It’s your birthday, and you can cry if you want to.
But, please don’t – go out and celebrate instead.
Quick, start reading, before you make an excuse or fall asleep
Quick!
1. Rooftop Bar @ The Marker Hotel
Arguably known as the glammest place in the whole of Dublin, the rooftop of The Marker in Grand Canal Dock has recently become everyone’s favourite place to view the city.
Boasting some of the best views of the capital, especially at night, up here you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world – and due to their incredible drinks list, you won’t want to come down.
TRY IT:
The Orient Express – The Marker’s nod to the East, infusing the flavours of Bergamot, hibiscus & Timur peppers, Star of Bombay gin, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice and egg white.
2. Sophie’s
Sophie’s is a great spot to let loose and be bold. Whether it’s a sunny day and you’re doing rooftop drinks, or you’d rather stay indoors – you’re in for a treat when you perch yourself here. Just make sure you’re supervised when you hit up the famous swing.
It also has an incredible food menu too, for when you’re a few drinks in and searching for some cake.
TRY IT:
The Beet It Martini – Fernet branca, kahlua, lime, vanilla, pineapple and beetroot shrub. Sweet and tangy.
3. Pygmalion
One of the best people-watching spots in Dublin, Pygmalion is so much than just a cocktail bar. On a sunny day, it’s truly an experience and a showcase of Dublin at its best. Perfect for after work birthday drinks, that can potentially go all the way into the night.
And for those of you with midweek birthdays, between Sundays and Thursdays their ‘Pygtails’ are half price.
TRY IT:
Dark N Stormy – Havana Especial, bitters, citrus, sugar, ginger beer. Delicious.
4. The Exchequer
With establishments in both the city centre and Ranelagh (right next to the LUAS stop), The Exchequer boasts some of the best cocktails in the country, and just recently won the All-Ireland Best Cocktail Experience – so you know you’re in good hands.
The bar staff are super knowledgeable and really cool too, so you’ll feel totally at home as soon as you walk indoors.
TRY IT:
Blood Orange and Sage Daiquiri – Zapaca 23 rum, blood orange syrup, sage leaves and lime juice. Refreshing and flavoursome.
5. The Liquor Rooms
Entering The Liquor Rooms almost seems like you’re entered a different age – the stunning decor sets the tone perfectly for your special day, and their cocktail list isn’t too shabby either.
Most of them come at a tenner a pop, and are absolutely to die for. Expect ingredients you’ve never heard of, and tastes you’ve only dreamed of.
TRY IT:
Pistachio Mustachio – Beefeater gin, pistachio milk, lemon and soda. Yes, pistachio milk is a thing. And yes, you definitely need to try it.
6. 777
George’s Street’s favourite Mexican haunt, 777 is the perfect spot to get a big gang of people out for delicious cocktails and a bite to eat.
On Mondays they serve up two margaritas for the price of one, and on Sundays they dish cocktails out for €7.77 – do with this information what you will.
TRY IT:
Salsa Noche – Blanco tequila, pear purée, cinnamon and lemon juice, topped with Prosecco and blackberry liqueur. Like nothing you’ve ever tried before.
7. The Vintage Cocktail Club
The Vintage Cocktail Club, otherwise known as the trendiest space in town, is all about good quality cocktails in really deadly surroundings.
Prices can be higher than most other Dublin bars, but in this case – you really get what you pay for and the menu selection is enormous. And, you’re served a glass of Prosecco while you wait for your first order to arrive – sure you’re practically making money.
TRY IT:
High Tea – Chase Distillery Marmalade Vodka, VCC cranberry tea, fresh citrus, green Chartreuse, raspberry, grapefruit, with a blood orange, cherry and mint sprig. Unbelievably flavoursome, with all of your five-a-day.
8. The Church
This converted church is the perfect backdrop for your big night, with live music and bucket loads of atmosphere.
It’s also an absolute beaut – not just for delicious cocktails, but for the incredible Gallery Restaurant, which has welcomed the likes of Bill Clinton, Macklemore and Taylor Swift through its doors.
Sacre-licious.
TRY IT:
Dublin Bay Sunset – The Church’s signature whiskey cocktail, a blend of Teelings Irish Whiskey, Grand Marnier, Lemon juice, orange juice, grenadine and dash of orange bitters. Fresh and zesty.
9. Farrier & Draper
South William Street’s newest haunt, Farrier & Draper is all about being authentically perfect while being aesthetically pleasing. Drinks, and food, and crafter to perfection, and their surroundings and presentation are without fault.
In here, you’ll find the gorgeous bar upstairs, an outdoor smoking area on a terrace and a trendy restaurant on the bottom floor.
TRY IT:
Real Italian – Made with Tanqueray Gin, strawberry, basil, balsamic vinegar and pink peppercorns.
10. Peruke & Periwig
The cocktail bar to end all cocktail bars – this is where you want to hit up those days when you’re feeling fancyyyyy.
Rumour has it that these guys have some of the most decadent cocktails in Europe on their menu, with ingredients ranging from P&P Marshmallow Infused Absolut vodka to Glendalough Poitín to something called Dead Rabbit Orinoco bitters. It’s not made of road kill. We promise.
TRY IT:
The Ministry Of Silly Drinks – Absolut Peach, kwai feh lychee, crème de cassis, P&P mango shrub, orange bitters,cranberry bitters, lemon, whites and popping candy. A name like that, AND popping candy? Sign us up.
11. The Blind Pig Speakeasy
An underdog on the cocktail scene, The Blind Pig just oozes class. The service is fantastic and the drinks are otherworldly. In terms of ambience, this Wicklow Street joint is a cut above any other cocktail bar in Dublin.
The staff are also super knowledgable and friendly, meaning that if you get overwhelmed by the sheer decadence of it all – they’re here to help.
TRY IT:
Corn ‘N’ Oil – Goslings black seal rum stirred with velvet Falernum, fresh lime, sugar syrup and a dash of angostura bitters. Don’t let the name put you off, this one’s a dream incarnate.
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