You can’t walk more than a few steps in the capital without stumbling across a brilliant pub, drinking den, or cocktail bar. London is home to a myriad of award-winning bars, and countless favorite cocktails have been invented right here on these streets. For instance, the Espresso Martini was famously created in the 1980s when a customer requested a drink that would ‘wake me up.’ However, where can you find the very best iterations of the most classic cocktails? Here, we reveal the top spots to elevate your next happy hour with the perfect take on these beloved tipples.
Where to Get the Best Negroni in London
The drink: Equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari served over ice
The bar: Bar Termini, Soho. This little corner space in Soho, dreamed up by Tony Conigliaro and Illy coffee’s Marco Arrigo, perfectly embodies the ideal Italian pit stop. Classics like the Negroni endure for a reason; here, servers in white jackets serve pre-batched Negronis (chilled, no ice) by the dozen. You can always opt for the classic, but don’t miss the slightly spicy Superiore twist.
Address: Bar Termini, 7 Old Compton Street, London W1D 5JE
Price: House Negroni, £8
Where to Get the Best Margarita in London
The drink: Triple sec, tequila, and freshly squeezed lime juice served in a glass with a salt rim
The bar: Hacha, Dalston. Not many cocktails in London can boast multi-award-winning status, but the Mirror Margarita at Hacha is exceptional. Crystal-clear and packed with flavor, this margarita holds accolades such as Cocktail of the Year 2020 and a gold medal in the Global Luxury Masters 2022. You can find this delightful drink at the original Hacha location, a love letter to Mexico, mezcal, and all things tequila.
Address: Hacha, 378 Kingsland Road, E8 4AA
Price: Mirror Margarita, £11
Where to Get the Best Martini in London
The drink: Gin or vodka with vermouth – best served with an olive
The bar: The Connaught Bar, Mayfair. Recognized as one of the best drinking dens globally, The Connaught Bar is renowned for its classic cocktails. According to The World’s 50 Best Bars, this stunning venue was ranked number 5 in 2023, making it the perfect place to enjoy a perfectly crafted Connaught Martini, which expertly blends Tanqueray No.10 Gin, a mix of dry vermouth, and a selection of bitters.
