With Edinburgh currently in the depths of winter, what better time of the year is there to brighten your life up and grab a cocktail?
We’ve chosen our favourite places in the Capital to sip a screwdriver or glug a gimlet. There are so many great bars, restaurants and events venues offering fantastic cocktails to thirsty Edinburgers. Among our choices are a Mexican restaurant and an Edinburgh bar which recently made a list of the best places in the world for cocktails.
5. Monteith's
Lifestyle editor Gary Flockhart likes to go to this bar off the High Street for a cocktail. He said: "Not only is Monteiths one of the best restaurants in the city centre, they also do some of the tastiest cocktails. You can find the venue down a narrow close on the Royal Mile, and it's a great place to go when trying to escape the crowds. The margaritas here are as good as anywhere in the city, but they have a full menu of delicious cocktails to choose from." Photo: Getty
6. Under the Stairs
Evening News editor Rhoda Morrison recommends going to this bar just off the Grassmarket for a cocktail. She said: "Under The Stairs in Merchant Street is one of my all-time favourite places to get a cocktail - although it's a place where you can't possibly just have one cocktail because they all sound so good. The cocktails are so unique and unlike any you can get anywhere else. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but my favourite cocktail is the pickle flavoured one, and there's also a brilliant beetroot one. They also do delicious bar snacks and food and the staff are always really friendly whenever I go in. I'd highly recommend you visit if you haven't already!" Photo: Google Maps
7. Summerhall
Trainee reporter Neil Johnstone chose this events venue next to the Meadows as a great place to grab a quick cocktail. He said: "If like me, you like cocktails but not the time it takes to wait for them, Summerhall Venue in the city’s southside is the place to go. Behind the bar is a giant glass container of premade Old Fashioned. Perhaps this is cocktail blasphemy to a connoisseur, but to me it’s perfect." Photo: Google Maps
8. Bramble
Editor Rhoda Morrison likes to go to this Queen Street bar for a cocktail. She said: "Despite being hidden away under a dry cleaner's shop, I don't think it's any secret that Bramble is one of the city's best cocktail bars. And I love everything about it. The cocktail menu is really unique, but the bar staff can also make any classic cocktail if you ask. It's always bustling, staff are lovely and the space is really cool with different cosy nooks where you can get comfy. Again, the drinks on offer are so tasty that it is impossible to only stay for one." Photo: Contributed