The Best Cocktail Bars In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Leblon is Rio’s most affluent district and home to the city’s wealthiest residents. The local beach makes for a change from the often crowded seafront at Ipanema or Copacabana. This quarter is also the site of a handful of lively bars where visitors can find the perfected caipirinha, the quintessential Brazilian cocktail made with fresh lime, sugar and cachaca. Head to Jobi for a taste of this classic Brazilian drink or opt for a cool ‘chopp,’ a light draft beer popular in the city.

Bar Urca is one to visit for a fabulous panorama of the seafront and the iconic Sugarloaf mountain in the distance. Locals and holiday-makers flock to the bar in the early hours of the evening to watch the sun set over the city and soak up the atmosphere. The view is best enjoyed with a cold beer and a light seafood snack or one of the bar’s freshly made prawn empanadas.

This bar is located away from the touristy hot spots of Rio de Janeiro and is popular for its contemporary, stylish decor and gently lit rooms bringing a laid-back ambience. The bar offers an extensive list of inventive cocktails made by trained mixologists. A popular drink of choice is Le Tigre, a blend of vodka with passion fruit, cardamom seeds and acai, the superfood berry readily available across Brazil. This spot is the ideal place for a more low-key evening out in the city.

Lapa is a hedonistic hub located in Rio’s historic center. Once a spot for the city’s intellectuals to gather, it has altered into a somewhat dilapidated district with glamorous buildings the only hint of its former grandeur. The quarter comes to life at night, favored by backpackers who frequent the various hostels, as well as local Brazilians seeking a fun night out. This particular bar appears unassuming during the daytime and serves as a shop, but in the evening it’s packed with party-goers. The terrace becomes so crowded it extends out into the streets, overlooking the 18th century aqueduct that serves as the historical heart of Lapa.

This bar is situated in the heart of Lapa and is popular among Rio’s locals and young backpackers seeking a taste of Brazilian culture. The bar is heaving every night for customers who flock to its doors to listen to live Latin music and watch the locals samba the night away. The bar also serves up tasty pizzas that make for the perfect snack to complement a cool beer. Try the feijoada for a truly Brazilian experience, a dish of beans, bacon, chopped onion and parsley.