Cocktails have become even more popular in recent years where quality and variety has soared thanks to some very talented mixologists. We do adore a well made cocktail here at The Taste but even we like to keep things fresh and keep an eye out for what’s new and where to go. Below are a few we have discovered and well worth checking out.
One of our favourite cocktail bars in Dublin. As you walk in you are transported back in time to a speakeasy bar with rustic wooden floors with an eclectic yet atmospheric interior. They have a long and creative list of cocktails designed to suit the palate of many. One of my favourites and a bit 0f a theatrical one would be their ‘Fashioned by Age’ a spin on an old fashioned that has them adding peaty smoke which brings me home each time I have it. If however you wish to share then try the ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’ a balanced and refreshing gin based cocktail.
31 Dawson St, Dublin 2
+353 1 672 7190
book@peruke.ie
I discovered this place last year during ‘Dublin’s Wine Fest‘ when the infamous mixologist Darren crafted three delicious and equally different cocktails with wine using red wine, sherry and X. They were truly delightful in flavour and in creativity. Located above Siam Thai in Dundrum it really is worth the trip. Darren and his colleagues are very welcoming and when you sit in the plush club chairs some of which give you a great view of Dundrum Sq you really won’t want to leave. Make sure to try Darrnen’s ‘Manhattan’.
Dundrum Town Centre
Upstairs Siam Thai
+353 1 296 4500
candlelightbar@siamthai.ie
Located behind an unassuming black door with only the letters VCC to indicate you have arrived. Once you find it, you must ring the bell to gain access. Once answered you are whisked up the stairs to chic mix of French furniture and 1950’s memorabilia. It is cosy and intimate, with the floor up again accommodating larger groups. On my last visit I enjoyed the ‘Zombie’ a rum based cocktail that is fresh but also has a deep dark side too.
15 Crown Alley
Temple Bar
Dublin 2
+353 1 675 3547
book@vccdublin.com
This is a bar with many facets but with a dedicated cocktail bar for those specifically after something new and unusual. It is usually busy and has a great vibe. Sport fans will find a warm welcome here, but Harrys caters to all tastes be they seekers of good beer, wine but on this occassion Iwas espectially impressed wine by their well thought out cocktail menu. It is a place to stop by, enjoy some good cocktails before heading off to dance. I really enjoyed their ‘Dew Tell Me More’ that they created for cocktail week in October, they also pull off a delicious ‘ French Martini’.
2 Kings Street South,
Dublin 2
01 – 475 85 04
info@harrysonthegreen.ie
One of my favourite restaurants for Thai food but they also have a bar area where you can grab a drink. Always full which will tell you everything about the atmosphere, so maybe make a quick call to see if they can fit you in. They have select list of lovely cocktails with some thought given to pairing them with their food. They do quite a good ‘ Mojito’ and a well-made ‘French Kiss’.
The Westbury Mall
26-28 Clarendon Street,
Dublin 2
+353 1 679 2000
eat@sabadublin.com
Koh Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
6, 7 Jervis Street
Millennium Walkway
Dublin 1
(01) 8146777 or (01) 8146212
enquiries@koh.ie
Open from 5pm till late I have for the most part arrived here later in the evening. It is a little like an Aladdin’s cave with nooks and crannies everywhere. Even the entrance isn’t screaming “we are here” located along Wellington quay, you pop down the stairs where you can pass the evening in one of their four main rooms which can cater to couples, groups, dancers etc. I love to pop here after a late dinner and finish my evening with some cocktails and at times with a bit of dancing. My go to cocktail is usually a ‘Lazy Daisy’ a refreshing cocktail that reminds me of strolling through the countryside on a warm autumn evening. Another one to try is ‘ Hibiscus Elixir’. They do have a great selection so take the time to peruse the menu, maybe with a lazy daisy in hand.
7 Wellington Quay
Wellington Quay
Dublin 2
+353 87 339 36 88
hello@theliquorrooms.com
A popular gastropub with an onus on quality. Whether you are after some bar bites a meal or a well-crafted cocktail you won’t go wrong by popping in here. Owned by Gordon D’Arcy, The Exchequer takes their ambition from him, to show their best in what they do and has yet to let me down. No expense was spared on the interior, which is lush yet comfortable, add in their sizeable cocktail menu and you won’t want to leave. They also make the meanest ‘Dirty Martini’ I have had to date.
3-5 Exchequer St, Dublin 2
+353 1 670 6787
dublin2@theexchequer.ie
As a late gift to my Mom, I took her for an overnight stay at the Spencer hotel and as you do we had to enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails which we enjoyed so much we stopped by for a post dinner cocktail. Sitting across from the river Liffey this Hotel boasts a modern, elegant interior that is so comfy moving was tricky. They have a strong cocktail list which has a couple of classics as well as some Asian influenced cocktails which can be enjoyed in the Asian restaurant too. The ‘Lychee & Chili Martini’ is balanced, fruity with a kick whilst the ‘Mr. Spencer’ is cool, clean and delicious which surprised me since I’m not a big fan of cucumber. Check the full review here.
Excise Walk
IFSC
Dublin 1
D01X4C9
Ireland
+353 1 433 8800
reservations@thespencerhotel.com
ARTICLE BY SUZANNE REDMOND
Suzi is passionate about wine, beer and whiskey too, not forgetting a love of food and travel. She has been a part of this industry for a little over 10 years. She has worked on level 4 in WSET during this time and regularly hosts tastings and staff training in these sectors. She has recently started a blog on all wine, beer and spirit related beverages. You can follow her blog at https://www.thetaste.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Febvre-Main-e1453804815474.pngsgrapecrush or follow Suzi on Twitter.
