Best Cocktails in Reykjavik
Where can you find the tastiest cocktails in Reykjavik? When are the happy hours? Read up on some of the coolest bars, lounges and restaurants in Iceland's capital city here and find out where you can taste the craftiest cocktails from the best mixologists and bartenders in town!
In recent years, Reykjavik has been changing a lot. After years of celebrating beer, after a ban on beer was lifted in 1989, Reykjavik has finally entered the era of fabulous craft cocktails in Reykjavik. With rising numbers of visitors, the city is now saturated with dozens of quality restaurants and hotel lounges serving up delicious drinks that are more than up to par with international standards.
Early cocktail years would only see classics like Mojito and Cosmopolitan on cocktail menus, perhaps with the odd Sex on the Beach and a Mai Tai, but those days are gone. These days, Iceland is serving up some of the best cocktails on the scene, on par with the best ones on the international scene.
Today, there are several fine establishments, possibly close to your accommodation in Reykjavik, that put their focus on crafting beautiful and exciting alcoholic concoctions. There's nothing better than grabbing a refreshing drink after a long day of exploring Iceland on a self-drive tour, so let's dive into the best places to grab a cocktail in Reykjavik!
- Discover the Best Happy Hours in Reykjavik
- Find the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
- Learn about the Nightlife in Reykjavik
Kokteilbarinn
Kokteilbarinn, which quite simply translates to "The Cocktail Bar," is one of the most fun and happening spots in Reykjavik. The bar is part of the fantastic Japanese/Peruvian fusion restaurant Monkeys Food & Drink and offers a trendy and somewhat quirky atmosphere thanks to its uniquely decorated interior and fantastic drinks.
The bar has a cozy yet stylish atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or a special occasion, including possibly the most fun location for drinks in the entire city: the Champagne Train! This space has been furnished to look like a classic train cart and makes for great photo opportunities as well as a novel experience.
Of course, the cocktails themselves are the main attraction. There are many to choose from, our favorite being the Robot Chicken - gin and Aperol mixed with pineapple, coconut vinegar, synthetic lime, and (allegedly) electricity!
Despite being a relative newcomer on the scene, Kokteilbarinn has quickly established itself as one of the best bars to grab an expertly crafted drink in Reykjavik, and we highly recommend trying the Nikkei cuisine over at Monkeys before grabbing your favorite cocktail.
Address: Klapparstígur 28
Uppi Bar
Uppi Bar is a wine and cocktail bar with a chic atmosphere. The name simply translates to "up" or "upstairs" in Icelandic, referencing the bar's location above one of Iceland's best seafood restaurants, The Fish Market.
The bar features one of Iceland's largest wine selections as well as a wide array of cocktails to go along with a menu of delicious food, making it a good place to go for a stylish night out. The restaurant prides itself on creating an atmosphere where people can get together and enjoy a drink long into the night.
The menu at Uppi is based on Japanese cuisine, and they often offer experimental dishes from the establishment's test kitchen. There's also the option of choosing select dishes from the menu at the Fish Market.
Uppi is a great choice if you're looking to enjoy a few cocktails in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. There are plenty of secluded booths if you're seeking privacy, as well as more open spaces if you want to go as part of a larger group.
Address: Aðalstræti 12
- See also: Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
Apotek Kitchen & Bar
Apotek is one of Reykjavik's most established restaurants and bars - for a good reason. Housed in a former pharmacy, Apotek has won multiple awards throughout the years for both its food and cocktails and definitely retains some of that old-world charm in its ambiance.
The bar offers a variety of creatively named cocktails that go into categories such as "Painkillers," "Stimulants," and "Placebo" (fittingly used for non-alcoholic drinks). We recommend trying the Dillagin (consisting mainly of dill and gin, not surprisingly - dill-infused Beefeater Gin, mango, lime, and sugar) and their avocado cocktail.
If you're also looking to have a meal, Apotek is renowned for its diverse and delicious menu featuring dishes like Icelandic rack of lamb, tiger shrimp salad, and mouth-watering dry-aged steaks. You can also go on a cocktail workshop that's paired with their food and learn how to make cocktails yourself.
