10 Of Stockholm's Top Cocktail Bars

Stockholm is not exactly the cheapest place in the world to buy a good drink. Alcohol prices in Sweden are relatively high, however these prices do tend to bring with them higher quality. In many cases, often you pay more and get less, but when it comes to cocktails in Stockholm the price is linked to the fact that many bars are creating exciting and innovative drinks. Here are ten of the best places to explore for cocktail lovers.

1. Pharmarium

One of Stockholm’s best known cocktail joints, in one of its most beautiful locations. Pharmarium is right in the centre of Gamla Stan, the historic old town of Stockholm, in the central square (Stortorget). It is right opposite to the Swedish Academy and the Nobel Museum as well as just round the corner from the Royal Palace — making it the perfect place to grab a drink after some sightseeing. It serves cocktails that are experimental and exciting. It also serves food and recommends cocktails that pair well with each dish. It is a classic that is popular for a reason.

Pharmarium, Stortorget 7, Stockholm, Sweden, +46 820 08 10.

Pharmarium’s lovely menu | © Kent Wang / Flickr.

2. Erlands

Cocktail Bar, Bar, Cocktails

‘What would life be without music,’ reads Erlands website, who are committed to providing the city with a superb live music venue as well as serving all their guests the best cocktails possible. They won the title of best bar in local magazine NojeGuiden’s list in 2015 and it is easy to see why — with its cosy and retro interior, that is incredibly welcoming. They have live jazz every Saturday from 3pm and a huge variety of cocktails. It is one of the best bars in town.

3. The Ice Bar

Bar, Cocktails

The Ice Bar is rather touristy, so it is not the kind of bar which you would make your regular haunt. However for one or perhaps two trips it is really worth seeking out as it provides a unique and special experience. The whole bar’s temperature is set at -7 centigrade and thus you are given blankets when you go in to ensure you are toasty as you drink. The drinks are all served in glasses carved out of ice and you can even try your hand at ice sculpting. You book a time slot to go in, so make sure to check out their website before you travel there.

5. Tweed

Bar, Pub Grub

Describing itself as a ‘comfortable bar’ Tweed is on Gamla Stan and is the perfect bar to visit in summer time, owing to its courtyard and outdoor bar which also hosts a trattoria. They even have a humidor cabinet with Cuban cigars that you can purchase and enjoy. It is still well worth visiting even when the courtyard is closed — with some of the city’s most innovative cocktails and a desire to constantly add new and interesting twists to drinks. The inside is designed to be as comfortable as possible with cozy armchairs.

6. undra5

Bar, Pub Grub

Nominated by popular magazine Dagens Nyheter as Stockholm’s best bar in 2016, 20hundra5 are driven by keeping things simple and as fun as possible. They are open every day from 5pm until midnight and have eleven different cocktails for you to sample — all with a different theme and inspiration. No Soup 4 U, for example, is inspired by Seinfeld’s famous soup episode and therefore features gazpacho as one of the ingredients. They also have great food including nachos and chicken wings.

7. Kak

Restaurant, Fast Food

There are so many excellent burger places in Stockholm that it can be very hard for them to stand out from one another. Kak therefore decided to do something to a little different to attract people to their restaurant, beyond their brilliant burgers. Their ingenious idea was to take a burger shop classic, milkshakes, and to turn them into boozy milkshake cocktails — which you can enjoy with their choice of six different burgers. They have four different milkshake cocktails, as well as a monthly special, so if you want a burger and something a little extra, then Kak is perfect.

8. Snotty Sound Bar

Bar, Swedish

Stockholm’s premier indie bar is famous for its no frills and unpretentious atmosphere that sets it apart from many other bars on the hipster island of Sodermalm where it is located. Snottys is better known for its beer and burgers than its cocktails, but the cocktails they do serve are great and cheaper than in many other places. If you are a fan of indie music then you will be a fan of Snotty too.

9. Grand Hotel

Spa

One of Stockholm’s most beautiful buildings — and one that has played host to celebrities and royalty since it first opened its doors in 1874. It is located right down by the water in swanky Ostermalm and is one of the city’s most exclusive spots. If you cannot afford the steep room rates but still want to feel like a star, then you can slip into their lovely bar and pick up one of their four excellently crafted cocktails. If style and class is what you desire then nowhere has it more than the Grand.

10. Melt

Inspired by 1920s New York, Melt has a range of different events every month that are well worth checking out, including burlesque nights, live Jazz music, and live magic. Their cocktails match the mood, with all the classics included. The interior really feels like it was taken straight from the Big Apple. It is also very close to Hotorget subway station, right in the city centre, making it ideally located.

Melt, Malmskillnadsgatan 45, Stockholm, Sweden, +46 8644 67 60.

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