Crafty cocktails
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Known for some of the best mixology in the city, The Kelvingrove Café has been serving locals and visitors since 1896. Chilled but trendy, the cocktails here are seriously creative, with clever ingredients like poppy seed liqueur, jalapeño vinegar and rose water, along with a fine list of wines, beers and spirits.
Must try: One Night in Jalisco – an irresistible concoction of mescal, grapefruit, jalapeño vinegar and all kinds of magic.
Bold brews with a view
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Fast becoming a Glasgow institution, WEST On The Green is the German-style beer hall run by the West Brewery. Innovative lagers, ales and pilsners abound, with a side of Bavarian bar snacks and barbecue in the summery dining garden.
Must try: The Heidi-Weisse is a cheeky little brew, named after the brewery’s dog. We love the top notes of clove and banana.
Clever cocktails with a difference
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Tucked away in Strathbungo, one of Glasgow’s best loved areas for a night out, Bungo Bar is a cosy, laid back and friendly place to spend an evening. Alongside the classics, there are some seriously special cocktails that have been barrel aged to bring out the depth in their flavours.
Must try: Brooklyn – a barrel aged, lovingly matured mix of Wild Turkey, maraschino cherry liqueur and sweet vermouth.
Classy modern cocktails
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If variety is your style, head to The Spiritualist for an unrivalled menu of spirits, liqueurs, cocktails, wines and craft beers inspired by old Scottish legends of the fey folk (fairies, to you and me). Whimsy meets good taste and beautiful presentation, all in elegant, jovial surroundings in the buzzy Merchant City area. Check out the wall on the right hand side that’s completely filled with spirits.
Must try: The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini – perfect if you’ve got a sweet tooth and like a caffeine kick to your cocktail.
A wee dram or two. Or three…
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Aficionados need look no further than The Pot Still for the whisky list of their dreams. If you’re new to the wonderful world of Scotland’s most famous export, talk to Frank – what this man doesn’t know about whisky isn’t worth knowing.
Must try: The Kilchoman 100% Islay, which combines citrusy notes and vanilla sweetness to balance out the Islay peat smoke.
Bespoke mixology
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Speakeasy-style bars are all the rage, but few retain that authentic secrecy that make them so special. Until Wheesht (Scottish for “shh”). Here there’s no cocktail menu – just tell the bartender what you like and they’ll whip something up for you. Weekly themes add an extra layer of intrigue and, since the talent behind the concept are two former Kelvingrove Café bartenders, you know the quality is well above par.
Must try: Your bartender’s current favourite.
Something a little bit different
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Just around the corner on Mitchell Lane is Tabac, a chic and cosy bar that has a tantalising secret. Head to the back and you’ll find Panther Milk – a tiny speakeasy in an old elevator shaft that serves variations on the Spanish Catalonian cocktail Leche de Pantera. It’s an infamous blend of condensed milk, rum, gin, Cointreau, peppermint and cinnamon – not for the faint of heart.
Must try: The classic mint flavour. Or the pink. Or the white. Or all three…
Fine wines and a bubbly or two
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Once home to one of Glasgow’s newspapers, first published in August 1864, this glorious building now plays host to The Citizen, a simply brilliant bar and restaurant. The wine list here deals in quality, not quantity, with every bottle carefully chosen by a sommelier who knows their stuff.
Must try: If you’re in the mood for a good red, go for the Angel Tears. It’s an easy-drinking wine full of ripe plums and blackcurrants and delightfully moreish.
A G&T to write home about
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If it’s a quintessentially Glaswegian pub you’re after, you’ve found it. The Horseshoe, named for its 104ft Victorian bar (the longest in Europe, no less), offers a warm welcome, with sports on the telly, a great selection of beers, wines and spirits, and even a gin parlour.
Must try: The JJ Whitley Violet gin is a deliciously aromatic floral blend – ideal with a good tonic and garnished with lemon.
A bottle of something special
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Serving since the 1930s, Rogano is known for its seafood, but don’t get distracted by the oysters and miss the bar. All the wines here are firm favourites, guaranteed to please, and the elegant surroundings add a sense of occasion without being stuffy.
Must try: Like a dessert wine now and then? Try the Monbazillac Domaine du Haut-Rauly – it’s on the pricey side but well worth it.
Base yourself in our luxury holiday apartments in Glasgow ready for the ultimate Glasgow bar crawl.