If Apotek seems like your vibe, we haven't even mentioned that the establishment is actually a boutique hotel. Book a room at Apotek Hotel if you're comfortable staying in the very heart of Reykjavik with a fantastic restaurant and bar at your accommodation!
Address: Austurstræti 16.
Jungle
Jungle is one of Reykjavik's most popular cocktail bars and has garnered many awards in the Icelandic bartending community for its service and drinks. As the name suggests, the bar has a bit of a jungle vibe, combining greenery and stylish furniture to create a sleek atmosphere.
Aside from the exciting ambiance at Jungle, the innovative drinks menu is a large reason for the bar's popularity. You'll find many uniquely named cocktails at Jungle you won't find anywhere else, often made with authentic Icelandic ingredients.
Take, for example, "Piblet Comes Home," which is made with from Iceland's signature spirit, Brennivín, as well as basil, green apples, and lime. "Broghurt," on the other hand, is made with AB-milk (a sort of Icelandic yogurt) as well as rum, strawberries, orange, and a whisky liqueur).
If you're looking for innovative cocktails and a bustling atmosphere, you can't go wrong with swinging by Jungle Bar to grab drinks. Keep in mind that they pride themselves on a laidback atmosphere during the weekdays with more of an upbeat vibe during the weekends.
Address: Aðalstræti 9
- See also: What is Brennivín and How is it Made?
Pablo Discobar
Besides having one of the best bar names in Reykjavik, Pablo Discobar also serves up some of the most funky and fun cocktails in town. The surroundings at Pablo Discobar are kitsch and funky but also fun and laid back. This is where you come to have a good time, and they know their stuff when it comes to the cocktails.
The cocktails have a South American flair, using a lot of tequila and mezcal, but the music is disco. Pictured here is their Big A$$ Margarita, where you can choose your flavor between raspberry, strawberry, pineapple or classic. This one has tequila in it, but you can also choose to get a mezcal Margarita.
There are also gin and rum-based drinks, but the most famous cocktail is Puff the Magic Dragon, with blanco rum, cream, coffee, and licorice - sprinkled with Cocoa Puffs. It looks fabulous, but since coffee is my nemesis, I can't comment on the flavor.
Pablo is great if you're looking for a party and also to watch the show the bartenders put on when preparing the drinks. If you're also on the hunt for dinner, then there is a restaurant one floor below Pablo, its younger brother Burro, serving up some fine dining Latin fusion.
Address: Veltusund 1
Geiri Smart
If you're looking for something a bit less kitsch and a more sophisticated atmosphere, then Geiri Smart is both a restaurant and a hotel lounge bar, serving up some of the best cocktails in town. Key words here are elegance and beautiful presentation.
There won't be a crowd here partying, but instead, you're greeted by comfortable leather sofas surrounded by great artwork. And the cocktails themselves are a work of art as well! The presentation is classic, and you'll feel like you belong in a James Bond film as you sip on Pink Cadillac (Pisco El Gobernador, Cherry Heering, lime juice, maple syrup, egg white, Creole Bitters, Tiki Bitters).
Many of the cocktails include Icelandic liquor, such as Reyka vodka and Himbrimi gin, and they also have cocktails, including Katla vodka and a Brennivín cocktail, Here Comes the Sun (Brennivín, Rosemary olive oil infused Katla Vodka, lime juice, pear and thyme syrup, Lavender Bitters). So definitely a great choice for trying something more local.
Geiri Smart also offers a great fine dining experience, with many great recommended dishes, especially the lamb sirloin. If the vibe described appeals to you, perhaps booking a room at the Canopy Hotel, which operates the bar/restaurant, would be the best option for you to stay in Reykjavik.
Address: Hverfisgata 30.
What's your favorite place for a cocktail in Reykjavik? Do you recommend specific cocktails in Reykjavík's bars or restaurants? Let us know in the comments below!
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