has it in spades. After all, cowboys and miners used to literally ride their horses through the bar's doors back in the day. Plus, it was author Hunter S. Thompson's hotspot when he ran for sheriff.
What to Order
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When in Aspen, get the Cowboy's Spice made with Woody Creek Rye, RWC Malmsey Madeira, Campari and a hint of vanilla.
Or, if you're here in the winter, you may get to experience the baked hot cocoa (pictured) with green chartreuse mixed in — yum!
15. Bûza Bar
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Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
One-of-a-kind views of the Adriatic Sea can be seen from this bar that's carved into a cliffside castle. We learned of the Dubrovnik establishment from travel writer Skylar Renslow, who specializes in covering fabulous cocktails and drinks.
"Needless to say, I've been drinking in quite a few places around the world. One of the coolest places I've been to is Bûza Bar," he says.
What to Order
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"They have a pretty limited selection, so I'd recommend just getting a simple Croatian beer, nothing fancy," Renslow says. "The views of the Adriatic Sea are just incredible, especially at sunset."
14. Confectionary Craft Cocktail Bar
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Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Sugar addicts will love the latest cool bar to open in New Orleans: The Confectionary Craft Cocktail Bar. This unique space sits within The Mercantile Hotel.
What is now a boutique cocktail lounge and hotel was once the historic Henderson Sugar Refinery. Back in the day, the landmark produced up to 800 barrels of sugar daily.
What to Order
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Its history in sugar led the bar creators to focus on specialty sweet drinks like the Cotton Candy Margarita (pictured), La Valarie and Caribbean Elixir.
Grab one of the craft cocktails, and enjoy views of the city and river.
13. The Green Dragon Inn
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Location: Hobbiton, New Zealand
The “Lord of the Rings” fans in your house will love The Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton in New Zealand. Tour the famous movie set, and then head to the inn, which was the meeting place for all residents of Hobbiton.
You won't find the craft beers available here anywhere else in the world.
What to Order
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"The Hobbit Southfarthing range is only traditionally brewed right here in Middle-earth, New Zealand," the Hobbiton movie set site reads. "Served from the barrels of The Green Dragon Inn, the Southfarthing range captures the taste of The Shire, home of the Hobbits."
You can choose from the Amber Ale and the Traditional English Ale. The inn also serves Ginger Beer and Apple Cider.
12. The Signature Lounge
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Location: Chicago, Illinois
Enjoy views of the Windy City and Lake Michigan in The Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center, aka 875 North Michigan Avenue.
The lounge is an iconic destination for visitors and locals. There are few places in the city where you'll find such picturesque views of the Chicago skyline, including the Magnificent Mile. Even the view from the bathroom is stunning!
What to Order
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Enjoy appetizers and seasonally inspired craft cocktails.
But we recommend trying the Signature Room Sparkling Brut.
11. The Willaston Bar
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Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Taking in stunning views of Cape Town at The Willaston Bar in The Silo Hotel. The luxury accommodations occupy the top six floors of the historic grain silo building in Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Below the hotel, you'll find the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
What to Order
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A spokesperson for The Willaston Bar recommended trying the Rose Ginvino cocktail, which was invented by the head barmen. The cocktail draws inspiration from the vast selection of locally crafted, aromatic gins.
Other popular beverages include the bar’s take on the Negroni and margarita.
10. Out of the Blue Bar
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Location: Baa Atoll, The Maldives
Sparkling turquoise water and spectacular sunsets are unbelievably gorgeous reasons to visit Out of the Blue Bar at Soneva Fushi.
The private island is known for its eco-luxury vibe and sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives.
What to Order
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Out of the Blue is a pavilion over the waters of the Indian Ocean, providing guests uninterrupted views in every direction. In addition to custom drinks, you'll find several restaurants on the canopy.
Try the signature Coconut Champagne cocktail.
9. The Prince of Wales Bar
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Location: County Mayo, Ireland
Mix royalty and luxury, and you'll find the Prince of Wales Bar at Ashford Castle in County Mayo. The 13th-century castle turned five-star hotel is an incredible experience for any traveler.
Explore the 350 acres of land on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, an equestrian center, an exclusive nine-hole golf course and Ireland's first school of falconry.
What to Order
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Back in 1905, Arthur Guinness and his wife, Lady Ardilaun, owners of the estate at the time, built the Prince of Wales Bar in preparation for a visit by the future King George V of England.
Today, guests can enjoy the Prince of Wales cocktail that mixes Lanson Champagne, Martell VS Cognac, Cointreau and Kirsch.
8. Long Bar
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Location: Raffles Hotel Singapore
The famous Long Bar in the 134-year-old Raffles Hotel in Singapore is seeping in history as the birthplace of the ever-popular Singapore Sling. Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon first created the drink in 1915.
Locals and travelers still make the trip to Raffles to try it today.
What to Order
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During the hotel's grand restoration project, the Long Bar received a delicate upgrade. Perhaps the most interesting new feature is the hand-cranked shaker machine that shakes up to 18 Singapore Slings at once.
