In search of the cutest cocktail bar

Where we used to go to the pub, later the wine bar became popular and today the cocktail bar is the place to be. But where did this trend come from? It seems that more than ever we are looking for a total experience when it comes to going out. It’s no longer just about having a drink, but about the whole experience around it. And cocktail bars just happen to be spectacular! From the flavor explosion of the drinks themselves to the flashy presentation and (usually) futuristic decor of the bar.

Of course, social media also play a role in the popularity of the cocktail bar. After all, colorful cocktails are very Instagram-worthy drinks. But what are the hippest cocktail bars in the Netherlands? We searched for you in:

• Amsterdam
• Rotterdam
• The Hague
• Groningen
• Den Bosch

Amsterdam

By 74

For more than 15 years, Door 74 has been one of the most stylish cocktail bars in the Netherlands. You can find Door 74 in the heart of Amsterdam on Reguliersdwarsstraat, hidden behind an inconspicuous door. Choose a delicious menu and one (or two) of the carefully crafted cocktails while feeling like James Bond could pop up next to you at any moment. A real experience in other words!

Barabas

On the outskirts of Amsterdam you will find Barabas. With their funky drinks, serious cocktails, bites and happy street food this food bar is the ideal place to start the weekend! Barabas serves popular street food dishes from all over the world and ditto cocktails. Of course a Mojito, Margarita and Pornstar Martini, but also specials like Tiki Colada, Watermelon Margarita and Call Me Old Fashioned. Including, of course, a wide range of mocktails.

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails in the heart of Amsterdam already has several Best Cocktail Bar awards to its name. The focus here is on (neo-)classic cocktails and has the largest backbar in the Netherlands with over 800 unique spirits. Here you not only order and drink delicious cocktails, but you can also learn more about the bartending profession, the stories behind the spirits, existing recipes and about the bartenders who created classic cocktails. Fun as a girlfriends getaway to participate in such a cocktail workshop.

Rotterdam

Spikizi

Spikizi is a small bar on Zwarte Paardenstraat in the popular nightlife area of Witte de Withstraat. With great music, fun company and delicious cocktails ideal for a fun night out. And also at Spikizi you can attend a cocktail workshop. A perfect idea for a bachelor party or birthday.

Calaboose

Calaboose is a trendy restaurant that has Indonesian dishes on the menu and serves matching cocktails with them. A unique, and tasty, combination! And thanks to the large, cozy garden, also a wonderful place on sunny days.

Utrecht

Behind Bars

Behind Bars on the Hamburgerstraat in Utrecht is the cocktail bar of the city. Besides enjoying an evening at the bar with an extensive and original assortment of cocktails such as the Antibiotic, Painkiller, London Mule and Zombie, you can also attend workshops and tastings here.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is not necessarily a cocktail bar, but a wine and food bar. Since the decor and the particularly decorated bar in the middle of the restaurant are already an experience in themselves, it just had to be in this list! And of course, it also serves delicious cocktails like the Clover Club, La Paloma, Frozen Moulin Rouge, Gin Lane and more. This is where you really feast your eyes all evening!

The Hague

VaVoom Tiki Room

VaVoom Tiki Room can be found on the Grote Markt in The Hague. VaVoom is not just a cocktail bar, but a Tiki bar; a themed bar that serves cocktails based on rum. You’ll find tiki classics like Mai Taj, Margarita, caipirhina and mojitos, but also special creations like Chief Lapu Lapu, Stuntman Punch, Autana and Captain Mike’s Wench. The decor is all “Tiki” with a bamboo bar and several cozy corners. And of course, the furniture features a panther print!

The Five Points

At The Five Points on Korte Houtstraat in The Hague, you step back in time to the glorious New York of the 1800s, inspired by the legendary Five Points neighborhood. With an atmosphere of gangster mystique, it feels like you’ve left The Hague as soon as you step inside. The brown and blue leather chairs, warm wood and intriguing paintings give the bar an authentic New York touch. It’s not about the ordinary cocktail here, but top-notch classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Corpse Revivers combined with quirky creations like the Clover Club with its signature tapped egg and Bergamot Fizz.

Groningen

Mr. Mofongo

For a tropical escape in the north of the Netherlands, you have to be at Mr. Mofongo in Groningen. Cocktail bar Mr. Mofongo takes you on a journey to the Caribbean islands with their colorful and flavorful creations. With classic mojitos to exotic rum cocktails – complete with sultry music – Mr. Mofongo puts you right in the mood of island life.

The Stockroom

When the owners of The Stockroom had to create their bar within the walls of a former warehouse in Groningen, they decided to take the atmosphere of the mysterious American Speakeasy bars of the 1920s as their guide. This resulted in a unique ambiance. Refined drinks are served at The Stockroom, composed of high-quality ingredients. Think timeless cocktails that give a nod to the vibrant ’20s, but with a modern twist that adapts to the season. In 2020, they won the Entree Award for best cocktail bar in the Netherlands.

Den Bosch

Secret Bar & Kitchen

Secret Bar & Kitchen, is the place in Den Bosch for an unforgettable experience of cocktails and shared dining. At Secret Bar & Kitchen, they believe in the power of secrets. The bar is designed to create a special and intimate atmosphere, where you can enjoy both classic cocktails and adventurous new creations. Besides the bar, they also offer a unique shared dining concept as well as a special Silent Disco Cocktail Tasting. In 1.5 hours all your senses will be stimulated as you search for the ingredients of three delectable cocktails, all while wearing your own personal headphones. They’ll tell you about the city, the history of each cocktail and let you sing along to familiar hits in between.

Current Rooftop Bar

Taking cocktail drinking to great heights? You can at Current Rooftop Bar. The cosmopolitan hotspot of Den Bosch with breathtaking views over the historic city. Here Paris chic merges with Berlin bold in a unique design. At the bar various delectable bar bites are served, perfectly in harmony with delicious cocktails. The mundane interior with purple, gold and velvet accents, accompanied by lush plants and a beautiful leather-clad bar as its centerpiece, offers a special experience.

Did we skip a cocktail bar that is a must-visit? Let us know and we’ll add it to this list!

Credits photos: Canva.com and Facebook page Ruby Rose