David has this thing that whenever we have a city break, he loves to find bars that feature on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. I don’t know how it started, but this is how it’s going. Now, not all of these bars make the World’s Top 50 but they all make our cocktail cut and as you will see Paris has no shortage of incredible cocktail bars.
Little Red Door
This cosmopolitan bar in the Marais hides behind – you guessed it – the Little Red Door! Often featured in the World’s 50 Best Bars list, it’s one of those places you’ve probably heard about before you even go.
We pop in early, just before dinner. When you arrive, you wait outside until the host opens the door and takes you inside to the speakeasy-style bar. We’re seated and served a small welcome drink while we look through the menu. The cocktails take classic favourites and give them a twist, using local and seasonal ingredients. I thoroughly enjoy my Rhubarbarama (right) with Rhubarb, thyme, Macvin, Clairin and Grey Goose Vodka. The vibe is cool but relaxed and we really enjoy our drinks – this is a great place to kick start the evening.
Copper Bay
We stop by for after drinks and really like the nautical theming, laid-back atmosphere and friendly bar staff. The menu is full of cocktails with a twist and the bartenders are more than happy to help us with our drink decision making.
I choose the house Bloody Mary (left) – made with tomato consommé instead of tomato juice. It’s the lightest and most refreshing Bloody Mary I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a few!)
The Cambridge Public House
Think traditional English pub with a creative cocktail list and you’ve got the Cambridge Public House, number 20 on The World’s 50 Best Bars. They even serve classic pub grub but we have to refrain as we are on our way to dinner.
We start with a beer (it is a pub after all) before moving on to check out the cocktail menu. Again the drinks are well priced at €14 or just €7 for the smaller demi version. We love the interior, the atmosphere and the drinks. The standout here is David’s Cigarette After Sex (left) with Agua de Jamaica, sloe gin and mezcal. Let’s face it, it deserves a mention for the name alone!
Bar Nouveau
You’ll find this bijou bar tucked away in Le Marais and it comes in at 17 on the World’s 50 Best Bars for good reason. The space is small and so with just six drinks, so is the cocktail menu but that’s all part of the appeal.
Staff are super friendly and the booze forward cocktails are up there with the very best. David loved the Ramos – grain, vanilla yoghurt, peat and St Germain. This place is cool yet intimate but be prepared to queue at peak times. I promise it will be worth the wait.
Prescription Cocktail Club
Think intimate, cosy and just a little theatrical – Prescription Cocktail Club is a great spot for creative cocktails in an intimate setting. The menu is varied and the bartenders really know they’re craft.
We pop in for some pre-dinner drinks and the place fills up quickly. Space definitely feels like it would be a premium later in the evening but that just adds to the atmosphere. I’m very happy with my Cherry Bomb (right) with Plymouth Gin, Green Chartreuse and cherry cordial. This is a great spot to start the night.
We’ve only just scratched the surface of Paris’ cocktail scene but we loved each of these bars. They all have their own personality and it’s that – and the cocktails obvs – is what makes exploring them so much fun. The best part? I’m always looking for new bars to add to my list!
Do you prefer classic cocktails/mocktails or drinks with a twist? What are your favourite cocktail bars in Paris?
As always, all drinks were independently paid for and all opinions are my own.