Guests gather around to watch while tossing peanut shells on the floor, one of the bar's traditions.
7. Beach Bar
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Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
The Beach Bar at Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay is small but mighty. It wraps around a gorgeous, shady tree and offers remarkable views of the Caribbean Sea.
Slip in and out of the turquoise waters between beverages at the Beach Bar.
What to Order
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The idyllic spot has one drink that is a favorite above all else: Liz's Rum Punch. The signature cocktail is named after the resort's cofounder Liz Pringle, who embodied Caribbean glamour and grace.
A Round Hill spokesperson says the rum punch captures the spirit of Jamaica and honors the memory of this vibrant and extraordinary woman.
6. Scenic Eclipse Whiskey Bar
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Location: Most oceans
The Whiskey Bar on the Scenic Eclipse is impressive in its own right, but it becomes an adventure when you realize you can sample the fantastic collection nearly anywhere in the world.
The Scenic Eclipse is a five-star discovery yacht that sails to most places, including Antarctica, South America, the Mediterranean and Arctic Norway. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the yacht, so you can sip your favorite whiskey while enjoying the incredible ocean views.
What to Order
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There are 110 varieties of premium whiskies, from single malts like a 25-year-old Glendullan and a 30-year-old Jura The Loch to super-premium blends such as Johnny Walker Blue.
The ship is also stocked with its helicopters and a submarine, so you can fully explore your destination before settling into the bar to wind down the day.
5. 901 speakeasy
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Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Slip into this guest room turned speakeasy for some privacy and craft cocktails. Found in the gorgeous Los Olas neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, the 901 speakeasy is hidden in the Hyatt Centric and available for up to eight guests.
The bar has a pre-Prohibition theme complete with plush velvet furniture, red lighting throughout, candlelight, and vintage artwork and artifacts.
What to Order
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Guests will also be spoiled by the bartender-in-residence program that features standout mixologists from around the country.
The Silky Satisfaction is one of the top drinks ordered. The cocktail mixes Absolut Elyx, blackberry sage syrup, apricot liqueur and lemon.
This link contains images of the bar and the Silky Satisfaction cocktail.
4. Bar Trigona
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Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons in Kuala Lumpur offers a lush setting and incredible city views. Perhaps the most exciting detail is its namesake, which comes from a unique ingredient that head bartender Ashish Sharma uses in many of the drinks: honey from Trigona bees.
"Trigona bees are small bees from the tropics that don't sting. The honey they produce [has] more dimensions than the honey we know," says Ian Vivi, who runs the travel site Wild n' Free. "You get that acidity, fruitiness and slight sweetness from it. The whole concept is around those bees, and the bar itself is outstanding."
What to Order
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When visiting, one of the fan favorites is the Trigona Old Fashioned.
"The blend of rye whiskey brings woodiness to mind — how wouldn't it with the presence of the cedar wood essence? Top that with Cynar, the herbal tasting bittersweet liqueur and Orleans bitters dominating in anise, citrusy, cinnamon notes," Vivi says. "It is perfect with the sourish sweet Trigona honey."
3. Outrider Rooftop Lounge
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Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Finish your day of adventuring in the Grand Canyon state with more stunning views of the landscape.
Head to the Outrider Rooftop Lounge at the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town for spectacular views of the city and Camelback Mountain.
What to Order
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Take in the valley's epic sunsets with one of the bar's favorite drinks: the Pirate Jenny. An Outrider spokesperson told us that this particular cocktail is a mix of healthy notes, from the carrot juice and some heat from the habanero-infused tequila.
Its vibrant orange color is a nod to Arizona's spectacular sunsets.
2. SkyLounge Amsterdam
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Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Enjoy views of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Amsterdam's iconic canal houses from SkyLounge Amsterdam. The rooftop bar sits on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station.
A quick scroll through Instagram, and you'll notice SkyLounge is ideally situated for dazzling sunsets.
What to Order
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The sunsets are perhaps what inspires the vibrantly colored cocktails that are fan favorites, including the Winter Passion, which mixes Ketel One, Disaronno, passionfruit, orange, cranberry bitters, smoked almonds and lime juice.
Classic bar favorites like the Moscow Mule or Aperol Spritz (pictured) are also available as well as the Bartender's Skull, which is a unique creation from the bartender each time it is ordered.
1. Westlight
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Location: Brooklyn, New York
New York has countless great bars with unique craft cocktails, but one that is consistently ranked on cool bar lists is Westlight in Brooklyn. From its wraparound rooftop terrace, you'll have gorgeous views of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.
The hot spot also has fun viewfinders, so even the most seasoned locals can play tourist and get a good view of the city's charms.
What to Order
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Westlight has a menu of snacks and bites worth mentioning. They also have an ever-changing cocktail menu with season-friendly creations.
When in season, The Battleship is a top contender. But a quick scroll through Instagram, and you'll notice the top choice for Westlight guests is a glass of rosé.