Ireland is well-known for its whisky, mouth-watering dishes, and beautiful scenery and boasts some of the most unique cocktail bars in the world.
Whether prepared with a generous shot of locally distilled Irish whisky or a Caribbean rum, you’ll find a cocktail that suits your taste. Join us as we hunt for the best cocktails in Dublin and the surrounding areas.
Cocktails of the Emerald Isle
Start your cocktail-hunting at one of the best cocktail bars in Dublin: 4 Dame Lane, located in the Temple Bar precinct in the heart of the city centre. It boasts a ground-floor bar and 12 delicious cocktails. Plus, it’s within walking distance from St. Stephen’s Green.
Can’t decide which cocktail to order? Select one of these fan favourites:
- Hell Yeah, Brother: An exquisite mix of Tullamore XO Irish whisky, a dash of passionfruit and lime, and a generous splash of grapefruit syrup and pineapple juice.
- 21 Days: A refreshing blend of Bacardi rum, Aperol, and a dash of orgeat and lemon juice.
- Getting Better: A dash of apple and pear juice carefully blended with Smirnoff vodka, lemon sherbet, and fizzy soda water.
City Chic Cocktails
If city chic and sophistication are your thing, pop into Lillies Cocktail Bar in Sligo. With its exquisite sitting room-styled interior and live music, this hangout has a vintage cocktail club vibe and is perfect for a night on the town.
Choose from one of the nine creative drinks on their cocktail menu, which includes:
- Mojito: According to Lillies, this is the best mojito outside Cuba, so it’s a must-try. This delicious drink consists of a generous serving of aged rum, mint, lime juice, and syrup.
- Long Island Iced Tea: A mixture of vodka, gin, rum, Triple Sec, tequila, lemon juice, and a squirt of sugar syrup, topped with ice-cold cola.
- Espresso Martini: A decadent mix of vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, vanilla syrup, and freshly brewed espresso – need we say more?
Off the Beaten Mixology Path
To avoid the crowds and travel off the beaten track, visit the Front Door Pub in Galway. This contemporary Irish pub and cocktail bar serves the best thirst-quenchers and traditional fish and chips.
Before diving into your bowl of creamy seafood chowder or a generous serving of shepherd’s pie, order one of these delicious, classic cocktails on their drinks menu:
- The Most Unusual Garden: This light and refreshing cocktail contains a blend of Hendrick’s gin, German elderflower liqueur, coconut water, lime juice, sugar, cucumber, and a dash of basil.
- Eat Me, Drink Me: A concoction of raspberry and vanilla vodka, blue Curacao, coconut water, lime juice, sugar, and egg whites.
- Jungle Fever: Rum and tequila mixed with pineapple, lime juice, passion fruit, grenadine, and a dash of sugar.
DIY Irish-Inspired Cocktails
If a night at home is more up your alley, why not mix your Irish-inspired cocktails?
Pop into your local grocer, grab a handful of fresh ingredients and a bottle of the hard stuff and mix yourself one of the following delicious, creative cocktails:
- Irish Whisky Ginger: Mix a splash of Irish whisky, ginger ale, crushed ice, and a slice of fresh lime for a truly Irish drink.
- Irish Mule: A shot of Irish whisky, fizzy ginger beer, and lime served in a high-ball glass with a handful of ice.
- Irish Old-Fashioned: Mix a generous shot of Irish whisky, orange bitters, Angostura bitters and sugar syrup to enjoy this Irish classic.
Final Thoughts
From the trendy cocktail bars in the bustling streets of Dublin to quiet countryside towns or seaside havens, you will find a delicious, ice-cold cocktail that suits your taste.
Try one of these delicious drinks to say that you had some of the best cocktails in Dublin and its surroundings.
Images supplied