7 Dublin Cocktail Bars That Are Perfect For After-Work Christmas Drinks

Work nights out, Secret Santa gift exchanges, or just an excuse to relax after battling the mental crowds on Grafton St: December is full of reasons to stop for a drink.

The question, of course, is where to go, because when it’s freezing cold outside you need to make your decision FAST. Luckily, we’ve taken some of the hard work out of it for you by diligently researching (read: cocktail sampling) some of Dublin’s best bars.

Here’s our pick of seven spots to head to for a festive cocktail or three…

Opium, Wexford St
Most of the cocktails here come in at under a tenner, so you’ve every excuse to stay out past your bedtime. Our fave talking point is the Takeout Tonic, a tequila, mint and agave cocktail that’s literally served in a takeout box. Confused? You’ll have to order it yourself to find out…

East Side Tavern, Leeson St Lower
Come to stare in awe at the massive selection of bottles behind the bar, and stay to sample some of them. The Green Margarita has a gorgeous orangey tang, while the White Linen is made with Hendricks, lemon juice, egg white and a twist of black pepper. Perfect Christmas fare.

Soder + Ko, Georges St
Didn’t know Scandinavian-Asian was a thing? It is, and Soder + Ko do it perfectly. Our fave cocktail is the Lapponian Collins, made with cardamom-infused gin and Kaffir lime and pink peppercorn tonic. Delish.

Farrier & Draper, South William St
Nab a table down the back or head upstairs to grab a window seat in the Gallery Room and stare out at South William St below. We’re still dreaming of the spicy Stellar Shine cocktail that mixologist Ryan created for our Shine Awards this year.

Cafe En Seine, Dawson St
If you’re planning a late one, get settled here: it stays open until 3am Wednesday – Saturday and cocktails start at €10. Win!

Marcel’s, Merrion Row
This city centre restaurant is known for its five-star food, but there’s also a massive gin cocktail menu. One thing we’re dying to try again is the Gin Trays: a selection of four gins paired with fresh fruit and either Fever Tree, Poachers or Schweppes tonic water, so you can be your own mixologist. Prices range from €20 – €28 depending on the gin, which is pretty good value for four cocktails.

Pichet, Trinity St
Yes, the French food here is amazing, but Pichet isn’t just a high-end bistro anymore. Newly renovated, there’s now also a cocktail bar with a DJ from 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Winner.

• cafe en seine
• christmas drinks
• drinks
• east side tavern
• farrier & draper
• marcel's
• opium
• pichet