Top Cocktail Bars in Dubai: International Culture of Drinks Day

Dear cocktail, thank you for being a bond that brings the world together and for creating opportunities to embrace you as a common thread, to unwind after a long day at work or simply to get in touch with the party animal within. 

On International Culture of Drinks Day, we are highlighting the elite art of mixology, which produces craft cocktails that are elixirs of aesthetic beauty and taste. Today, we urge you to try something new, different or maybe just cherish your much-beloved drink.

We bring you a handful of carefully-selected fine establishments in Dubai, where their bars turn into adventures.

Amelia Lounge & Restaurant

Amelia, an aboslute late-night favorite in Dubai, featured among the Top 500 Bars world-recognized and Best 50 Discoveries, serves you both electrifying cocktails and ambience and invites you to indulge in the bar area which transcends into a retro futuristic steampunk inspired theme mixed with elegance and an exquisite atmosphere embodying a mix of aviation with both machinery & sophistication. Pair dishes from their Nikkei cuisine with meticulously crafted signature cocktails in its multi-level space for an unforgettable experience. With a new Signature Cocktails menu to sample, don’t miss out on their “Forrest Aged Vieux Carré” to quench your thirst!

Timing: Saturday till Wednesday from 7PM till 3AM, Thursday & Friday from 5PM till 3AM

Location: Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Contact: (04) 328 2805

Galaxy Bar

A Journey to the stars with the award-winning Galaxy Bar! Defining new horizons in your late-night lounge experience. Located in the heart of DIFC, this intimate bar celebrates its Greek roots in a bespoke interior that pays homage to classical Greek architecture while reflecting in a dream-like state. You can relax and settle into your evening to savour a selection of delicious Greek meze from their sister restaurant, Avli by tashas. Or perch elegantly at their magnificent, Lemurian-blue stone arched bar and watch as your host creates your cocktail with effortless style and panache -unique signature and newly-imagined classic cocktails await, like Electric Love, Andromeda and Rising Sun among many others. Just divine.

Timing: Tuesday & Wednesday from 8PM till 3AM, Thursday till Saturday from 9PM till 4AM

Location: Gate Village Building 9, DIFC, Dubai

Contact: 050 513 5908

NYX

We love a secretive spot! Following the path of Gaia’s staircase, you’ll find NYX, hidden behind the the restaurant’s souvenir shop. This speakeasy in Dubai is an elegant hidden nightclub, beautifully positioned in the heart of DIFC. With a music identity blending house, afro house, groovy and deep house, NYX is creating a journey that guides you through the summer nights of the Cyclades islands. Let’s savor their Beetroot & Artichoke Signature Cocktail, a contemporary take on the classic Boulevardier cocktail, featuring a balance of bitter and sweet flavors!

Timing: Daily from 9:30PM till 3AM

Location: Gaia’s Basement, Gate Village 4 Podium Level, DIFC, Dubai

Contact: 052 573 6219

Paradiso

Voted the “World’s Best Bar”, Paradiso Dubai lures you into a ‘FIVE-Styled’ escape where unique sensory experiences and exquisite Cocktails collide. This Award-Winning upscale Cocktail Bar promises a vibrant atmosphere inspired by Magical Surrealism. Every concoction you taste at Paradiso Dubai promises a Cocktail experience you’ll never forget. Let’s delve into great cocktails like the smokey and powerful Great Gatsby!

Timing: Monday till Friday from 7PM till 2AM, Saturday & Sunday from 7PM till 3AM

Location: 9th floor at FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai

Contact: 058 202 2110

Salmon Guru

This is what an award-winning cocktail bar concept looks and tastes like! Located within the iconic Opus building, Salmon Guru is an exclusive cocktail bar serving up innovative concoctions alongside an international food menu. Their entire execution revolves around its namesake, the salmon, by striving to go against the current in everything it does, and provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience. The experimental cocktails are without a doubt what has won Salmon Guru its worldwide recognition, so be sure to try a couple of the signatures on your visit.Salmon Guru’s sister branches consistently place in the Top 50 Best Bars worldwide, which bodes well for this addition to Business Bay’s bar scene. 

Timing: Monday till Friday from 12:30PM till 2AM, Saturday & Sunday from 5PM till 2AM

Location: The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, Dubai

Contact: 052 814 9537

Savant

Meet Savant in SO/ Uptown Dubai, where industrial architecture meets rich, elegant interiors, at the signature mixology lounge and bar. Take a seat at the bar to enjoy specialist craft cocktails made by their friendly, expert mixologists. A curated wine list, creative cocktails and specialist negronis take centre stage on the bar menu- With intruguing Signature Cocktails like The Cartographer, The Painter, The Musician and more, we are in for an exclusive treat of specially-crafted concoctions. 

Timing: Daily from 2PM till 11PM

Location: SO/ Uptown Dubai, First Al Khail Street, Dubai

Contact: 050 405 2605